Nature Stewardship School – A Look From Past to Present
2022-02-16 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Online
Our Nature Stewardship School hosts FREE community workshops teaching a variety of skills on how you can help our local wildlife.
We are hosting a webinar on how to work with nature to curb climate change, using local Fraser Valley examples, on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022, from 6:30-8:00 PM.
Join us and hear from Close to Home Coordinator, Laura Brodey and Biologist, Dr. Mike Pearson.
This online workshop will cover the following:

How the historic Fraser Valley landscape was formed over time.
Understanding floodplains, water connectivity, and the Sumas flood.
How the current Fraser Valley landscape stands to be impacted by climate change.
Connecting knowledge of the past with awareness of the present to plan for a healthy climate future.

Participants are encouraged to bring any questions for discussion during the live Q&A portion of the webinar.

Adult Toad Fencing - 2022
2022-02-23 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V4Z 1G7, Canada
The Work

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us install 150m of silt fencing to direct amphibians travelling back to the wetlands!
This will involve installing fencing along the ditch on Elk View Road.

Why it’s Helpful

In late February/early March the amphibians are travelling back to their important breeding wetland in Ryder Lake. There is a crossing structure called the “Toad Tunnel”, that runs under Elk View Road.
The fencing you will install helps guide these amphibians to the crossing structure so they can safely pass under the road.

Responsibilities

Help install the silt fencing.
Use tools to dig trenches, hammer in wooden stakes and attach fencing material to the wooden stakes.

Requirements

Be prepared to spend a few hours outdoors alongside a road.
Can use tools such as shovels to dig into wet ground.
Hammering wooden stakes into the ground, and using a staple gun to secure the fence.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (Rubber boots or hiking boots that can get a little muddy) and work gloves.
Access to a vehicle to travel to the Ryder Lake area.
Bring your own water/hot drinks or snacks.

Training/Equipment

All training required will be provided on the day-of.
All tools will be provided including shovels, pickaxes, sledgehammers, staple guns, and staples.
If you’re able to, bring your own gloves.

Safety

Bring your own mask (mandatory) to wear for check-in, and when less than 2 meters apart from others.
Dress appropriately for wet, cold, weather.
Safety vests will be provided (let us know if you want to bring your own!).

Setting

Outdoors in the right-of-way adjacent to Elk View Road.
There is no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.

Location

Ryder Lake Neighbourhood in Chilliwack, BC.
The exact meeting location will be provided once registered.

Commitment

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
RAIN OR SHINE

Thank you for your interest in Toad Fence Installation!

Oregon Spotted Frog Professional Training 2022
2022-03-10 09:30 - 15:30, 2022-03-11 09:30 - 15:30 UTC
Register now for the 2022 Oregon Spotted Frog Identification training session. This training will enable environmental monitors (staff or contractors) to accurately identify and distinguish local frog species caught during work in and around waterways, ditches, or wetlands. This is an important professional development opportunity for environmental monitors to ensure due diligence and accuracy in amphibian identification. If your organization will be working in Oregon Spotted Frog areas and would like to send a group for hands-on frog identification and habitat recognition training, please consider this limited-time opportunity.
Training will be provided by Aleesha Switzer (RPBio), a local biologist specializing in Oregon Spotted Frogs. The charge for this 2.5-hour training session will be $25 per person. Training will take place at an Oregon Spotted Frog wetland site in Agassiz. Additional details will be made available upon registration.
Four session options are offered across two dates based on the frog breeding window in 2022:
Thursday, March 10th 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:30pm
Friday, March 11th 9:30am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-3:30pm
Depending on the demand, new dates may be added. If conditions change, the dates may need to be adjusted slightly (for example, if a large freeze event halts breeding and frogs are not available for in-hand identification training). Participants will be notified as quickly as possible if any schedule changes need to be made.
Once Registered – You will receive an email within 2 business days with additional details on the session, including when and where to meet.
Additional Information
This session is intended for environmental professionals including environmental monitors, municipal staff, and decision-makers who come into contact with Oregon Spotted Frog and its habitat. Oregon Spotted Frog is highly Endangered (provincially and federally). Within Canada, it is only known to occur in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. It lives in water year-round and is found in a variety of agricultural ditches, sloughs, shallow wetlands, and marshes. In the past decade, two new populations of Oregon Spotted Frog have been discovered in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, suggesting there are more potential areas where this endangered frog may be undiscovered. Oregon Spotted Frogs are most likely to be encountered during regular drainage maintenance works; however few environmental monitors are trained on the identification of this cryptic species.
All participants must wear a face covering when within 2m of another individual. We will be in group sizes of up to 12 people (plus the instructor).
For questions, please contact Aleesha: aleesha@fraservalleyconservancy.ca

Early Earth Day
2022-03-16 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | University of the Fraser Valley, 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7M8, Canada
The FVC will have a booth set up at this event!
Although Earth Day is officially in April, we want to celebrate it early as well! This event will showcase strategies for many leading environmental issues including invasive species, food waste, flooding, and more. We will also have opportunities to learn about urban forestry, gardening, and ways to communicate with your local politicians. Join us in Building G (Abbotsford campus, GH102) anytime from 10am-2pm on March 16th to learn how YOU can make a difference!
*Please note that masks will be required at all times during this event.

Spring Plant Sale - On Now
2022-03-21 08:00 - 2022-05-08 17:00 UTC | Online
For more information – click here

Green Living - Earth Day
2022-04-23 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
The FVC will be an exhibitor at this event!
Celebrate this Earth Day and learn more about Green Living, Saturday, April 23rd from 10AM – 2PM. We will have an neighbourhood cleanup, kids crafts, exhibitors, guest speakers and workshops.

Free event; location coming soon.

Windebank Creek - Monthly Clean-up
2022-05-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-06-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-07-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2022-09-09 09:00 - 10:00 UTC | Windebank, 32559 Logan Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 6W8
Meet at the Tim Horton’s in the Mission Common Mall (at 32471 Lougheed Highway and the Cedar Valley Connector)
All tools (garbage pickers, bags, buckets, gloves) will be provided for you on the day.
Remember to dress for the weather!
There is no registration for this event, you can just attend on the day of.
We look forward to seeing you there on Wednesday.

Spring Native Plant Sale - 2022
2022-05-14 08:00 - 14:00 UTC
New for this year, we’re making the Spring Sale into an event.
Where: West Abbotsford (you will receive the exact location details once you purchase)
When you make your plant purchases, you’re invited to spend time with us on Saturday, May 14th!

Ask our staff plant experts all of your must know questions.
Learn about our programs and how you can get involved.
Missed out on buying a plant online? We’ll have limited stock there on the day-of for you to purchase!

We can’t wait to meet you all in person.

Improving Backyard Biodiversity with Native Plants
2022-05-18 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Derek Doubleday Arboretum, 21200 Fraser Hwy, Langley, British Columbia, V3A 4M6, Canada
Want to help your backyard become a better place to support local wildlife?
Join experts from the Fraser Valley Conservancy to learn about the many benefits of adding native plants. Topics will also include which native plant options are recommended to liven up your garden, and practical tips on garden layout and plant propagation.
This workshop is free. Registration is required.
To register:
Email: garden@leps.bc.ca
Call: 604-546-0344 See less

Annual General Meeting
2022-05-31 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Online
You’re invited to participate in our virtual Annual General Meeting via Zoom. Join us to learn what we have been up to in 2021, thanks to your support!

There will be:

Updates from me and our Executive Director.
Presentation and review of our 2021 financials.
Elections for our Board of Directors (if you are interested in sitting on our board let me know!)
And the highlight of the evening, staff presentations about the programs they have been working on and how the extreme weather events of the past year impacted our work.

And we’re proposing amendments to our current bylaws to ensure our properties are protected more effectively. If you are a member, you will be asked to vote on this. Please review the changes here and join us at the AGM to have your say.

There will be time at the beginning of the meeting to ensure everyone is comfortable using Zoom. If you prefer to join by phone you can call 778 907 2071 and enter our meeting ID of 839 4365 0059 when prompted, and passcode [REDACTED]. However, we will have a slide-show so watching online will be a much better experience.

Step to It - Info Session
2022-06-16 17:30 - 18:30 UTC

Ryder Lake Ramble
2022-06-18 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Ryder Lake Hall, 49265 Elk View Rd, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V4Z 1E8, Canada
Ryder Lake is a historic farming community on the outskirts of Chilliwack nestled in the shadow of Elk Mountain. After a few years off due to Covid, the Ryder Lake Ramble self-guided tour of farms and gardens in Ryder Lake is back on again this year!
The Fraser Valley Conservancy will have a table set up at Ryder Lake Hall during this event and we encourage anyone interested to come check out the Ryder Lake area on June 18th between 10am and 4pm.
Check-in at Ryder Lake Hall at 49265 Elk View Road for admission wristbands on June 18th. For more information about the ramble and directions to the event click the event link!

Toadlet Season
2022-06-20 08:00 - 2022-08-07 17:00 UTC
Let’s get ready for toadlet season!
Sign up for our volunteer program to be notified of all toad-related opportunities first.

Update August 2nd, 2022
Thanks to our fantastic volunteers the toadlet fencing is up and thousands of tiny toads are on the move. This migration period will continue for at least another 10 days. Please use the voluntary detour route to help protect toads who slip around the fencing.

Click here to learn more about the voluntary detour route in our latest blog post.

Follow the FVC’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on the toadlet season!

Agassiz Fungi Force First Team Meeting
2022-06-29 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Agassiz Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, 6660 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz, BC, V0M 1A3, Canada
Come join the first official meeting of the Fungi Force, Agassiz’s newest volunteer program.
Meet fellow team members, share ideas for how we can enhance green spaces in Agassiz, and start planning for the future!
Email Aleesha@fraservalleyconservancy.ca with any questions.
See you there!

Windebank Creek - Monthly Clean-up
2022-08-03 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Windebank, 32559 Logan Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 6W8
Sorry our August Clean-up has been cancelled last minute due to unforeseen circumstances!

Horn Creek Park Invasive Species Removal
2022-08-13 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Horn Creek Park, 32888 Maclure Rd, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 0K9, Canada
The Work

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Horn Creek Park in Abbotsford.
This will involve removing some invasive morning glory and blackberry.

Why It’s Helpful

Abbotsford’s Horn Creek Park is home to a multitude of wildlife. You will be helping keep the park in top condition for the wildlife that calls the area home.
The fight against invasive plant species is ongoing. Keeping these invasives controlled will help recent plantings to thrive and make it a beautiful space.

Responsibilities

Digging and pulling up morning glory with shovels, pickaxes, and by hand.
Cutting back blackberry stems with pruners.

Requirements

Be prepared to spend the time outdoors in the heat with minimal seating options.
Be prepared to manually remove morning glory and blackberry.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (hiking boots recommended, the ground is uneven in some parts) and work gloves.
Bring your own refillable water bottle.

Training/Equipment

All training required will be provided on the day of.
All tools will be provided including shovels, pickaxes, and pruners.
If you’re able to, bring your own gloves, otherwise, gloves will be provided.

Safety

Dress appropriately for hot weather.
First aid kit and water are available at the event.

Setting

Outdoors at Horn Creek Park.
There are no shelter or bathroom facilities on site.

Location

Horn Creek Park, Abbotsford, BC.
The exact meeting location will be provided once registered.

Commitment

Saturday, August 13th, 2022
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
RAIN OR SHINE

Please ensure that all people attending are registered separately.
If you click the “Sign Up” button below and receive a “form has been deactivated” notification, we have reached the maximum number of volunteers for this event.
Please only register if you know you will be able to attend.

Nature Stewardship School: Stewardship Slipups
2022-08-27 13:00 - 16:30 UTC | University of the Fraser Valley, 33844 King Rd, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Nature Stewardship School is back in session! Join the FVC’s Tamsin Baker and Aleesha Switzer for an in-person workshop event at the Abbotsford University of the Fraser Valley campus.
Workshop Topic
Have you ever worried that your stewardship activities may be doing more harm than good?
We polled environmental professionals across the Fraser Valley and our FVC staff to find the top five most common mistakes people make when they are trying to care for nature. This workshop focuses on identifying how these five “stewardship slipups” show up across a wide variety of common practices including:

installing boxes for birds, bats, or owls
managing streamside or pondside habitat
moving, relocating, or rescuing wildlife
finding information online
and many more!

This is your opportunity to identify stewardship slipups and learn what to do instead to become a champion for nature in the Fraser Valley.

Event Details
This in-person workshop event will take place from 1:00 – 4:30 PM on Saturday, August 27th. Doors open at 12:30.
The details for parking and room number will be emailed once your ticket has been purchased.
Tamsin and Aleesha will present and take participant questions. If you have a burning stewardship question, make sure to bring it to this event!
Coffee, tea, and water will be available, as well as some light snacks. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mug and/or water bottle. There will be washroom and snack breaks, and opportunities to chat with fellow participants and FVC staff.

Safety
The FVC is taking precautions to avoid the spread of infectious diseases at this event. Our meeting space will allow for distanced seating, and we are using the room at <50% capacity.
Hand sanitizing stations will be available, and common surfaces will be disinfected regularly.
Masks are not currently required, however, participants are free to wear them if they feel comfortable doing so.

Registration

Tickets for this Nature Stewardship School event are only $5.00. Please use the “Buy a Ticket” button below to be redirected to our FVC store where you can purchase your ticket.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact send us an email.
If the store has sold out of tickets, we have reached the maximum number of attendees for the event. We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

Fall Native Plant Sale
2022-08-29 08:00 - 2022-09-25 23:59 UTC | Online

Once Upon a Field
2022-09-10 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Campbell Valley Regional Park, 20285 8 Ave, Langley, BC, Canada
You’ll find Sofi at the Once Upon a Field event this year!

Peer into grasslands that once were fields to discover the stories of the furry and feathered animals that live and hunt there. Walk like a coyote through a grass maze to find prey, or swoop into a heritage barn to learn how barn owls live. Enjoy fun activities with community partners, dance to live music and munch at a food truck.

Art for Wildlife
2022-09-23 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | University of the Fraser Valley, 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2S 7M8, Canada
Call for Artists – runs until September 1st. Sign up to submit your art here https://forms.gle/cpdbJCX6NWKPo7cH8
Online Auction – runs from September 17th – 23rd
Event Date – September 23rd
For more details email Ufvwildlifeprotectionclub@gmail.com

Horn Creek Park Planting
2022-11-02 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Horn Creek Park, 32888 Maclure Rd, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 0K9, Canada
The Work:

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of Horn Creek Park.
This will involve placing and planting trees and shrubs.

Why it’s Helpful:

Horn Creek Park in Abbotsford, BC is a public park that locals can enjoy and is home to many birds, snails, and other wildlife. You will be helping restore their habitat so they can continue to live in the park.

Responsibilities:

Planting trees and shrubs

Training/Equipment:

If you’re able to, bring your own gloves, otherwise, they will be provided.
Shovels for planting will be provided.
Planting training will be provided on site at the beginning of the day.

Safety:

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Setting:

Outdoors at Horn Creek Park.

Location:

Horn Creek Park, Abbotsford, BC.
We will be meeting at the north end of the park. There is street parking available in the communities north of Maclure Rd.

Commitment/Length/Timing:

Wednesday November 2nd, 2022
10:00AM – 2:00PM
RAIN OR SHINE

Please ensure that all people attending are registered separately.
If you click the “Sign Up” button below and receive a “form has been deactivated” notification, we have reached the maximum number of volunteers for this event.

Salmon in the City
2022-11-05 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Windebank, 32559 Logan Ave, Mission, British Columbia, V2V 6W8
Come join us for Salmon in the City in Mission!
Get exclusive access to this property protected by the FVC
Learn from speakers about the stream and salmon who spawn here
Spend a day with other nature enthusiasts and help improve the habitat

What we Will be Doing:

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us clean up and maintain our Windebank Creek property in Mission.
This will involve invasive plant removal and some garbage clean up.
We will also be planting some willow stakes and dogwood stakes.
We will have pizza for lunch while listening to our guest speakers.

Why it’s Helpful:

Creating a healthy tree canopy along Windebank Creek in Mission, leads to a healthier stream for salmon to spawn in.
This stewardship will help create habitat for local wildlife who also use the area.

Training/Equipment:

If you’re able to, bring your own gloves and pruning shears, otherwise, they will be provided.
Invasive plant removal and garbage clean up training will be provided on site at the beginning of the day.
Shovels and training for willow staking will be provided.

Safety:

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and closed-toed footwear.

Setting:

Forested outdoors around a creek.

Location:

Windebank Creek, Mission, BC.
We will be meeting at the west end of Logan Avenue, Mission (next to Embers BBQ House). Parking available along Logan Ave. and nearby parking lots.

Commitment/Length/Timing:

Saturday November 5th, 2022
9:00AM – 1:00PM
RAIN OR SHINE
Pizza lunch provided
Please bring your own re-usable drink container – coffee and water will be available

You’re not required to register for this event, just drop in on the day, the more the merrier!

Fort Langley Planting Event
2022-11-16 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Work

We’re looking for energetic volunteers to help us with the restoration of a wetland in Fort Langley, BC.
This will involve planting trees and shrubs together outside on Wednesday November 16th from 9 am to 1 pm.

Why it’s Helpful

We’ll be planting around a wetland that is home to amphibians! The planting area was previously completely covered in blackberry. With your help in planting native species, the area can become suitable habitat for wildlife.

Requirements & Safety

Bring your own refillable water bottle.
Dress for the weather.
Wear closed-toed footwear. We will be planting on uneven ground, so sturdy boots are recommended.
There are no washrooms facilities on site.

Training/Equipment

Gloves will be provided, but bring your own if you would like.
Shovels for planting will be provided.
There will be planting training on site at the beginning of the day.

Location

Outside on a private property in Fort Langley, BC.
Address will be sent to you upon registration.
There is no public transit available for this location.

Timing

Wednesday November 16th, 2022
9:00AM – 1:00PM
RAIN OR SHINE

Please ensure that all people attending are registered separately.
If you click the “Register Here” button below and receive a “form has been deactivated” notification, we have reached the maximum number of volunteers for this event.

Toad People Film Screening
2022-11-30 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | University of the Fraser Valley, 33844 King Rd, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Join the FVC in watching ‘Toad People’, a wildlife documentary filmed in Chilliwack
Enjoy a free snack buffet
Write a letter for the UN Conference for Biodiversity
Free and open to anyone
UFV Abbotsford Campus, Lecture Hall B101
Register – Spots are limited

Christmas Trees for Frogs Tree Drop Off 2023
2023-01-07 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Help us create frog breeding habitat!
Come drop off your natural Christmas tree for us to submerge in an pond where amphibians breed. Frogs will use the branches on these trees to attach their eggs. They will also use them to hide from predators. The Christmas trees installed in last year’s pond were popular with the frogs. We found lots of egg masses on them in the spring!

This year’s Christmas Trees for Frogs pond is in West Abbotsford. Donations will be accepted at time of drop off to help support our work.
Sign up using the button below and we will let you know where and when to drop off your tree.
Make sure your tree is untreated and cleaned of all ornaments.

The frogs will thank you!

If you register as a volunteer we will let you know when we are going to install the Christmas Trees and you can come help us out!

(New Date) Nature Stewardship School: Stewardship Slipups (Ryder Lake)
2023-01-09 17:15 - 20:30 UTC | Ryder Lake Hall, 49265 Elk View Rd, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V4Z 1E8, Canada
Register Here
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 29th, 2022, TO JANUARY 9th, 2023! NEW EVENT DETAILS ARE OUTLINED BELOW!

Nature Stewardship School is back in session! Join the FVC’s Aleesha Switzer and Jennifer Barden for an in-person workshop event at the Ryder Lake Hall in Chilliwack.
Workshop Topic
Have you ever worried that your stewardship activities may be doing more harm than good?
We polled environmental professionals across the Fraser Valley and our FVC staff to find the top five most common mistakes people make when they are trying to care for nature. This workshop focuses on identifying how these five “stewardship slipups” show up across a wide variety of common practices including:

installing boxes for birds, bats, or owls
managing streamside or pondside habitat
moving, relocating, or rescuing wildlife
finding information online
and many more!

This is your opportunity to identify stewardship slipups and learn what to do instead to become a champion for nature in the Fraser Valley.
Event Details
This in-person workshop event will take place from 5:15 pm to 8:30 pm on January, 9th, 2023.
Pizza will be provided at 5:15 pm before the presentation starts at 5:45 pm. Come join us for some food and conversation before the presentation starts!
Aleesha, Tamsin and Jennifer will present and take participant questions. If you have a burning stewardship question, make sure to bring it to this event!
There will be washroom and snack breaks, and opportunities to chat with fellow participants and FVC staff. Coffee, tea, and water will be available, as well as some light snacks during the break. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mug and/or water bottle.
For Ryder Lake Residents
There will also be an introduction to a new community group! If you live in Ryder Lake and are interested in learning more about the amazing wildlife and ecosystems surrounding you and how you can make a difference, this may be the group for you!
Safety
The FVC is taking precautions to avoid the spread of infectious diseases at this event. Our meeting space will allow for distanced seating, and we are using the room at <50% capacity.
Hand sanitizing stations will be available. Masks are not currently required, however, participants are free to wear them if they feel comfortable doing so.

Registration

Tickets for this Nature Stewardship School event are only $5.00.
Please use the “Register Here” button below to register using your credit card.
If you prefer to pay via E-transfer email Jenn for instructions.
All participants must register and purchase a ticket separately. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact send us an email.
If the tickets are no longer available, we have reached the maximum number of attendees for the event. We hope to see you at an upcoming event!
