Nature House / The Nature of Forests - Today's Events

Here's what's on today at the Nature House:

9-11 Harvest Hours (all ages)
Location: The People’s Apothecary Garden, Lot 62

What's in season: Mid-July is still a rewarding time to visit the PAG, though the dry conditions have shaped what's ready this week. Lavender is at its fragrant peak - harvest just as the flowers begin to open for the highest essential oil content. The aromatic herbs - Sage, Thyme, Oregano, and Rosemary are loaded with essential oils right now, and the leafy herbs - Lemon Balm, Mint, and Raspberry Leaf, are best taken now before the summer heat sets seeds. Mugwort, Wormwood, and Betony are putting up their best growth of the year. Come during Harvest Hours and we'll guide you through what's ready and how to use it.

The PAG is open to the public during daylight hours - come wander and explore anytime.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: From the Forest to the Sea (all ages)
Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

The SLC is open Friday–Sunday whenever the seastar flag is flying!
See Friday for information on this week's activity.

The Nature of Forests at Forbes Hall

9:30 - 1130 am Forbes Hall

Quw'utsun Cultural Connections and the Xpey' (Cedar Project) with Cheyenne Williams and Sarah Jackman.

Can you imagine living on a cedar-less Thetis Island? Learn how the Xpey' (Cedar) Restoration Project is taking action to mitigate the loss of Xpey' (Cedar), a cultural keystone species threatened by climate change and land development. Led by the Quw'utsun Cultural Connections Society, this project engages youth and Elders to revitalize traditional cultural practices for the stewardship and use of Xpey', reconnecting youth to cultural knowledge and teachings about the land.

1:30–2:45 pm Forbes Hall

The Past, Present and Future of Gulf Island Forests with Dr. Richard Hebda

Richard has given hundreds of technical and popular public lectures in British Columbia and beyond covering topics from growing snowdrops to global climate change. He has also been an authoritative voice on television and radio on topics such as Climate Change and invasive species. Richard played, and plays, a key role in the conservation, preservation and restoration of natural areas, most prominently Burns Bog in the Lower Mainland of BC. Richard co-organized and participated in a key national gathering about wildfire and restoration. (UVIC, Feb 2025).

3-4:30 pm Q & A Panel - Forbes Hall

Bring your questions about Thetis Island's forests and trees! Our guest presenters come together for an open conversation moderated by Dr. Mary DesChene.

Missing Dog

Chongo was found at around 1 am.

Thank you

Searching for Seeded Watermelon Plant for Pollination

In order to pollinate the seedless watermelon plants I am growing, I need the pollen from male flowers on a seeded watermelon plant.

The seeded watermelons I grew died.

Please message or text
250 246 7809 if you can help.
Thanks,
Arlene Kasting

Help Needed: Moving Boxes into the Attic at 277 North Cove Road

Hi all!
I need some help on Wednesday/Thursday mid-morning to early afternoon - with a coffee break - to move some boxes into Cabin's attic @ 277 North Cove Road!

So, call me if you are both available and interested!

Yours,

P. Dawn Mills (604 790 9721)

Large Shop Tools for Sale

Thickness planer 

Belt grinder 

Drill press Bandsaw. 

Scroll Saw Radial arm saw set up as a drum Sander

All $300 each or best offer.

I can have them delivered and unloaded where you need them. 

Call Mike at 250-210-8926, 273 Forbes Rd.

Organic Blueberry Order

It's time again for our annual order and pick up from our friends at Ruby Red.

Just like everything else, it seems the price has gone up again this year, but when buy together in bulk there are at least some savings.

Berries come flash frozen in 10 lbs boxes, making it easy to store in your freezer and scoop out as needed for smoothies and baking etc.

This year’s price is: $7/lb, so $70 per 10 lb box.

Please send your requests to orders@jollityfarm.ca. We'll gather all the requests by the middle of next week and arrange pick up in early August.

With thanks,

Jollity Farmers

Missing Dog

Hello, could you please help us find Chongo?

He has recently taken off from the gate between Klahowya road and Kenwood at about 5 pm. Thursday.
Please call if you have seen him. He is super friendly and missed.

Thank you for your help

Claire and Corinna 

236-889-2480

Nature of Forest Weekend - Saturday Events

Fire Management through an Ecological Lens, Saturday July 18 - 364 Mill Road9:30 - 11:30 am

Ecological FireSmart is fundamentally a way of thinking about the landscape. While wildfire is a natural part of forest ecology, fire is obviously less desirable around human values. FireSmart ideas can help us reduce wildfire risk to our properties. It can involve simple actions like yard and home maintenance, and choices around landscaping and renovations. Simple actions can make a difference in reducing wildfire risk at your home.
*Directions to 364 Mill Road

• Go north on North Cove Road, past Hunter's Pond and turn left onto Mill Road.
• Travel west on Mill Road and at the junction with Fraser Point Road, turn left and continue along Mill Road.
• Travel about 1 km further and Nick Brink's place (364) is on the right.
• Please be mindful of speed limits on the road.

Andy MacKinnon. Saturday July 18- Forbes Hall.

1:30 - 2:30pm

Fabulous Plants and their Fungal Friends

The plant and fungi kingdoms form extraordinary partnerships that allow both partners to survive and thrive. This talk will feature BC’s lichens, mycorrhizae, fungal endophytes, and magnificent mycoheterotrophs.

Nature House / The Nature of Forests - Today's Events

Here's what's on today at the Nature House:

10-12 Wild Creatives: Hapa Zome Plant Prints
Location: The Nature House at The Portal - please park at Heneage House (large wine-coloured building) or at the Fairyslipper parking area

Hapa Zome is a Japanese printing technique that transfers the natural pigments of fresh flowers and leaves directly onto paper or fabric - no paint or ink, just the plant itself, and a satisfying amount of hammering. Join us at the Nature House for this beautiful and surprisingly percussive art form.

1-3 SLC Drop-in: From the Forest to the Sea (all ages)
Location: Sea Life Centre at Telegraph Harbour Marina

Missed Friday's session? Same great activity running again today - see Friday for details.

THE NATURE OF FORESTS

9:30-11:30 Fire Management through an Ecological Lens with Mitch Sherrin
Location: Meet at 364 Mill Road

Mitch Sherrin, retired Captain with Salt Spring Island Fire and Rescue, leads a field workshop exploring fire resilience through an ecological lens - a timely and essential conversation for island communities.

1:30 - 2:30 Fabulous Plants and their Fungal Friends with Andy MacKinnon

Location: Forbes Hall

Dr. Andy MacKinnon, a leading forest ecologist, explores the fascinating relationship between trees and the ectomycorrhizal fungal species that support them.  A talk that will change the way you look at the forest floor.

2:30-4:000 Lawrence Trail Walk with Andy MacKinnon - Registration FULL

From the Library

A Friend of the Library is available Saturday 10-1, Sunday 1-4, and 

Tuesday 12-1.

Two weeks until the Book and Bake Sale!

You can drop off your book donations on Thursday July 30, 10-1. If that does not work let me know. 

Please no encyclopedias or dictionaries.

The sale set up is at 10:30 on Friday July 31.

Shirlee Harris is heading up the bake sale. Thank you, Shirlee and her team. We are so very grateful for island bakers donating to this event.
Shirlee 250-246-1965. Shirlnmike@hotmail.com

Celine

Valestrands@gmail.com
250-246-4349

Sunday Church

Church on the 19th will be at Telegraph Marina.

Johnny Cullen-Keidann will be speaking on Jonah.

There will be hot dogs and salads served after.

10 Am on the deck, all are welcome.

Further info---Ernie 250-252-0144.

Bring your own chair if you like.

Calling all Blocks!

We're on the hunt for wooden blocks for an upcoming activity at the Sea Life Centre - Jenga sets or any wooden blocks welcome. If you have some gathering dust and would like to donate or lend them, please get in touch at maya@thetisislandnatureconservancy.org

Thank you!

ThINC