Workshops
Learn about local ecosystems and increase your connection to nature!
Invertebrate Week 2025 - March 18-21
Invertebrate Week is back at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary! Come by the Nature House during March 18th - 21st to explore the wonderfully diverse world of invertebrates - the miraculous creatures that make up over 95% of earth’s animal species! There will be various living invertebrates, informational displays, and invertebrate-themed activities. Each day, guest speakers and educators will join us to deliver programs on fascinating invertebrate topics.
Where: The Nature House - 3873 Swan Lake Road
When: March 18th - March 21st. 10:00am-4:00pm each day
Presentation Sessions: 11:00am-12:00pm & 1:00-2:00pm each day. See schedule below. Pre-registration is highly recommended for presentation sessions as space is limited.
Who: Everyone welcome!
Cost: Nature House admission and presentation sessions are by donation. Suggested donation: $8/person
Presentation Schedule (Registration Links Embedded Below)
Tuesday, March 18
11:00am-12:00pm Bugs with Beth - Beth Lounds from Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Learn all about life cycles and camouflage techniques of various insects that live at the Butterfly Gardens and in our local ecosystems.
1:00-2:00pm Slugs and Slime - Emma Jane Vignola from CRD Regional Parks
Stroll along with a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to learn about some native slug species. You'll find out how slime helps these slugs survive and why they are one of the forest’s best recyclers!
Wednesday, March 19
11:00am-12:00pm Insect Puppets and their Fungal Magistrates! - Cara Gibson from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Have you ever wondered about how scary it would be to have your guts eaten from the inside by a parasite so carefully that no one around you could see a difference until you exploded? In some cases, mates found you even more attractive? Come hear some great stories about fungus-controlled insects. Bring a strong stomach.
1:00-2:00pm Social and Solitary Bees - Alanna Morbin from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Visit with a beekeeper to chat about the Swan Lake honey bees and learn about other social and solitary bees that we can see in Victoria.
Thursday, March 20
11:00am-12:00pm Bug Keeping and Caring - Karlee Friesen from Victoria Bug Zoo
Are you interested in keeping bugs as pets? Find out what types of insects are allowed to be kept as pets and learn how to ethically care for them.
1:00-2:00pm Earthworms - Jeffrey Ellom from Compost Education Centre
Learn all about earthworms and how they do their thing! Get the chance to hold live worms, sift through some worm compost, and learn how to work with worms at home to recycle wastes and build healthy soil.
Friday, March 21
11:00am-12:00pm Pond Dip for Aquatic Inverts - Andie Mazer from Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with the invertebrates that live in the wetland at Swan Lake! We will use dip nets to collect the inverts, learn how to ID what we see, and discuss their important role in the ecosystem.
Crafting Full Circle
During these weekend workshops, participants will learn how to make paper out of the invasive reed canary grass. In doing so, we will also be exploring the impact invasive plants have on ecology, and biological processes that are taking place in paper production.
Accessibility notice: Please be aware that this program involves up close contact to paper pulp that may have a texture that some individuals find unpleasant or uncomfortable. We encourage participants to be aware of their comfort levels before enrolling.
Where: The Nature House - Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
When: Saturday afternoons 12:30 – 2:30pm March 15th, March 22nd, March 29th and April 5th
Who: All ages welcome; Please have any participants under 15 accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $20 per session
If cost is a barrier to attending this program, please reach out: restoration@swanlake.bc.ca
Cancellation policy: Cancellations requested more than 72 hours before the start of the program will be subject to a 25% fee. Cancellations requested within less than 72 hours before the start of the program, or any no-shows, are non-refundable. We are unable to provide make up sessions or partial refunds for missed days.
Monthly Wander & Wonder
Connect to nature and the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary with our monthly casual conversations. Each month will feature a different topic. Learn about the ecological processes that happen here, take part in an activity, and chat about ethical land stewardship.
These walks will be 45-60 minutes and include time for discussion. We will be walking on wide smooth paths and rocky steps. If you have accessibility needs, please email us in advance at programs@swanlake.bc.ca so we can work to accommodate you.
Please dress for the weather as we will be outside the entire time. Meet on the grass outside the Nature House.
Who: All ages welcome; tour content is best suited for an audience aged 10+
When: Generally last Friday of the month, 2-3pm. Please check individual descriptions for exact time and date*
Cost: $10 per participant. Pre-registration preferred.
If cost is a barrier to attending this program, please reach out: programs@swanlake.bc.ca
Dates & Themes (see descriptions below)
Fri Feb 28: The Past, Present, and Beyond
Fri Mar 21: Invertebrate Week - Pond Dip for Aquatic Inverts 11am-12pm*
Fri Apr 25: One Site, Many Ecosystems
Fri May 30: Meadow Meanders
Cancellation Policy: This program is non-refundable.
The Past, Present, and Beyond - Friday February 28, 2-3pm
Learn about the rich history of the nature sanctuary including historical uses of the area, the impact of post-colonial activities, and current land practices. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of planning for the future.
Facilitator: Stephanie Chong
For over 15 years, environmental educator Stephanie Chong has managed learning and education opportunities at museums and science centres in Canada and the United States. She believes strongly in encouraging curiosity, a joy of being outdoors, and a communal understanding of environmental responsibility. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her wandering around looking for wiggly creatures.
Pond Dip for Aquatic Inverts (Invertebrate Week) - Friday March 21, 11am-12pm
Get up close and personal with the invertebrates that live in the wetland at Swan Lake! We will use dip nets to collect the inverts, learn how to ID what we see, and discuss their important role in the ecosystem.
One Site, Many Ecosystems - Friday April 25, 2-3pm
Learn about how the geological processes that formed the land features resulted in the unique ecosystems and species that call the Nature Sanctuary their home. Then consider their relationship within an increasing urban landscape.
Meadow Meanders - Friday May 30, 2-3pm
Spend some time in our Native Plant Garden near the Nature House. Learn about some of the plants growing in the garden and discover what is in bloom seasonally. Then discuss the importance of native plants and what you can do to protect them.
Facilitator: Andie Mazer
Andie has a background in environmental biology and conservation. Her previous experiences include wetland and migratory bird research, and ecological monitoring of grassland ecosystems. She feels most at home when she is surrounded by nature and is passionate about facilitated connections between people and the natural environment. In her spare time, Andie enjoys biking, yoga, and making art.
Forest Bathing at Swan Lake with Agnes
Meet us at the Nature House for a forest bathing walk led by Agnes Kedmenecz. We will be walking under half a kilometer on a wide, relatively smooth, gravel trail with minimal elevation gain. A light snack and tea will be provided at the end.
There are two accessible washroom facilities in the Nature House, plenty of parking, and plenty of woods to explore.
What is forest bathing?
Forest bathing, forest therapy, and Shinrin-Yoku broadly means taking in the forest atmosphere with all one's senses. Not simply a walk in the woods, it’s a conscious, contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. By immersing ourselves in nature and engaging our senses, we can reap the many benefits such as improved immune function, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and reduced stress.
Cost: $15
Dates & Times (Registration Links Embedded):
Facilitator: Agnes Kedmenecz
Enjoying learning about, playing and being in nature and the woods has been a part of Agnes' life from a young age. Being able to share this love and peace of nature with others is the inspiration for being a Nature Bathing guide.
Agnes has been delighting in the woods, sea, and wilderness of Vancouver Island since her move to Victoria is 2022.
In the winter of 2023, Agnes completed her provisional certification as a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy [URL embedded]. She also holds a twenty-hour remote wilderness first aid through the Canadian Red Cross.
A Nature Bathing Walk offers us some time to slow down, unwind and be.
Hope to see you outside soon!
Events
Spring Craft Fair April 12 - 13
Come celebrate Spring with us Swan Lake’s Spring Craft Fair, featuring handcrafted goods by the Silver Swans.
Shop for linens, table décor, quilts, nature-themed ornaments, and unique gifts for Mother’s Day and beyond.
Every purchase supports Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary and helps fund urban nature conservation.
Free admission and parking
3873 Swan Lake Rd.
