Every Mon, 10am-noon  Video Series: Brian Swimme’s Earth’s Imagination. Places the human psyche within the fifteen billion year cosmic process in order to highlight the directions in which human consciousness is evolving. $45 series or $10 drop in. (Can’t afford this? Please call us: 384-8740.) 3931 Staten Place. earthliteracies@gmail.com

Every Mon and Sat, 10am -12pm Brodick/Feltham/Bow Parks invasive species removal. Volunteers needed. Training, gloves, and tools provided. No dogs. Judy, 472-0515 or jandd_spearing@shaw.ca

Every Tue, 9am  VNHS: Tuesday morning birding group. Birding activities take place at various locations around Greater Victoria. Meet at the foot of Bowker Ave. (off Beach Dr.) Bill Dancer, 721-5273.

Every Thur, 6:30pm Vipassana (insight or mindfulness) meditation group meets Brentwood Bay. Tatha, peninsula.mindful.living@telus.net

Every Sat, 7am  VNHS: Saturday morning birding. Call 592-3381 on Friday or Saturday for the meeting location. Rick Schortinghuis, 652-3326.

Every Sat, 9-12pm Beacon Hill Park Ivy Pull. Volunteers welcome. Cornelia, 920-3556

Every Sat, 9-3  James Bay Market, Menzies at Superior. Local food, crafts and
more. www.jamesbaymarket.com

Every Sat, 10-12. Moss Street Market, Fairfield. Local organic food and more. www.mossstreetmarket.com

Every Sat, 1:30pm Tour of Merve Wilkinson’s Wildwood Forest near Ladysmith. Jay, 250-245-5540

Every Sun, 10-4pm O.U.R. Ecovillage weekly Sunday work parties. RSVP: 250-743-3067. www.ourecovillage.org

Every Sun, 3pm Free vegetarian food at Pandora (Harris Green) between Open Door and McDonalds.

Wed 2, 8-10am  Breakfast on the Hill. Pack your breakfast picnic and enjoy it under the boughs of Garry Oak trees and learn the legends of Christmas Hill. Ages 7+. By donation. Meet in the Swan Lake parking lot. 479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca

Wed 2, 6-9pm  CRD Parks: Early Evening Canoeing. Join us for a magical early evening paddle on Beaver Lake. Canoe equipment & instruction provided, no experience necessary. Adults only. $15. Must pre-register: 478-3344. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Wed 2, 6-9pm  Free Organic Gardening course presented by GAIA College. Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Ave. www.crd.bc.ca/rte/index.htm

Thur 3 - Sun 6, 4pm TLC Wildwood Forest Conservation Holiday: come give back to the land with this affordable and inspirational way to vacation. www.conservationholidays.ca   

Fri 4, 10am-2pm  CRD Parks: Marine Day (Drop-in). Scuba divers bringing up creatures from the deep, live displays, views of our resident harbour seals, sand creature creations and more! Free. Park in Witty’s Lagoon parking lot off Metchosin Rd. and follow the forest trail to the tents at the beach. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sat 5, 8-11am  CRD Parks: Dip, Dip and Swing. Explore the serene waters of Upper Thetis Lake. Canoe equipment & instruction provided, no experience necessary. 5 yrs+. $15 adults, $8.50 kids. Must pre-register: 478-3344. Transit #50 or #53. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sat 5 -  Sun 6, 10am-5pm.  Organic Island Festival. With guest speakers and panelists who are visionaries in the green and sustainability movement, plus fantastic musical headlining guests, delicious organic food and tasty beverage demonstrations. Kids under 12 free, $7.50 seniors, $10 adults, $25 family. Glendale Gardens and Woodland, 505 Quayle Rd. www.organicislands.ca

Sat 5, 1pm  CRD Parks: Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Join us as we dig in the sand, peek under rocks and search for what the waves left us. 6 yrs+. Free. Meet at Island View Beach picnic shelter off Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sat 5, 1-4pm  Free Organic Gardening course presented by GAIA College. Salt Spring Island, Community Gospel Chapel, 147 Vesuvius Bay Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/rte/index.htm

Sat 5, 2-4pm  TLC Nature Cruise: Saanich Inlet. See gorgeous scenery and incredible wildlife while learning about the history of this area. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Sun 6, 9am  TLC Madrona Farm Conservation Holiday: Come see this beautiful farm, nestled on the shoulder of Mount Doug park and see food production that is happening right within the Greater Victoria city limits. $65. 383-4627 or holidays@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/conservationholidays

Sun 6, 10am-2pm  CRD Parks: Strawberry Fest (Drop-in). Visit our traveling Nature House, chat with a naturalist and meet native strawberry plants. All ages. Free. CRD Regional Parks tent, main Beaver Lake beach. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 6, 11am  CRD Parks: High and Dry. It’s a great low tide, so why not come down and explore the intertidal zone? Free. 6 yrs+. Meet in Witty’s Lagoon Tower Point parking lot off Olympic View Dr. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Tue 8, 6-8pm 2nd Annual Green Drinks Celebration. Come for the ideas, the inspiration, to honour the memory of Roger Colwill and to connect with other like-minded people. Royal Roads Castle Lawn, 2005 Sooke Rd. By donation to the Royal Roads University Roger Colwill Fund for the Environment. Christopher Bowers: 213-5340. 
www.greendrinksvictoria.ca

Wed 9, 10:30am CRD Parks: Who’s Hooting? Find out more about these night hunters, go on an owl prowl and learn some owl calls. All ages. Free. Meet at Mill Hill Park info kiosk, parking lot off Atkins Ave. Transit #50 or #53. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Wed 9, 7-9pm RESULTS Victoria: July Education and Action Meeting (no August meeting). All welcome. 1246 Fairfield Rd. 744-8668. www.resultscanada.ca

Thur 10, 12-3pm Reptile Day. Come for our annual reptile fair as we learn about those who are scaly. Observe our fabulous reptile friends, play games, make crafts and get your face painted! Crafts: $2/child. Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca

Fri 11, 10:30am CRD Parks: Cougar Capers. Find out what they’re up to at this time of year, and how to avoid meeting these fierce predators face to face. 5 yrs+. Free. Meet at Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre, parking lot off Metchosin Rd. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 11, noon-7 pm Cob Sculpture. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Fri 11, 6-9pm CRD Parks: Early Evening Canoeing. Join us for a magical early evening paddle on Beaver Lake. Canoe equipment & instruction provided, no experience necessary. 5 yrs+. $15 adults, $8.50 kids. Must pre-register: 478-3344. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 11, 8-9:30pm Creatures of the Night. Join us for a night of owl prowling, bat detecting and beaver spying. Ages 7+. $4. Pre-registration required: 479-0211. Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Rd. www.swanlake.bc.ca

Sat 12, 10am-5pm Cob Sculpture. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sat 12, 11am VNHS: Dragonflies for Beginners, by Beginners. We’ll look at what field guides are available, some tricks to catching dragonflies, and even how to key out the difficult ones. Bring binoculars and an insect net (if you have one). Meet at the Beaver Lake Retriever Ponds. www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Sat 12, 1pm CRD Parks: Forest to Seashore. Enjoy the stroll down through shaded forest to the estuary and finally onto the beach. 6 yrs+. Free. Meet at Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre, parking lot off Metchosin Road. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 13 VNHS: Discovery Island & Chain Islands Ecological Reserve
Bird-watchers Kayak Tour. Cost: $85.95 for 5 hr guided tour. Max 12 people/tour. Must register: 361-9365 or lindsay@pacificapaddle.com. www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Sun 13, 8am-11am CRD Parks: Morning Mist Canoe Adventure. Paddle through early morning mist searching for eagles, herons, bullfrogs and other lake life. Canoe equipment & instruction provided, no experience necessary. 5 yrs+. $15 adults, $8.50 kids. Must pre-register: 478-3344. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 13, 1pm CRD Parks: Tree Tea and Sea Weed Sandwiches. Walk from the forest to the sea and learn where to find edible wild plants and what we can use them for. Free. 8 yrs+. Meet at Coles Bay Park info kiosk, parking lot off Inverness Rd, off Ardmore Dr. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 13, 1-3pm TLC Nature Cruise: Islands Off Sidney. A comfortable cruise exploring Gulf Islands National Park and the surrounding coastline. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Sun 13, 4-8pm Sustainable High Schools Project film launch and concert. Fundraiser for the GO BEYOND Youth Action Gathering: 50 high school and postsecondary leaders learn how to take action for sustainability at their schools. Market Square. Maggie Knight: 508-3117 or mknight.syc@gmail.com. www.campusclimatenetwork.org/wiki/Youth_Action_Gatherings

Mon 14 - Sun 20  Firemaker. Every summer, the Firemaker Primitive Skills Society hosts an annual gathering for those interested in nature-based living, learning natural and primitive skills as well as the underlying philosophy of those skills and ways of life. Camp Barnard, Sooke BC. 382-6830 or briema@uvic.ca. www.firemaker.org  

Tues 15, 8:30-10am  Values-Based Business Network Sustainable Business Breakfast Meeting An informal gathering of sustainable-business minded professionals, for wholesome, organic and free-range local food, bottomless fair trade coffee, and networking. Heron Rocks Cafe, 435 Simcoe, James Bay.Mary Lucas, VBN Coordinator: connect@vbnetwork.ca

Wed 16, 10am-1pm  CRD Parks: In Search of McKenzie Lake - A Hiking Adventure. Explore the Douglas Fir forests and Garry Oak meadows on the way to McKenzie Lake. Bring lunch and water. Adults only. Free. Meet at Thetis Lake lakeside parking area, west of main parking lot. Transit #50 or #53. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Wed 16, 6-9pm  CRD Parks: Early Evening Canoeing. See Fri. 11 for details.

Thur 17, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Mammalian Madness (Drop-in). We’re hairy, we come into this world kicking and screaming, and we love our milk. All ages. Free. Meet at Beaver Lake Nature Centre at Beaver Beach. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 18, 10am-1pm  CRD Parks: Beach Day (Drop-in). The tide is out at Witty’s Lagoon and there are all sorts of interesting creatures to be found both on the beach and in the tide pools. All ages. Free. Park in main parking lot off Metchosin Rd, follow the forest trail to the tents at the beach. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sat 19, 8am-11am  CRD Parks: Morning Mist Canoe Adventure. See Sun. 13 for details.

Sat 19, 10am-5pm  Cob Plastering. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sat 19, 1pm  CRD Parks: What Have You Seine Today? Join our naturalists as we use a seine net to see creatures with horns or pregnant male fish. All ages. Free. Meet at the Island View Beach picnic shelter off Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sat 19, 1-4pm  Free Organic Lawn Care course presented by GAIA College. Salt Spring Island, Community Gospel Chapel, 147 Vesuvius Bay Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/rte/index.htm

Sun 20, 10am-5pm  Cob Plastering. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sun 20, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Seals! Seals! (Drop-in). See Tower Point’s most avid sun worshippers and swimming enthusiasts - the harbour seals! All ages. Free. Enter at Witty’s Lagoon Tower Point parking lot off Olympic View Dr. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 20, 1-3pm  The Land Conservancy Nature Cruise: Islands Off Sidney. A comfortable cruise exploring Gulf Islands National Park and the surrounding coastline. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Wed 23, 10:30am  CRD Parks: Mystery Creature. Find the hidden clues along the trail to identify this month’s mystery creature. 5 yrs+. Free. Meet at Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre, main parking lot off Metchosin Rd. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Wed 23 - Fri 25, 4pm  TLC Organic Farming at Duck Creek Conservation Holiday. Roll up your sleeves this summer and come out and learn about sustainable food practices by immersing yourself in the lush fields of Saltspring Island! $160. 383-4627 or holidays@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/conservationholidays. 

Thur 24, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: The Feathered Dinosaurs of Victoria (Drop-in). Join us to learn more about our 350 species of local birds and why scientists consider them to be dinosaurs. All ages. Free. Meet at Beaver Lake Nature Centre. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Thur 24, 12-3pm  Animal Grossology. Check out worms, slugs, spiders and scum: learn about the secret world of the revolting. Face painting, pond dipping, and crafts that will gross you out! Crafts: $2/child. Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca

Fri 25  VNHS: Mount Washington Paradise Meadows Day Trip. An intense botanical tour around Paradise Meadows and potentially a bit further afield. Cost: about $25 for the day. To register contact Agnes: 721-0634 or thelynns@shaw.ca. www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Fri 25, 10:30am  CRD Parks: Animal Tracks and Trails. Sneak along a forest trail in search of tracks and other signs left by wild creatures. All ages. Free. Meet at Devonian Park info kiosk, parking lot off William Head Rd. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 25, 6-9pm  CRD Parks: Early Evening Canoeing. See Fri. 11 for details.

Sat 26, 10am-5pm  Cob Mosaic. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sat 26, 10:30am  CRD Parks: Cougar Capers. See Fri. 11 for details.

Sun 27  VNHS: Olympics with a Choice. Visit the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Centre in Washington’s Olympic National Park to enjoy the high elevation species at their peak. You can choose either the strenuous or moderate hiking route. Rick: 652-3326 or Agnes: thelynns@shaw.ca. Reserve your spot by PayPal through www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Sun 27, 8-11am  CRD Parks: Dip, Dip and Swing. See Sat. 5 for details.

Sun 27, 10am-5pm  Cob Mosaic. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sun 27, 1-3pm  TLC Nature Cruise: Islands Off Sidney. A comfortable cruise exploring Gulf Islands National Park and the surrounding coastline. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Sun 27, 1-3pm  CRD Parks: Skull an’ Bones (Drop-in). Learn how to tell animals apart and to gather clues about their lifestyles and methods of survival by looking at their skulls and bones. All ages. Free. Meet at Francis King Park Nature Centre off Munn Road. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 27, 1-4pm  TLC Nature Cruise: Race Rocks Sightseeing. Sail with us on this unique cruise and gain an appreciation for the nexus of life that is Race Rocks. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Mon 28, 6:30pm  Movie Monday: Garbage Warrior. A protagonist who gave up his architect license to build 'green' housing out of garbage in his off-the-grid subdivision in New Mexico. Eric Martin Pavillion, 1900 Block Fort St. Bruce: bruces@islandnet.com

Tue 29, 5-7pm  Cowichan Green Drinks Night, Craig Street Pub, 25 Craig St, Duncan. www.greendrinks.org

Tue 29, 6:30-8:30pm  Family Walk on Christmas Hill. Sit under the boughs of Garry Oak trees and learn the legends of  Christmas Hill while watching the sun set from a spectacular vantage. Bring water. Ages 7+. By donation. Pre-registration required: 479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca

Wed 30, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Reach for the Clouds. Enjoy the breathtaking views from Seymour Hill. Bring a lunch, water and raingear. 12 yrs+. Free. Meet at Thetis Lake info kiosk above the main parking lot. Transit #50 or #53. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Wed 30, 6-9pm  CRD Parks: Early Evening Canoeing. See Fri. 11 for details.

Thur 31, 10:30am  Low Tide at Witty’s. Discover creatures that are usually hidden by the tide. All ages. Free. Meet at Witty’s Lagoon info kiosk, end of Witty Beach Road. BC Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 1, 9:30am - 12:30pm   CRD Parks: Beach Day (Drop-in). See Fri, July 18 for details.

Sat 2, 8-11am  CRD Parks: Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure. Come and enjoy the solitude of Matheson Lake. Canoe equipment & instruction provided, no experience necessary. Adults only. $15. Must pre-register: 478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks
                                        
Sat 2, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Feeling Crabby? Meet the crabs of Island View Beach as well as some of their crusty cousins.  Explore under rocks, have a crab race, make a craft and more! All ages. Free. Meet at picnic shelter off Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 3, 10am-noon  CRD Parks: Seashore Snoop. At low tide the beach at Witty's Lagoon seems to go on forever. Discover creatures that are usually hidden by the tide. All ages. Free. Meet at info kiosk, end of Witty Beach Rd. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Wed 6, 10:30am CRD Parks: Stop Look and Listen. Find what’s hidden on the “unnature trail,” meet a tree and more. All ages. Free. Meet at Mill Hill Park info kiosk, parking lot off Atkins Ave. Transit #50 or #53. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Thur 7, 11am-3pm CRD Parks: Snake Day (Drop-in). Watch snake shows, hold a snake, play a snake game and more. All ages. Free. Drop in at the CRD tents at Beaver Lake Beach. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 8, 11am-3pm CRD Parks: Walk on the Wild Side. We’ll hike the spectacular Coast Trail from Aylard Farm to Beechey Head, then return along the forested inland trail. Bring lunch and water. Adults only. Free. Meet at East Sooke Park info kiosk, Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 8 - Wed 13, TLC Horsefly River Restoration Conservation Holiday. Come and experience the unique landscape of the Horsefly River and explore the nooks and crannies of this important riparian and salmon spawning conservation area. $250. 383-4627 or holidays@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/conservationholidays

Sat 9, 1pm CRD Parks: Forest to Seashore. See Sat. July 12 for details.

Sat 9, 2-4pm TLC Nature Cruise: Saanich Inlet. See gorgeous scenery and incredible wildlife while learning about the history of this area. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Sun 10 VNHS: Discovery Island & Chain Islands Ecological Reserve
Bird-watchers Kayak Tour. Cost: $85.95 for 5 hr guided tour. Max 12 people/tour. Must register: 361-9365 or lindsay@pacificapaddle.com. www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Sun 10, 8-11am CRD Parks: Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure. Come and enjoy the solitude of Matheson Lake. Canoe equipment & instruction provided, no experience necessary. 5 yrs+. $15 adult, $8.50 child. Must pre-register: 478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 10, 1pm CRD Parks: Seed Safari. At the end of summer Mother Nature is planting her garden for next year. Join us as we check out the different ways plants scatter their seeds. 6 yrs+. Free. Meet at Francis/King Park Nature Centre off Munn Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 10, 1-3pm TLC Nature Cruise: Islands Off Sidney. A comfortable cruise exploring Gulf Islands National Park and the surrounding coastline. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Tue 12, 5-8pm  Victoria Green Drinks. Canoe Brew Pub, 405 Swift St. www.greendrinksvictoria.ca

Wed 13, 10am-1pm  Park 2 Park: A Hiking Adventure. We’ll start this hike in Francis/King Park, then follow the Pan Handle Fire Trail to Thetis Lake Park. Bring lunch, water and raingear. Adults only. Free. Meet at Francis/King Park Nature Centre off Munn Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Wed 13, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Nature Crafts (Drop-in). We’ll express our love of the natural world through some nature-inspired crafts. All ages. Free. Meet at Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre, parking lot off Metchosin Rd. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Thur 14, 11am-2pm  Going Bug-eyed (Drop-in). They’re creepy, they’re crawly and they’re cool. Explore with us the fascinating world of insects and spiders. All ages. Free. Beaver Lake Nature Centre at Beaver Beach. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Thur 14, 12-3pm  Damsels and Dragons. Come and check out these fascinating insects at this family-oriented drop-in event. Crafts and games, face painting and more. Crafts: $2/child. Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Rd. 479-0211. www.swanlake.bc.ca

Fri 15, 11am-2pm   CRD Parks: Brilliant Birds (Drop-in). Peer through a spotting scope, try out a pair of binoculars and go on a birding walk. All ages. Free. Meet at the Witty’s Lagoon Nature Centre, main parking lot off Metchosin Rd. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sat 16, 8-11am  CRD Parks: Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure. See Sun. 10 for details.

Sat 16, 10am-5pm  Cob Art. Artistic sculpting with earth material, natural plastering, and mosaic for cob with Stephanie from TerraCobba Designs. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sat 16, 11am  CRD Parks: Over the Moon. When the moon is full and the tide is low, down to the water we’ll go! Maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of the elusive moon snail. 6 yrs+. Free. Meet at Coles Bay info kiosk, parking lot off Inverness Rd, off Ardmore Dr. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 17  VNHS: Tufted Puffins, Sea Otters and Archaeological Museum. Join us for a field trip on the Olympic Peninsula to Cape Flattery and the First Nations Cultural Center at Ozette. Rick: 652-3326. Reserve your spot by PayPal through www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Sun 17, 10am-noon  CRD Parks: Seashore Snoop. See Sun. 3 for details.

Sun 17, 10am-5pm  Cob Art. Artistic sculpting with earth material, natural plastering, and mosaic for cob with Stephanie from TerraCobba Designs. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sun 17, 1-3pm  TLC Nature Cruise: Islands Off Sidney. A comfortable cruise exploring Gulf Islands National Park and the surrounding coastline. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Mon 18, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Life’s a Beach (Drop-in). Join CRD Parks as we explore for the creatures that make Island View Beach their home. All ages. Free. Meet at picnic shelter off Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Tue 19, 8:30-10am  Values-Based Business Network Sustainable Business Breakfast Meeting. An informal gathering of sustainable-business minded professionals, for wholesome, organic and free-range local food, bottomless fair trade coffee, and networking. Heron Rocks Cafe, 435 Simcoe, James Bay. Mary Lucas, VBN Coordinator, connect@vbnetwork.ca

Wed 20, 10:30am  CRD Parks: Forest Fossicking. Have you ever fossicked before? Join us on this exploration of the hidden world of all things small. All ages. Free. Meet in Matheson Lake parking lot, end of Matheson Lake Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 22, 11am-3pm  CRD Parks: Matheson Lake and Beyond. We’ll do three parks in one hike, beginning at Matheson Lake, making our way along Matheson Creek to Roche Cove and then back along the Galloping Goose regional trail.  Bring lunch, water and raingear. Adults only. Free. Meet in the parking lot, end of Matheson Lake Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 22 - Sun 24, TLC Keating Farm Conservation Holiday. It's harvest time again at historic Keating Farm. Fruit laden trees, rows of carrots, beets, broccoli and squash need help finding their way from fields to baskets and then to tables. $160. 383-4627 or holidays@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/conservationholidays

Sat 23, 10am-5pm  Permaculture Design. Permaculture design with food forests, guilds, and more with Geoff Johnson, local systems expert. $40-$70. 727-9163; info@CanadianEarthInstitute.org. www.CanadianEarthInstitute.org

Sat 23, 1pm  CRD Parks: Masked Bandit. Join us on a raccoon trail for “a day in the life” of these little rascals. All ages. Free. Meet at Devonian Park info kiosk, parking lot off William Head Rd. Transit #54 or #55. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 24  VNHS: The Ho Rain Forest and Rialto Beach on the Western Olympic Peninsula.This is a new VNHS trip so there will lots of exploring to see what natural treasures we can find. Rick: 652-3326. Reserve your spot by PayPal through www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Sun 24, 8-11am  CRD Parks: Matheson Lake Canoe Adventure. See Sun. 10 for details.

Sun 24, 9:30am  Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition's South Cowichan Wine Tour. Leave from Brentwood Bay (Mill Bay Ferry) or meet us at 11am at Thrifty Foods at the Mill Bay Shopping Centre. A 45 km ride with some challenging hills. Bring a lunch. www.gvcc.bc.ca

Sun 24, 1pm  CRD Parks: Horth Hill Hike. A delightful park at the tip of the Saanich Peninsula. Discover the plants at your feet, the birds over your head and great views from the top. 8 yrs+. Free. Meet at Horth Hill info kiosk, parking lot off Tatlow Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 24, 1-3pm  TLC Nature Cruise: Islands Off Sidney. A comfortable cruise exploring Gulf Islands National Park and the surrounding coastline. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Sun 24, 1-4pm  TLC Nature Cruise: Race Rocks Sightseeing. Sail with us on this unique cruise and gain an appreciation for the nexus of life that is Race Rocks. $75. 383-4627 or cruises@conservancy.bc.ca. www.conservancy.bc.ca/cruises

Mon 25 - Sun 31 10am-5:30pm  Sale of organic winter vegetable bedding plants. Garden Path Organic Nursery, 395 Conway Rd.

Tue 26, 5-7pm  Cowichan Green Drinks Night, Craig Street Pub, 25 Craig St, Duncan. www.greendrinks.org

Wed 27, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Nature Crafts (Drop-in).

Wed 27, 10am-1pm  CRD Parks: Can You Work It? This vigorous hike from lush coastal forest to rugged outcrops is well worth it! Bring lunch, water and raingear. Adults only. Free. Meet in Mt. Work parking lot off Ross-Durrance Rd, off Willis Point Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Thur 28, 11am-2pm  CRD Parks: Blood and Guts (Drop-in). The predators of the forest are fascinating. Learn more about animals that make their living by eating meat. All ages. Free. Meet at Beaver Lake Nature Centre at Beaver Beach. Transit #70 or #75. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 29, 11am-2pm CRD Parks: Nature’s Olympics (Drop-in). Come test your skills and join in some interesting nature challenges. You may even take home a prize! All ages. Free. East Sooke Park picnic shelter, Aylard Farm parking lot off Becher Bay Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Fri 29, 7pm  EcoNews Dessert Potluck Mailout Party, 395 Conway Rd. All welcome! Guy, 881-1304.

Sat 30, 7:30am  VNHS: Exploring the Victoria Shoreline for Shorebirds. We will be searching for migrant shorebirds at Cattle Point, the end of Bowker, Oak Bay Marina, Clover Point and the Ogden Point Breakwater. Meet at Cattle Point. Rick: 652-3326. www.vicnhs.bc.ca

Sat 30, 11am  CRD Parks: Sensational Seaweeds. Find out how important marine algae can be – not just for the sea’s creatures, but also for you and me! 6 yrs+. Free. Meet Island View Beach picnic shelter off Homathko Rd, off Island View Rd. www.crd.bc.ca/parks

Sun 31, 7am  VNHS: Shorebirding from Victoria to Sooke. We will be going to Esquimalt Lagoon, Albert Head Lagoon, Witty’s Lagoon, Ayum Creek and Whiffin Spit. Bring a lunch. Meet at Helmken Park and Ride. Rick: 652-3326. www.vicnhs.bc.ca

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Guy Dauncey, Editor
395 Conway Road, Victoria, BC
CANADA V9E 2B9
Tel (250) 881-1304
guydauncey@earthfuture.com

The deadline for the September issue is August 24.

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