Community Café - Place-based solutions for responsible consumption and production in our community
Come share your thoughts and explore ideas about responsible consumption and production in our community. Let’s discuss what we can do to use fewer resources, reduce waste, and support local production!
What can we do to use fewer resources?
What can we do to create less waste?
What can we do to produce more locally?
Which single action could we start doing today to make a positive difference in our community?
This conversation is part of our MABR Community Café series, hosted in the UNESCO Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, exploring local solutions to global challenges. Together, we’ll connect with SDG12 – Responsible Consumption and Production and see how our community can make a real impact.
Deep Bay Marine Field Station - Open House
Brantastic Open House at the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station
Celebrate the Brant Wildlife Festival with Vancouver Island University at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station!
Learn about marine science and sustainable shellfish aquaculture at our unique oceanside facility.
Check out our aquaria, touch tanks, whale and marine invertebrate displays.
Get a sneak peak into our science labs.
Local marine education partners will be on site with engaging displays and activities.
Entry by donation.
Deep Bay Marine Field Station, 370 Chrome Point Rd., Bowser
Contact: deepbay@viu.ca
Web: deepbay.viu.ca
Brant Wildlife Festival Open House
Brant Wildlife Festival Open House
Join us for a welcoming Open House at the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Education Centre and discover the natural systems, wildlife, and community initiatives that make our region unique.
This special event is designed to introduce residents and visitors to the Brant Wildlife Festival, a beloved annual celebration of nature that brings thousands of people together to learn about conservation and the remarkable biodiversity of central Vancouver Island. Each spring, the festival coincides with the return of migrating Pacific Black Brant geese and other wildlife, creating a perfect opportunity to celebrate and protect the ecosystems that sustain them.
At the open house, you will have the opportunity to:
Learn about the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, one of Canada’s UNESCO-designated biosphere regions dedicated to balancing conservation, community well-being, and sustainable development.
Discover the history and purpose of the Brant Wildlife Festival and how it connects people with nature through educational events, guided tours, and community activities.
Meet local volunteers, researchers, and community partners working to protect wildlife and habitats across the biosphere region.
Explore displays, resources, and upcoming opportunities to participate in festival events and environmental stewardship.
Whether you’re new to the region or a long-time resident, the open house is a chance to learn about the landscapes, wildlife, and community efforts that make the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region so special—and how you can get involved.
Stop by, ask questions, meet the team, and discover how our community is working together to create a thriving future for people and nature.
Milner Gardens & Woodland Tour
Did you know Milner Gardens & Woodland offers free volunteer-led tours on Thursdays and Fridays? Help us kick off our public tour season by joining us for the first tour of the year! Learn about the history, flora, and fauna of Milner Gardens & Woodland, and stick around afterwards to explore the garden or visit the Camellia Tea Room.
This is a drop in – no need to register – please arrive a few minutes before 1pm so that the tour can start on time.
Regular admission fees to the garden apply – tour is included with admission.
Lift-Off – Brant Wildlife Festival Opening Celebration
The evening will include a live band, presentations and appetizers.
Photography Workshop with Laura Lefurgey-Smith
Photography Workshop with Laura Lefurgey-Smith
Indoor instruction 9am - 10:30am
Outdoor photography: 10:45am-12pm
Cost: Free
Join Laura at the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region office in Qualicum Beach to learn beginner nature photography. We will start in the MABR office, and then head outside to take photos.
All levels of experience welcome, but this workshop will be aimed at learning beginner photography for both mobile phones and cameras! We will talk about the different styles of nature photography, go over compositional techniques and principles that I use out in the field when I'm taking photos.
Part of the lesson will be dedicated to learning the technical aspects of photography and camera settings, such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO and more. I will also talk about lenses and show the different types of photos you can take using each one.
After about 1.5 hours of indoor instruction, we will head outside (location tba) to practice some of what we have just learned! I will be available to help with composition, finding photography subjects, and with camera settings (for both cameras and mobile devices).
Bring your chosen camera (DSLR or mobile phone), an empty SD card (if applicable) and full battery, as well as snacks and water to what will be a fun-filled morning of photography!
Register at: https://www.lauracolette.ca/workshops
Guided Forest Therapy Walk
Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00–11:30 am for a gentle, guided forest therapy walk at beautiful Moorecroft Regional Park in Nanoose Bay, with your guide Kelly Hutchison. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early and meet at the information sign beside the parking lot (washrooms onsite). This walk is recommended for ages 16 and older, no dogs, and a maximum of 12 participants.
Kelly is a certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and has been leading walks since 2018. Now based in Qualicum Beach, she brings over twenty years of experience in health and wellness to this mindful practice. Her husband, landscape and wildlife photographer Dave Hutchison, will also be present to offer support.
This is a slow, 2.5-hour immersive experience in nature—not a hike or fitness walk. You will move gently, pause often, and engage in simple, sensory invitations designed to deepen your connection with nature and yourself. The walk will conclude with tea and a light snack.
Cost: Cash by donation, with 100% of proceeds supporting the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. A suggested donation of $20–$50 is appreciated; any amount is welcome.
For more information and to register, please go to the website: https://www.salishseaforesttherapy.ca/brant-festival-forest-therapy-walk.html
Nature-Based Book Swap
"Leave a story, take a story.”
Bellflower Bookshop will be hosting the Brant Festival Book Swap Saturday April 11!
Great stories are meant to be shared. Not only does choosing a pre-loved book help reduce waste and support sustainability, it celebrates shared stories and the quiet connection of one reader to another.
Bring your gently-used books focused on nature, conservation, wildlife, and the environment and discover something new to take home.
There is no limit to the number of books you can swap.
Bellflower Bookshop will be accepting book donations leading up to the event if you are unable to attend but would like your books to find a new home.
Contact: bellflowerbookshop@gmail.com
Heritage Forest Tour
Heritage Forest Tour
Join Tom Whitfield for an easy walk along the mulch trails of the 50-acre Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest. Here’s an opportunity to learn about old-growth Douglas-fir trees, forest ecology, wildlife and cultural history of this rare gem.
Register by emailing: heritageforest@shaw.ca
Birds and Bino’s BC NatureKids outing with Arrowsmith Naturalists
Birds and Bino’s BC NatureKids outing with Arrowsmith Naturalists
Join BC NatureKids and the Arrowsmith Naturalists for a fun, family-friendly birdwatching adventure during the Brant Wildlife Festival!
This hands-on outing introduces children and families to the exciting world of birdwatching. Young naturalists will learn how to properly use binoculars, discover simple techniques for spotting birds, and practice observing wildlife like real field naturalists.
Experienced members of the Arrowsmith Naturalists will guide participants through the basics of bird identification, binocular use, and respectful wildlife viewing. Kids will have the chance to explore nature, look for migrating birds, and learn why our region is such an important stopover for wildlife.
Perfect for curious kids and families who love being outdoors, this interactive outing encourages observation skills, patience, and a deeper appreciation for the birds and habitats of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region.
Come discover how a simple pair of binoculars can open a whole new way of seeing nature!
Contact: ray@mabr.ca
Web: www.naturekidsbc.ca
Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking and Art Show
Brant Festival’s 33rd Annual Carving, Woodworking & Art Show
Each spring, something special happens on the mid-Island. Wood shavings replace winter rain, conversations turn to grain and finish, and creativity takes centre stage. This year, that energy comes together again at the Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show — an event that has become a quiet favourite for artists, makers, and anyone who appreciates skilled hands and beautiful work.
Held on April 11 and 12, 2026, at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, this show has earned its reputation as one of the top carving and woodworking competitions in Western Canada. Walk through the doors and it becomes clear why. Tables and displays are filled with carefully carved birds, figures, bowls, furniture, and art pieces that reflect hundreds of hours of patience and practice. Some works are bold and dramatic, others subtle and finely detailed, but all share a respect for wood as both material and teacher. The nature-themed art show added in recent years brings even more excitement.
There is something a bit intimate about the event. There are stories behind the gouges, lathes and paint brushes. Visitors often pause beside a piece, lean in, and quietly ask how something was done. Just as often, the artist is happy to explain, sharing tips, lessons learned, and the occasional hard-won mistake. That openness is part of what has kept the show thriving for more than three decades.
For those who want to go deeper, seminars will be running throughout the weekend. These sessions cover a range of carving, turning, and woodworking techniques, offering practical insights whether someone is just starting out or has been working with wood for years. Watching a skilled woodworker demonstrate a cut or explain why a piece cracked can feel like standing beside a master mechanic with the hood open — suddenly, things make sense in a new way.
The show is also designed to be welcoming and fun. Door prizes and draws add a sense of anticipation, and there is always a bit of friendly excitement as names are called. It is not unusual to see people arrive “just for a quick look” and stay far longer than planned, pulled in by conversation, craftsmanship, and the warmth of the community.
The event is hosted by three organisations deeply rooted in the local arts scene: the Mid-Island Woodworkers’ Guild, the Oceanside Wood Carvers, and the DeCosmos Fine Arts Society. Together, they bring a mix of experience, passion, and volunteer effort that keeps the show grounded and authentic. It is a reminder that events like this do not happen by accident; they are built over time by people who care about craft and community.
The Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking, & Art Show is not just for woodworkers or artists. It is for anyone who enjoys seeing what patient hands and creative minds can do with a natural material. It is for those looking for inspiration, a conversation, or simply a good way to spend a spring weekend along with the other events happening as part of the Brant Wildlife Festival.
The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, located at 747 Jones Street, provides an accessible and comfortable setting, making it easy to drop in, wander, and enjoy. Whether arriving with a notebook full of questions or simply curiosity, visitors are likely to leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of working with wood or paint — and perhaps a new reason to mark April on the calendar. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Kids 12 and under are free. We look forward to seeing you there!
Arrowsmith Cycling Club Family Group Ride
Arrowsmith Cycling Club Family Group Ride
Join the Arrowsmith Cycling Club for a relaxed, family-friendly bike ride as part of the Brant Wildlife Festival! This welcoming group ride is designed for riders of all ages and abilities who want to enjoy the outdoors together.
Families will pedal at an easy pace along scenic local routes, stopping along the way to appreciate the beauty of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. It’s a great opportunity for kids and adults alike to get outside, build confidence on their bikes, make new friends and connect with nature and community.
Volunteer ride leaders from the Arrowsmith Cycling Club will guide the group and help ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone. Bring your bikes, helmets, and a sense of adventure!
Whether you’re new to cycling or ride regularly, this social ride is a wonderful way to celebrate spring, explore the region, and be part of the Brant Wildlife Festival.
Register here: link
Part of this ride will take place on Mosaic Forest Management lands. A Mosaic wavier will need to be signed to participate. Link to Mosaic Waiver link
A wavier by the host group Arrowsmith Cycling Club also needs to be signed. Link to the Arrowsmith Cycling Club waiver link
Contact: events@arrowsmithcyclingclub.com
Drop In Nature Art with Leslie Love
Drop In Nature Art with Leslie Love
Bring the whole family and explore creativity inspired by nature! Join local artist Leslie Love for a welcoming, hands-on playshop and explore how to care for, collaborate with, and connect to the natural world. You’ll gain inspiring insight into using local, sustainable, and ethically foraged botanical materials - natural art supplies found right at your fingertips.
Web: www.inkymoon.ca
Brant Family Free Swim at Ravensong pool
Free swimming for everyone in celebration of the 35th annual Brant Wildlife Festival!
Join for a Free Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre! Sponsored by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, this special event offers families the chance to enjoy time together while learning about the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and the Brant Wildlife Festival along the way
Heritage Forest Tour
Heritage Forest Tours
Join Tom Whitfield for an easy walk along the mulch trails of the 50-acre Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest. Here’s an opportunity to learn about old-growth Douglas-fir trees, forest ecology, wildlife and cultural history of this rare gem.
Register by emailing: heritageforest@shaw.ca
Kw'a'luxw (Englishman) River Estuary Tour – Arrowsmith Naturalists
Kw'a'luxw (Englishman) River Estuary Tour – Arrowsmith Naturalists
Join the Arrowsmith Naturalists for a relaxing tour of the Englishman River Estuary. The tour will feature views of the Englishman River and the estuary , as well as the river’s recent history and the restoration efforts of The Nature Trust of BC and the stewardship of the Arrowsmith Naturalists.
Meet at 1:30 pm in the parking area at the north end of Shelly Road. The walking trail is not difficult but may be muddy in places. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Contact: dhutchings40@gmail.com
Hamilton Marsh Walk
Hamilton Marsh Walk
Visit this spectacular wetland just 5 minutes from Qualicum Beach! Enjoy guided tours down the trails to Hamilton Marsh and learn about the flora and fauna. Tour led by RDN Drinking Water Watershed Protection.
Contact: mwagenaar@rdn.bc.ca
Bird Photography Workshop
Bird Photography Workshop at the Brant Wildlife Festival
Come join Dave to celebrate the Brant Festival in the community and enjoy a Bird Photography Workshop. Dave has been photographing nature for over 20 years specializing in landscape and wildlife photography. Based on Central Vancouver Island, Dave has been teaching nature based photography workshops to all levels of ability since 2010. In 2025, Dave co-authored a BC Bestselling book celebrating the beauty of this wonderful island, with his wife, called "Vancouver Island: The Art of the Landscape".
100% of the proceeds for this workshop will be donated to the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (office in Qualicum Beach). Suggested donation is $25-50 but any amount is welcome (cash only, please). My wife Kelly, a certified forest therapy guide and nature photographer, will also be available for support.
Workshop is open to all levels of ability. Workshop is rain or shine. Please bring a rain jacket, cap, and water.
What are we going to do at the workshop?
Dave will guide you through technical aspects, composition techniques, and lighting for bird photography through the 2 hour workshop.
Register at: https://www.davehutchisonphotography.com/birdphotographyworkshop.html
Pancake Breakfast at Kwalikum Secondary School
Pancake Breakfast at Kwalikum Secondary School
Heritage Forest Tour
Tour of Heritage Forests
Join Tom Whitfield for an easy walk along the mulch trails of the 50-acre Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest. Here’s an opportunity to learn about old-growth Douglas-fir trees, forest ecology, wildlife and cultural history of this rare gem.
Register by emailing: heritageforest@shaw.ca
Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking and Art Show (Copy)
Brant Festival’s 33rd Annual Carving, Woodworking & Art Show
Each spring, something special happens on the mid-Island. Wood shavings replace winter rain, conversations turn to grain and finish, and creativity takes centre stage. This year, that energy comes together again at the Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show — an event that has become a quiet favourite for artists, makers, and anyone who appreciates skilled hands and beautiful work.
Held on April 11 and 12, 2026, at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, this show has earned its reputation as one of the top carving and woodworking competitions in Western Canada. Walk through the doors and it becomes clear why. Tables and displays are filled with carefully carved birds, figures, bowls, furniture, and art pieces that reflect hundreds of hours of patience and practice. Some works are bold and dramatic, others subtle and finely detailed, but all share a respect for wood as both material and teacher. The nature-themed art show added in recent years brings even more excitement.
There is something a bit intimate about the event. There are stories behind the gouges, lathes and paint brushes. Visitors often pause beside a piece, lean in, and quietly ask how something was done. Just as often, the artist is happy to explain, sharing tips, lessons learned, and the occasional hard-won mistake. That openness is part of what has kept the show thriving for more than three decades.
For those who want to go deeper, seminars will be running throughout the weekend. These sessions cover a range of carving, turning, and woodworking techniques, offering practical insights whether someone is just starting out or has been working with wood for years. Watching a skilled woodworker demonstrate a cut or explain why a piece cracked can feel like standing beside a master mechanic with the hood open — suddenly, things make sense in a new way.
The show is also designed to be welcoming and fun. Door prizes and draws add a sense of anticipation, and there is always a bit of friendly excitement as names are called. It is not unusual to see people arrive “just for a quick look” and stay far longer than planned, pulled in by conversation, craftsmanship, and the warmth of the community.
The event is hosted by three organisations deeply rooted in the local arts scene: the Mid-Island Woodworkers’ Guild, the Oceanside Wood Carvers, and the DeCosmos Fine Arts Society. Together, they bring a mix of experience, passion, and volunteer effort that keeps the show grounded and authentic. It is a reminder that events like this do not happen by accident; they are built over time by people who care about craft and community.
The Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking, & Art Show is not just for woodworkers or artists. It is for anyone who enjoys seeing what patient hands and creative minds can do with a natural material. It is for those looking for inspiration, a conversation, or simply a good way to spend a spring weekend along with the other events happening as part of the Brant Wildlife Festival.
The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, located at 747 Jones Street, provides an accessible and comfortable setting, making it easy to drop in, wander, and enjoy. Whether arriving with a notebook full of questions or simply curiosity, visitors are likely to leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of working with wood or paint — and perhaps a new reason to mark April on the calendar. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Kids 12 and under are free. We look forward to seeing you there!
Brant Wildlife Family Festival
First Annual Brant Family Festival
Free of charge face painting and ice skating. DJ Connor will be performing with a lightshow and dancing in the pond.
Brant in the Bay
Try birding, it’s a hoot! Join the Arrowsmith Naturalist’s birding experts observing birds, hopefully Brant in Parksville Bay. Located at the Parksville Community Park, at the far end by the Mandala. We will have loaner binoculars and members will bring their scopes to share. This event is weather dependent.
Heritage Forest Tour
Tour of Heritage Forest
Join Tom Whitfield for an easy walk along the mulch trails of the 50-acre Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest. Here’s an opportunity to learn about old-growth Douglas-fir trees, forest ecology, wildlife and cultural history of this rare gem.
Register by emailing: heritageforest@shaw.ca
Brant Festival Free Skate
Brant Festival Free Skate
Free ice skating, rentals and face painting
Brant Colouring Contest Entry Deadline
Celebrate nature and wildlife by showcasing your creativity in the Brant Wildlife Festival Colouring Contest! Win a pizza party for your class or learning group.
How to Enter: Grab a colouring page from MABR or choose your own. Get Creative! Use crayons, markers, or paints to add your artistic touch.
Submit Your Artwork: Take a photo or scan your masterpiece and send it via email to ray@mabr.ca or drop of at the MABR Education Centre or Brant Festival Family Day at Ocean Side Place Sunday April 12, 2026.
Contest Timeline: Submissions are due by Sunday April 12th, 2026 at 3:00 pm.
Prizes: Winning entries will receive a pizza party for their class or learning group!
Judging Criteria:
Creativity
Connection to nature & wildlife
Use of colour
Movie Night with the QB Cinema Society
Movie Night with the QB Cinema Society
"Salmon Secrets" presented by Clayoquot Action from Tofino, Dan Lewis will be presenting followed by a Q&A.
"Call of the Orcas" and "Shared Water, Shared Crisis" is a presentation through the QB Museum.
Tickets will go on sale Mid March
Web: www.qbcinema.org
Contact: info@qbcinema.org
Infrastructure for Nature by Town Qualicum Beach
Infrastructure for Nature by Town Qualicum Beach
Tour the Rain Garden and Beach Creek Jetty with Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek.
Register at ray@mabr.ca
Basic Bird ID & Birdwatching Workshop
Basic Bird ID & Birdwatching workshop
A practical bird identification workshop, led by naturalist Dr. Lynne Brookes. This workshop is suitable for beginning/intermediate level participants and includes use of taxidermy mounts and viewing resident birds. Resource materials, birdwatching pointers, places to go and local bird viewing opportunities are all included. Bird ID skills will be practiced on-site at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, and off-site in the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area.
1:00-2:40 Welcome, discussion, bird ID basics and practice using taxidermy mounts and a PowerPoint presentation in the LC followed by practising bird ID onsite
2:40- 3:00 A hands on experience using the (free) Merlin bird ID app in the Eco-centre
3:15-4:30 Two off-site field visits with participants dispersing from the last site
Save Estuary Land Film Screening
Great Blue Heron and Coastal Wildlife - A Brant Wildlife Festival Video & Photo Event
Featuring photos and videos from local Oceanside Wildlife Photographers Deborah Freeman, Wayne Duke, Marnee Pearce, Randy Findlay and the Save Estuary Land Society. The panel of photographers will share stories about their experiences photographing wildlife and answer audience questions.
The theatre accommodates those using mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs.
Adult admission by donation and children are free.
A Silent Auction will be held at the event with bids collected on paper bid sheets
All funds raised support the Save Estuary Land Society's Viking Way Land Acquisition Campaign
Seating available on a first-come basis
For more info visit: https://www.saveestuarylandsociety.ca/
Contact: saveestuaryland@gmail.com
Red Dress Day
Join in to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Craft and display a red-dress token in remembrance of those lost while learning about the significance of Red Dress Day.
Qualicum Beach Streamkeeper Open House
Curious about our local streams and who the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers are?
Join us at the MABR Education Centre to meet the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers board and members! Enjoy coffee and snacks while exploring demonstration materials, maps, and planning discussions. Learn about upcoming projects and discover how you can get involved to help steward our local streams.
Friday March 6, 2026
1:00 -3:00 pm
124 West 2nd Ave Qualicum Beach
Brant Wildlife Children's Festival
Qualicum Beach Elementary School will host the 4th annual Brant Wildlife Children's Festival in their gymnasium. Please join us for this public celebration of learning orchestrated by Qualicum Beach Elementary students and teachers together with the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. The Brant Wildlife Children's Festival underscores our community's passion for collaboration and the environment featuring educational displays from over 25 different Vancouver Island groups together with students from preschool through high school. This event provides insight into our youth's devotion for preserving nature while paralleling the community groups' endeavours. Bridging the gap between classrooms and the community, fostering a collective sense of responsibility for the environment together.
Power of Stewardship
The Power of Stewardship – Celebrating Language, Land & Community
Join the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region for the 2nd annual Power of Stewardship, a free community event that brings people together to celebrate environmental care, cultural connections, and International Mother Language Day.
9:00 am - Doors Open
9:30 am - “Importance of understanding the connections between history and language in relationship to place.” Jesse Recalma Qualicum First Nations
10:45 am - “Leaving a Legacy for Nature” Nancy Randall
Nancy will work through all the stages in preparing to leave a legacy for nature and provide an overview of more than 14 different ways individuals can choose to leave a lasting legacy for conservation.
Research and Data Sharing Open House
Learn about the latest research, data, findings, and trends in our UNESCO biosphere region.
Biosphere Awareness Day
1st Annual Biosphere Awareness Day: “Community Connections”
The 1st Annual BAD day (Biosphere Awareness Day) is set to take place Thursday December 4 at the Kwalikum Secondary School. The BAD day aims to raise awareness that we live in a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Region and the collective community efforts that go into supporting its mandates.
This year's theme is “Community Connections” an event that connects students with the community by bringing community to school. This is a great reason for you to visit a local Secondary School and an opportunity to connect with local non-profit groups and government organizations working across the biosphere region. Over 30 nonprofit groups and government organizations have confirmed their attendance.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this milestone event and help inspire the next generation of stewards in our region. Your presence and participation will make a meaningful impact as we work together to strengthen connections, spark curiosity, and build a more informed and connected biosphere region. We look forward to seeing you there!
International Day of Biosphere Regions - Open House
International Day for Biosphere Regions - Open House
Join us Nov 3rd to celebrate the International Day of Biosphere Regions! Discover what UNESCO Biosphere Regions are and how they function, connecting communities, scientists, and organizations to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable living.
Learn about MABR’s Mission, Vision, and Mandate and discover ways to get involved in workshops, think tanks, and events. Then, take the Biosphere Knowledge Test - a fun, interactive way to explore your connection to the place you call home.
Find out more about the global program:
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/biosphere-reserves
Learn Local, Act Global.
Mushroom and Nature Festival
10th Annual Arrowsmith Naturalists Mushroom and Nature Festival
See and Wide variety of fresh local fungi including edible mushrooms and poisonous specimens. Learn about the ecological role of fungi and their uses as food, medicine and dyes.
Open House: Findings and insights from the MABR Climate Change Realities project
Join us for an open house where the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) will share findings and insights from the MABR Climate Change Realities project. From September 2024 to September 2025, the project explored the ways in which climate change is experienced and perceived in the MABR. Through interviews, workshops, and forums, the project captured the local stories and experiences of people living in our region. This event is a chance to explore how climate change is impacting our region and view the materials developed through the project.
Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration
Honouring Survivors. Remembering Truth. Building a Just Future
MABR Biogeoclimatic Zone Tour 2
Hosts: Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and Mosaic Forest Management
Attendees: Maximum 14 guests per day
Tour Leads: Ray Woroniak and Graham Sakaki (MABR) and Steve Adams and Pam Jorgenson (Mosaic)
Event Overview: Join the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) and Mosaic Forest Management (Mosaic) for a unique tour exploring the beauty and ecological diversity of our region through the lens of British Columbia’s Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) zones. This full day experience begins with a short indoor presentation and hands-on training session at the ts’xwelikshenawtxw (MABR Education Centre), where participants will learn how to identify forest ecosystems using the Field Guide for Site Interpretation for the Vancouver Forest Region. Then, embark on an experiential journey through forest lands, and riparian areas making stops in distinct biogeoclimatic zones, such as the Coastal Douglas-fir and Coastal Western Hemlock. Using the Field Guide, participants will gain practical skills in site identification and a foundational understanding of the diverse ecological landscapes that define our UNESCO-designated biosphere region.
Key Considerations: This tour will have a field component to it that may challenge participants. There will be one location where participants will be expected to walk ~1.0km roundtrip with considerable slopes each way. The tour has risks that include but are not limited to: trips, slips and falls, insect bites and stings and potential wildlife encounters. Neither the MABR or Mosaic take any responsibility for individuals’ participation in this tour and each participant will be asked to sign a personal liability waiver form before heading into the field. Both the MABR and Mosaic will also be collecting photo images of the tour which may be used on social media, a photo release form will be provided to each participant for signature.
Itinerary: Participants will meet at ts’xwelikshenawtxw (MABR Education Centre) located at 124 West Second Avenue, Qualicum Beach.
9:00-9:15 Welcome and Introductions
9:15-9:30 BEC Zone Presentation
9:30-10:15 BEC Zone Training Session
10:15-10:30 Safety Briefing*
10:30-11:00 Travel
11:00-12:15 BEC Site Number 1
12:15-1:00 Travel (eat lunch on bus)
1:00-2:45 BEC Site Number 2
2:45-3:30 Travel (return to ts’xwelikshenawtxw)
To register, contact Ray Woroniak at Ray.Woroniak@viu.ca
MABR Biogeoclimatic Zone Tour
Hosts: Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and Mosaic Forest Management
Attendees: Maximum 14 guests per day
Tour Leads: Ray Woroniak and Graham Sakaki (MABR) and Steve Adams and Pam Jorgenson (Mosaic)
Event Overview: Join the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) and Mosaic Forest Management (Mosaic) for a unique tour exploring the beauty and ecological diversity of our region through the lens of British Columbia’s Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) zones. This full day experience begins with a short indoor presentation and hands-on training session at the ts’xwelikshenawtxw (MABR Education Centre), where participants will learn how to identify forest ecosystems using the Field Guide for Site Interpretation for the Vancouver Forest Region. Then, embark on an experiential journey through forest lands, and riparian areas making stops in distinct biogeoclimatic zones, such as the Coastal Douglas-fir and Coastal Western Hemlock. Using the Field Guide, participants will gain practical skills in site identification and a foundational understanding of the diverse ecological landscapes that define our UNESCO-designated biosphere region.
Key Considerations: This tour will have a field component to it that may challenge participants. There will be one location where participants will be expected to walk ~1.0km roundtrip with considerable slopes each way. The tour has risks that include but are not limited to: trips, slips and falls, insect bites and stings and potential wildlife encounters. Neither the MABR or Mosaic take any responsibility for individuals’ participation in this tour and each participant will be asked to sign a personal liability waiver form before heading into the field. Both the MABR and Mosaic will also be collecting photo images of the tour which may be used on social media, a photo release form will be provided to each participant for signature.
Itinerary: Participants will meet at ts’xwelikshenawtxw (MABR Education Centre) located at 124 West Second Avenue, Qualicum Beach.
9:00-9:15 Welcome and Introductions
9:15-9:30 BEC Zone Presentation
9:30-10:15 BEC Zone Training Session
10:15-10:30 Safety Briefing*
10:30-11:00 Travel
11:00-12:15 BEC Site Number 1
12:15-1:00 Travel (eat lunch on bus)
1:00-2:45 BEC Site Number 2
2:45-3:30 Travel (return to ts’xwelikshenawtxw)
To register, contact Ray Woroniak at Ray.Woroniak@viu.ca
ts'xuliqw' - Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region
Join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and MABR’s 10 Amazing Places. Our 2025 Summer Exhibition at the McMillan Arts Centre will showcase the work of local artists and arts organizations that will take you on a journey to amazing places through a unique and spectacular artistic lens.
Contact: Mandy Fraser
Qualicum Beach Thursday Night Market
Join us every Thursday evening in July & August 2025 for one of the summer’s most loved events.
Shop locally made products
Browse handcrafted goods
Enjoy delicious eats
Catch live music and entertainment in Heard Square
This vibrant evening market celebrates local talent, supports small businesses, and helps build a stronger, more inclusive economy right here in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR). By showing up and shopping local, you're taking part in something bigger - creating a healthier economy, a more connected community, and a more sustainable future.
Come connect, shop, eat, and experience the power of community - one Thursday at a time.
Vendors
The Night Market is now accepting vendor applications. If you're interested in participating, please submit a completed vendor application form to Julie to be considered.
2025 Vendors
Beach Comber Designs | Bite Me Cookie Company | Coastal Cones Ice Cream | Comox Valley Mushrooms | Damselfly’s | Days of Yore | Dog Day Creations | Fox and Bee | Funky Find Clayworks | Glowing Hive | JLA Food Truck | Keenu's Farm | Knockananna Grill | Knotty Creations | Light Houses and More | Lydra Miller Soaps | My Sewn Bags | Night Stitcher | Pegasus Soap | Pours by Shell | Pressburg Bakery | Rebel Knots | Seen Your Bag | Sharon Brierley hand crafted goods | Spitfire Imprints | Swayne Creek Ciderhouse | Tamara Fosty - Holistic Healing | Telluric Tonics | The Funky Lemon Shack | Three Dogs and Company | Tim and Carolinas Eatery | Valerie Strom Art | Yumm Numms |
Contacts
Volunteer Market Coordinator
Julie
250-228-8822
Beefrivolous@yahoo.com
Market Host
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region
250-594-0405
Ray.Woroniak@viu.ca
Market Dates
July 3, 2025
July 10, 2025
July 17, 2025
July 24, 2025
July 31, 2025
August 7, 2025
August 14, 2025
August 21, 2025
August 28, 2025
Think Tank - Rivers Day 2
Would you like to help shape this year’s Rivers Day Festival? Join us in planning engaging activities and educational experiences that celebrate our waterways and make a lasting impact. Together, we’ll create a new annual and unforgettable event that highlights the vital importance of our rivers and fosters a stronger human connection to nature.
To register please contact Ray Woroniak
Biosphere BioBlitz
The MABR BioBlitz is an annual citizen-science event driven by the community and spanning across three days. The BioBlitz is aimed at documenting as many species as possible within a specific area and timeframe. It provides a fun and engaging way to connect with the environment while contributing valuable data for scientific research and conservation efforts. The MABR BioBlitz is tailored to all levels of experts who want to learn and support identification of flora and fauna.
Make sure to join our project page in iNaturalist! 2025 MABR BioBlitz
Contact: Mandy Fraser
iNaturalist Training and BioBlitz Preparation (2)
Get ready to explore, document, and protect biodiversity in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR)!
MABR iNaturalist Training & BioBlitz preparation - Free iNaturalist training will be provided in preparation for the MABR-wide public BioBlitz, with a specific focus on the Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) application sites of Qualicum Beach Community Park, Grandon Creek, Heritage Forest, Parksville Wetlands, and French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve.
Help map biodiversity across our biosphere region, strengthen data for conservation recognition and the OECM applications!
Training will include downloading and learning to use the iNaturalist application. The MABR-wide BioBlitz will be June 6-8, 2025
Note: The June 6-8 BioBlitz is not supervised by the MABR. Several local stewardship groups from the Mid Island Stewardship Caucus (MISC) will be participating. Please reach out to them directly, or email ray.woroniak@viu.ca if you would like to participate with a stewardship group.
NatureKids - Marmot Art
Learn about the amazing Vancouver Island Marmot with a fun art experience! Use carbon paper to trace this furry friend, then bring it to life with colourful finger painting. Get creative and discover one of Canada’s cutest and rarest animals!
Contact: Ray Woroniak
For more information and to become a member of NatureKids visit our website page https://www.mabr.ca/naturekids
iNaturalist Training and BioBlitz Preparation
Get ready to explore, document, and protect biodiversity in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR)!
MABR iNaturalist Training & BioBlitz preparation - Free iNaturalist training will be provided in preparation for the MABR-wide public BioBlitz, with a specific focus on the Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) application sites of Qualicum Beach Community Park, Grandon Creek, Heritage Forest, Parksville Wetlands, and French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve.
Help map biodiversity across our biosphere region, strengthen data for conservation recognition and the OECM applications!
Training will include downloading and learning to use the iNaturalist application. The MABR-wide BioBlitz will be June 6-8, 2025
Note: The June 6-8 BioBlitz is not supervised by the MABR. Several local stewardship groups from the Mid Island Stewardship Caucus (MISC) will be participating. Please reach out to them directly, or email ray.woroniak@viu.ca if you would like to participate with a stewardship group.
Climate Storytelling Workshop
How can you talk about climate change with power and clarity? Are you struggling to get people to care about conservation? Ready to inspire others and grow your local impact?
Join MABRRI and communications strategist, Chloë Fraser, on Tuesday, May 20, for a dynamic workshop on climate storytelling for impact. This session is designed for local conservation stewards, community organizers, or anyone who cares about climate change and wants to:
Recruit more volunteers
Mobilize supporters
Engage local decision-makers
Discover and share their own climate story
Frame climate issues in ways that resonate
We’ll dive into what makes climate storytelling effective in today’s polarized and overwhelmed information landscape. Learn how to identify your target audiences, craft compelling narratives, and amplify the impact of your stewardship projects.
Through practical content and interactive activities, you’ll leave with stronger storytelling skills and a clearer sense of how to make your environmental work heard — and felt. This is also a chance to reflect on what drives you in a supportive, small-group setting.
This workshop is being hosted as part of the MABR Climate Change Realities project, which aims to establish a local understanding of climate change experiences, perspectives, and impacts within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) (ranging from Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay). Learn more about the MABR Climate Change Realities project.
Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended. Register here.
Contact: Courtney Vaugeois
Doors open: 5:15 pm
Think Tank - Community, Culture and Sustainable Tourism 2
Join the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region for this dynamic two-part Think Tank session focused on fostering sustainable tourism and creating community culture events to draw visitors to the Oceanside area during BC’s Culture Days and in celebration of UNESCO World Tourism Day on Sept 27th.
To register please contact Ray Woroniak@viu.ca
Traditional Plant Workshop
Join us for the MABR Traditional Plant Workshop, featuring presentations from local experts: Snuneymuxw Elder Geraldine Manson, Dr. Nancy Turner, and Kim Recalma.
Learn about traditional plant names, gathering locations, harvesting tools, techniques, and the cultural, nutritional, and medicinal significance of native species. Guests will also have the opportunity to create and sample a variety of foods and medicines made from native plants. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your connection to local knowledge and traditional practices.
About the presenters:
Geraldine Manson (C’etasia) is an Elder-in-Residence for VIU and in this role finds herself working directly with students, faculty and staff sharing all she has learned over the years from her Elders. Her, Snuneymuxw Elders chose her many years ago to be mentored by them. They shared the history of the land, from the mountains to the rivers that flow into the Salish Sea and back to the land; all the resources each contain. The importance of the environment. They taught her culture and values of life. That language was important to learn and why. Her Auntie Ellen White taught her the importance of plants and making medicine. Not just make medicine but the sacredness of what encircles the path of making medicine.
Dr. Nancy Turner is well-known across Canada for her passion and devotion in ethnobotany. She became connected to many First Nation Elders within their communities from Coast to Coast whose expert knowledge on plants and uses demonstrated how important their knowledge was of what native plants and ecological interactions are with the environment changes/seasons. Nancy has produced several books on the cultural importance of plants and their uses.
Oqwilowgwa or Kim Recalma-Clutesi is an artist, film maker and educator who works within her Nation, academically and cross-culturally. She has received extensive cultural, academic and political training since childhood. Kim has worked with traditional medicines for more than 50 years. She has won international awards for films and work documenting the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples.
Admission is by donation at the door, and tickets must be reserved through Eventbrite. Space is limited. Register to secure your spot here.
For any questions, please contact the event organizer at Ray.Woroniak@viu.ca.
NatureKids Outing - Stream Assessment Survey (2)
Event: Stream assessment survey
Contact: Ray Woroniak
For more information and to become a member of NatureKids visit our website page https://www.mabr.ca/naturekids
Circle Talk - Sustainable Living
What sustainable practices do you incorporate into your daily life, and how can others adopt them?
Join us for this dynamic Circle Talk where we’ll explore these questions together to create a biosphere guide to practical ideas for sustainable living, empowering residents to make small changes that collectively benefit the biosphere.
Contact: Ray Woroniak
Brant Wildlife Festival
The Brant Wildlife Festival aims to connect community with the spectacular migratory return of Brant geese to raise awareness for the biological diversity within the region and highlight the importance of protecting critical habitat and minimizing disturbance to wildlife. The Brant Wildlife Festival takes place during a time where wildlife is extremely active, with Brant Geese preparing for their migration and herring spawning, many other species are attracted to the shores and waters. Beaches within the MABR and surrounding areas provide an abundant food source for the Brant geese in the midst of their migration.
The Brant Wildlife Festival brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate nature. The festival hosts a multitude of events in the Spring that connect people with nature, educate people of all ages on topics of conservation, and celebrate the incredible biodiversity our region has to offer. The Brant Wildlife Festival is the only one of its kind on Vancouver Island.
Contact: Mandy Fraser
NatureKids Outing - Heritage Forest
Event: Guided Tour of Heritage Forest
Contact: Ray Woroniak
For more information and to become a member of NatureKids visit our website page https://www.mabr.ca/naturekids
Brant Wildlife Children’s Festival
Arrowview Elementary School will host the 3rd annual Brant Wildlife Children's Festival in their gymnasium. Please join us for this public celebration of learning orchestrated by Arrowview Elementary students and teachers together with the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. The Brant Wildlife Children's Festival underscores our community's passion for collaboration and the environment featuring educational displays from over 25 different Vancouver Island groups together with students from preschool through high school. This event provides insight into our youth's devotion for preserving nature while paralleling the community groups' endeavours. Bridging the gap between classrooms and the community, fostering a collective sense of responsibility for the environment together.
Think Tank - Community, Culture and Sustainable Tourism
Join the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region for this dynamic two-part Think Tank session focused on fostering sustainable tourism and creating community culture events to draw visitors to the Oceanside area during BC’s Culture Days and in celebration of UNESCO World Tourism Day on September 27th.
To register please contact Ray Woroniak@viu.ca
Speaker Series - Eelgrass Presentation
Explore eelgrass ecology, its habitat, and its essential role in coastal ecosystems. Discover ongoing restoration and conservation efforts and how eelgrass meadows support biodiversity, sustain salmon populations, and enhance shoreline stability.
Learn about World Seagrass Day, celebrated annually on March 1st, and explore the Resilient Estuaries of the Salish Sea project—its successes, challenges, and the collaborative work being done to safeguard estuaries for the future.
The presenters from SeaChange will have an informative display about estuaries and eelgrass. Estuaries are vital wetland habitats, formed where freshwater from rivers meet the saltwater of the ocean and mix. Come visit the MABR Educational Centre to learn more about healthy estuary ecosystems, the eelgrass lifecycle, wildlife that live in eelgrass meadows, and what you can do to help keep estuaries healthy. The display will have interactive art, games, and colouring sheets you can take home!
Speakers:
Susan Anthony, Biological Researcher and Project Manager
Phil Climie, Regional Coordinator
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Contact: Ray Woroniak
The Power of Stewardship
A recognition initiative that highlights the remarkable contributions of local stewardship groups and individuals dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. This event is a great way to meet local stewardship groups and discover volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and the work being done to protect and enhance our local environment. Attendees can explore interactive displays showcasing innovative projects, hear inspiring stories from local environmental leaders, listen to scheduled speakers, and participate in Q&A. The event also provides opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, learn how to support local conservation initiatives, and build a stronger, more connected community. Whether you're a seasoned conservationist or curious about how you can make a difference, The Power of Stewardship is for you.
Schedule:
9:45am - Doors open
10:00am - Discussion panel begins
11:00am - First speaker: Ally Badger and Haley Tomlin will present Tire Wear Toxin Monitoring, stewardship volunteers and the BCCF.
11:30am - Second speaker: Nancy Randall - presentation to be announced soon.
The panel will host local experts Erica Forssmen, RDN Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Coordinator, and Jacob Melville, DFO Community Advisor. The panel will be facilitated by Dr. Pam Shaw, MABRRI Research Director.
NatureKids Crafts
Join us for animal-based crafts and a new MABR watershed puzzle. For more information and to become a member of NatureKids, visit our NatureKids page.
Contact: Ray Woroniak