Celebrating Earth Day
...and Other Random Acts of Green-ness

Earth Day is April 22nd, and celebrations honouring Mother Earth will be happening all across our Island. It's just too big of an occasion to limit to one day, though, so you'll find all kinds of wonderful activities happening throughout mid-April.

Here's a sampling of some great ways to observe Earth Week:

SOUTH ISLAND:

Cafe Historique: Orcas for Tourism

Mon. April 18th, 2016 Victoria

This public talk and discussion explores the use of Orcas for tourism in the Pacific Northwest over the last 50 years.

MEC Victoria: Backcountry 101 - Map & Compass Navigation

Mon. April 18th, 2016 Victoria

Join our camping specialists for a free one-hour clinic designed to introduce you to topographical maps, compasses and their use in backcountry navigation.

Esquimalt's Earth Day Celebration

Wed. April 20th, 2016 Victoria

The Township of Esquimalt is celebrating Earth Day by hosting a community clean-up and planting event at Highrock Park.

Creatively United for the Planet

Fri. April 22nd, 2016 Victoria

The evening will feature a lively talk by celebrity author/artist Franke James, and the Victoria premier of the documentary "Sea Blind" with local filmmaker Sarah Robertson.

Earth Day Celebrations at IMAX® Victoria

Fri. April 22nd - Sun. April 24th 2016 Victoria

Earth Day will be celebrated at IMAX® Victoria with a return engagement of Watermelon Magic, a fun, family friendly film about growing and sharing food.

Earth Week – Fun for Kids!

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Victoria

Celebrate Earth Week – FREE Fun for the Kids

Annual Native Plant Sale Fundraiser

Sat. April 23rd - Sun. April 24th, 2016 Victoria

Now you can have a beautiful garden without all the up-keep!

Community Energy Conference

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Saltspring Island

Join us for a day of celebration and learning about renewable energy solutions available in our region with keynotes, demonstrations, tours, and workshops for homeowners and businesses alike.

Creatively United for the Planet

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Victoria

An afternoon of public art-making, international storytellers, Franke James Green Conscience Workshop, ancient Hawaiian wisdom, music and more.

E-Waste Recycling Drive

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Victoria

E-Waste Recycling - Drive Up & Drop Off your unwanted Electronics (including TVs, computers, CD players, etc.)

Inspired Wellness Holistic Fair

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Sidney

Meet reliable, gifted professionals from your local community and find services that will enhance your daily living. Inspired action for the mind, body, heart and soul to relax, release and be.

Earth Walk Victoria

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Victoria

An annual festival celebrating local activism!

Spring Plant Sale at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific

Sat. April 23rd - Sun. April 24th, 2016 Saanich

The two-day spring plant sale at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific will feature many unique plants propagated in-house.

Beach Seine (Guided Walk) –5 years +

Sun. April 24th, 2016 Victoria

Join CRD Regional Parks naturalists on a beach seine. See what creatures live in the under water forest.

Royal BC Museum: Wonder Sunday

Sun. April 24th, 2016 Victoria

Wonder Sunday is an interactive, learning-based special event. From January to May 2016, we will explore different aspects of growing and preparing food.

TC10K

Sun. April 24th, 2016 Victoria

Are you ready for the 27th Annual TC10K? Join 10,000+ walkers and runners on this beautiful scenic race. Run as an individual or on a team. Bring the family for the Thrifty Foods Family Run.

50-Hour Wilderness First Aid - Victoria

Mon. April 25th, 2016 Victoria

Take a few days to learn some essential Wilderness First Aid skills and you’ll not only have your passport but travel insurance too.

90-Hour Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course - Victoria

Begins Mon. April 25th, 2016 Victoria

Advanced Wilderness First Aid has been compared to drinking water out of a fire hydrant. It is intense. Very intense. And it’s just what you need to ensure that the knowledge sticks to your head.

MEC Victoria: Backcountry 101 - Digital (GPS) Navigation

Mon. April 25th, 2016 Victoria

Join our camping specialists for a free one-hour clinic designed to introduce you to GPS and its use in backcountry navigation.

Pacific Herring: Interactions Across the Land-Sea Interface

Mon. April 25th, 2016 Victoria

Every year, Pacific herring, a small but crucially important forage fish, gather to spawn on nearshore and intertidal zones along Canada’s Pacific coast.

COWICHAN:

Deerholme Farm Wild Foods & Morel Dinner

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Duncan

Each Deerholme Farm local food dinner is different and changes from season to season, year to year. On April 23, enjoy the Wild Foods & Morel Dinner.

Duncan Farmer's Market

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Duncan

With our "you make it, you bake it, you grow it, you sell it" philosophy, you will find a wide variety of local products to fullfill your "100 mile diet" needs.

Garden Party & Plant Sale

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Duncan

Come for your plants, Q&A with a Master Gardner, find treasures in the yard sale, tea and treats, and see the beautiful crafts and foods available in our General Store.

Cowichan Valley Spring Home and Wellness Show

Fri. April 22nd - Sun. April 24th 2016 Duncan

29th Annual Spring Home & Wellness Expo - The newest and best of everything for your home and life, all at one location!

Master Gardener Clinic at Dinter Nursery

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Duncan

Bring your garden questions to the Master Gardener Clinic at Dinter Nursery for a detailed answer.

NatureKids - Jubilee Garden Stewardship Project with Garden Pals

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Duncan

NatureKids is a nature-based program for kids 3-12 years and their families. Next Explorer Day is a day in the garden...planting, potting, learning about bees.

Plein Air Painting Basics

Sat. April 23rd - Sun. April 24th, 2016 Ladysmith

An introduction to benefits and challenges of outdoor painting. Saturday will be held in the classroom and Sunday we will paint outside applying what we have learned.

Raffi #Belugagrads Concert: A Benefit to "Save Shawnigan Water"

Sun. April 24th, 2016 Duncan

A fundraiser for the Shawnigan Lake Residents Association.

Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons: Maritime Radio Course - Ladysmith

Mon. April 25th, 2016 Ladysmith

The Maritime Radio Course is a four evening course and teaches emergency radio procedures and everyday operating procedures to you and your family.

CENTRAL ISLAND:

10th Annual Golden Shoe Hunt

Until May 20th, 2016 Nanaimo and Parksville

Join us again to find the Golden Shoe! Clues and instructions for the locations of the shoe will be posted weekly!

Learn How to Make Cheese: Feta

Mon. April 18th, 2016 Gabriola Island

Learn how to make your own cheese! Fabulous Greek style Feta is easier than you think, come and learn how to craft your own homemade cheeses!

Parksville Probus Club: Dwight Owens, Ocean Networks Canada

Mon. April 18th, 2016 Parksville

Our April 18 speaker is Dwight Owens, who joined Ocean Networks Canada in June 2008.. He will discuss the impact of ocean acidification on sea life and on the broader food and survival chain.

Women on Wheels Workshops

Mondays until October 2016, Nanaimo

Learn tips and tricks specific to female cyclists, including bike control, effective gear changing, negotiating hills, rider safety, road rules, basic bike mechanics and more.

Dragon Boat Team Welcomes New Paddlers

Tue. April 19th, 2016 Nanaimo

PHOENIX RISING is a women’s dragon boat team dedicated to fun, fitness, and teamwork. We welcome women of all ages and will train inexperienced paddlers.

Over the Edge: Marine Mammals beyond BC's Continental Shelf

Tue. April 19th, 2016 Tofino

Some species are rare and others abundant, but most rarely seen by nearshore mariners. Join Dr John Ford as he describes these fascinating denizens of the deep, high seas.

Brie/Neufchatel Cheese Making Course

Wed. April 20th, 2016 Gabriola Island

Ever wanted to learn how to make delicious Brie at home? This course explores more advanced cheese making methods. Ingredients, instructions, lunch, wine and your own wheel of Brie are included.

Island Roots Farmers' Market

Wednesdays in Nanaimo

Nanaimo's only indoor winter farmers' market! Our local vendors provide healthy, fresh, delicious locally grown and produced foods, as well as some locally made artisan crafts.

Nanaimo Community Gardens Plant and Seed Sale

Wednesdays until May 25th, 2016 Nanaimo

In the absence of a greenhouse to start seedlings this year, greenhouse volunteers have been growing seedlings in their own homes to share with the community.

How Does Your Garden Grow - Garden Workshop Series

Wed. April 20th, 2016 Tofino

Biodynamic Growing: A holistic, ecological and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food and nutrition, with Gary Swann of Leda Organic Farm in Port Alberni, presented by Tofino Community Food Initiative.

Women’s Wednesday Night Rides

Wednesdays in Nanaimo

The Wednesday night recreational women's rides are easy-paced rides of 10 to 12 km in length. The routes are on quiet residential streets and are a weekly event

Rhododendron Bloom at VIUs Milner Gardens & Woodland

Thu. April 21st - Sunday, May 8th 2016 Qualicum

If you are curious when the best time to see the Rhododendrons is, this would be it.

Annual Earth Day MUP Clean Up

Thu. April 21st, 2016 Tofino

The Tofino MUP (Multi-Use Path) is used daily as a pedestrian link between town and our Tofino beaches. This Clean Up is hosted by the Wickanninish Inn and Surfrider Pacific Rim.

Surfrider Earth Day Celebration

Thu. April 21st, 2016 Tofino

On April 21st, Surfrider VI will show "The Clean Bin Project", a documentary about couple who compete to see who can produce the least garbage over the course of a year!

Thursday Night Recreational Rides

Thursdays in Nanaimo

The Thursday Night recreational rides for men and women are moderate-paced brides of 15 to 20 km in length. The routes are mainly on quiet residential streets, secondary roads and trails.

Moksha Yoga Class - By Donation - For Charity!

Fri. April 22nd, 2016 Nanaimo

Moksha Hot Yoga Class - by donation - For Charity!. Proceeds support local and international charities to help make a BIG difference in our community!

Earth Day Freecycle Event

Fri. April 22nd, 2016 Tofino

Our goal is to create a waste-free community!

Earth Day Lantern Walk

Fri. April 22nd, 2016 Tofino

This is an intentional walk through the gardens to support actions and behaviours that actively tackle climate change.

Stories from an Inuit Storyteller

Fri. April 22nd, 2016 Parksville

Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak, the very popular Inuit Storyteller and author, joins us on the Tales for the Telling, Storytelling for Adults stage. Michael always delights with his stories.

15th Annual Spring Plant Sale at VIU’s Milner Gardens

Sat. April 23rd - Sun April 24th, 2016 Qualicum

Great prices on heritage plants! Enjoy walking through the Rhododendron collection as it begins the spring bloom, then relax with tea, scones and soup in the Tea Room from 11:30 am to 4pm.

2016 Mid Island Rose Society (MIRS) Annual Plant Sale

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Nanaimo

MIRS: Mid - Island Rose Society Annual Plant Sale. Annuals, perennials, and more..... It is a great time to plant now!

Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons: Maritime Radio Course

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Nanaimo

A Restricted Operator's Certificate is a legal requirement for anyone using a VHF Radio in Canada. With successful completion of this course you will obtain your ROC(M) with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) endorsement.

A Walk in the Forest Interpretive Walk - Ah'ta'apq Creek

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Tofino

Join Central Westcoast Forest Society Saturday April 23rd from 11am to 12pm for a guided interpretive walk through A Walk in the Forest Trail!

Earth Day/Wild Foods Festival

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Nanaimo

Celebrate Earth Day with live entertainment, a food festival with chefs using only local food (food tickets are $1 each), a wildfood plant ID walk and more.

Harambee Gala

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Nanaimo

Harambee Gala is an evening of food, music, and entertainment, with all proceeds going towards the sponsorship of VIU's incoming refugee students. Please join us at this event and help change a life!

Jonanco Spring Craft Show & Sale

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Nanaimo

Come see what we're about! Free Demonstrations - Lapidary -Quilting - Woodworking Handcrafted items for sale Raffle Refreshments & much more!

23rd Annual Art Show and Sale: Nanoose Bay Art Group

Sat. April 23rd - Sun. April 24th, 2016 Nanoose

Learn easy techniques to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms on logs, in garden beds, lawns and planters. Build your own shiitake and oyster mushroom log to take home!

Learn to Grow Mushrooms Workshop

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Errington

Learn easy techniques to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms on logs, in garden beds, lawns and planters. Build your own shiitake and oyster mushroom log to take home!

Moksha Yoga Class - By Donation - For Charity!

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Nanaimo

Moksha Hot Yoga Class - by donation - For Charity!. Proceeds support local and international charities to help make a BIG difference in our community!

Old-Style Parlour Show ~ Nanaimo Horticultural Society

Sat. April 23rd, 2016 Nanaimo

Show what you grow!

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market

Saturdays in Qualicum

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market – where you’ll find the best in fresh fruits, vegetables and berries, plants and cut flowers, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, fish, chicken and pork.

Spirit Square Farmers' Market

Saturdays in Port Alberni

The market at the Harbour Quay has become, over the years, a focal meeting place for the City of Port Alberni on Saturday mornings.

Discover Cheese Making Extensive

Sun. April 24th, 2016 Gabriola Island

Learn how to make all of your dairy products in this one day extensive cheese making class. Cheeses covered from soft to hard pressed, blooms and blues. Lunch, wine and cultures are included.

FEATHERS Meeting: We support Parrots and their People

Sun. April 24th, 2016 Cedar

F.E.A.T.H.E.R.S. Friends for Ethical Avian Treatment, Homes, Education, Resources and Support. People with Parrots from Victoria to Campbell River Meet Monthly social, learning, fun Parrots welcome!

Learn to Grow Mushrooms Workshop

Sun. April 24th, 2016 Errington

Learn easy techniques to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms on logs, in garden beds, lawns and planters. Build your own shiitake and oyster mushroom log to take home!