Raincoast Education Society

Wandering Words: Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration
2021-02-10 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom Event
Wandering Words: Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration
Given the Provincial Covid announcement in November, this will be a Zoom Event.
Join us to learn about the local language and world view. Explore sounds and enjoy a glimpse into the significance of the official language of this place, the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ / Tla-o-qui-aht language of Nuu-chah-nulth.
Gisele Martin will lead a mobile Nuu-chah-nulth language practice session.
This event is the third in a series of three & lead by Gisele. Gisele Maria Martin is a citizen of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island. She is a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks guardian, Nuu-chah-nulth language & culture activist and artist.
February 2021 language poster

Magnificent Mollusk Speaker Series 2 of 5
2021-02-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom Event
Ian Riddick Poster no QR_final

Magnificent Mollusk Speaker Series 1 of 5
2021-01-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom Event
Sea Garden Poster_Jan_26_noQR

Wandering Words: Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration
2021-01-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Zoom Event
Wandering Words: Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration
Given the Provincial Covid announcement in November, this will be a Zoom Event.
Join us to learn about the local language and world view. Explore sounds and enjoy a glimpse into the significance of the official language of this place, the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ / Tla-o-qui-aht language of Nuu-chah-nulth.
Gisele Martin will lead a Nuu-chah-nulth language practice session.
This event is the second in a series of three & lead by Gisele. Gisele Maria Martin is a citizen of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island. She is a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks guardian, Nuu-chah-nulth language & culture activist and artist.
RSVP for the third in the Wandering Words Series here.
Jan 2021 language poster_qr

Wandering Words: Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration
2020-12-09 15:00 - 16:30 | BC
Wandering Words: Outdoor Nuu-chah-nulth Language Exploration
Given the most recent Provincial Covid announcement, our event has officially become a Zoom Event. Please RSVP to register to the zoom event, you will be emailed a zoom meeting link.
Join us to learn about the local language and world view. Explore sounds and enjoy a glimpse into the significance of the official language of this place, the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ / Tla-o-qui-aht language of Nuu-chah-nulth.
Gisele Martin will lead a mobile Nuu-chah-nulth language practice session.
This event is the first in a series of three this year & lead by Gisele. Gisele Maria Martin is a citizen of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island. She is a Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks guardian, Nuu-chah-nulth language & culture activist and artist.
wandering words no rsvp link

Feast Tofino & Ucluelet Long Table Dinner: Tofino
2020-10-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
A Feast Tofino & Ucluelet Event benefiting Raincoast Education Society.

The 10th Anniversary Long Table Dinner theme: Resilience. A safe outdoor gathering of <50 people. Relax and enjoy local food, wine & music.

George Patterson, founder, creator and Supreme Director of the Botanical Gardens along with head baker and Mayor Josie Osborne host Feast Tofino & Ucluelet’s Long Table Dinner. Magically, no long tables will actually be used. Our team of local and visiting chefs including Ian Riddick, Matty Kane, Shaun Snelling and Lisa Ahier working with four visiting chefs from every corner of Canada, including Bruno Feldeisen, Rich Francis, Murray McDonald and Robin Wasicuna, Ian promise to provide an extraordinary evening of gastronomical delight, fun and frivolity too.

The menu is a work-in-progress but that’s the way great chefs work: inspired by the foraged, farmed and fished ingredients as well as their collaboration with each other. This much is clear:
At 5pm festivities begin with a formal welcome ceremony followed by cocktails/mocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. By 6pm all guests are in their physically distanced seats and the 1st course is served paired with a local wine, beer or cider. The second course follows and so on until dessert is finished around 8pm and guests depart.

Vegans are catered to as equals. Other dietary issues? No problem – just let us know. With only 30 diners and 6 chefs it’s easy to accommodate just about any request. These ratios also ensure each guest has an opportunity to interact with our talented team of chefs. Ask questions, get recipes, tips and techniques. Our team of volunteers will be delighted to help you take photos so no awkward selfies required.
Live music will accompany the meal.

20% of net ticket sales will be donated to support the Raincoast Education Society.

Feast Tofino & Ucluelet Long Table Dinner: Ucluelet
2020-10-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Heartwood Kitchen, 1682 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet, British Columbia, V0R 3A0, Canada
A Feast Tofino & Ucluelet Event benefiting Raincoast Education Society.

The 10th Anniversary Long Table Dinner theme: Resilience. A safe outdoor gathering of <50 people. Relax and enjoy local food, wine & music.

The menu is a work-in-progress but that’s the way great chefs work: inspired by the foraged, farmed and fished ingredients as well as their collaboration with each other. This much is clear:
At 5pm festivities begin with a formal welcome ceremony followed by cocktails/mocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. By 6pm all guests are in their physically distanced seats and the 1st course is served paired with a local wine, beer or cider. The second course follows and so on until dessert is finished around 8pm and guests depart.

Vegans are catered to as equals. Other dietary issues? No problem – just let us know. With only 30 diners and 6 chefs it’s easy to accommodate just about any request. These ratios also ensure each guest has an opportunity to interact with our talented team of chefs. Ask questions, get recipes, tips and techniques. Our team of volunteers will be delighted to help you take photos so no awkward selfies required.
Live music will accompany the meal.

20% of net ticket sales will be donated to support Raincoast Education Society.

Mushrooms of the West Coast
2020-10-09 19:00 - 2020-10-11 13:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
This weekend field course will introduce participants to the wonderful world of West Coast Mushrooms. Topics to be covered include introduction to fungi (what are they, and what is their role in our forests?), essentials of collecting and identifying fungi in the field, edible, medicinal and poisonous fungi, cooking with wild mushrooms, and more!

Course Registration is $250 per person, and includes lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Friday (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm)

Presentation – overview of wild mushrooms, different fungus groups, role of fungi in ecosystems & mushroom identification.

Saturday (9:00 am – 8:30 pm, with breaks)

Field collection of wild mushrooms at field site.
Group lunch (provided).
Sorting of mushroom collections, spore prints, microscope ID session.
Mushroom cooking demonstration and tasting.
Presentation on foraging and identifying edible mushrooms.

Sunday (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

Field collection and identification of wild (edible) mushrooms.
Group lunch (provided) and course wrap-up.

About the instructor:

Dr. Andy MacKinnon is a forest ecologist who lives in Metchosin BC. His fields of study include BC’s native plants, fungi and lichens. Andy is co-author of Mushrooms of British Columbia , and of six field guides to plants of western North America. He is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University, and past President of the South Vancouver Island Mycological Society.

Check out photos from the 2019 course below (due to covid there was not a 2020 course):

Junior Naturalist's Club
2020-09-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Darwin’s Cafe @ Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
Junior Naturalist’s Club
Our guided rainforest walks will offer youth a unique understanding of this globally significant ecosystem, from the impressive diversity of flora and fauna to the interconnections with the marine environment. Children 5 & up. Drop off and Pick up next to Darwin’s Café.
Date: Wednesdays in July and August, and Sept 2nd
Time: 1:00-2:00pm
Location: Drop off next to Darwin’s Café, Tofino Botanical Gardens (1084 Pacific Rim Hwy)
Cost: Free

Plankton Tuesday!
2020-09-01 13:00 - 15:30 | Ocean Outfitters, 368 Main Street, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
Plankton Tuesday!
Though you may not always see them – plankton are out there, and some will become a feast for tiny fish or giant whales. Come observe plankton from up close and learn more! Stop by the breezeway next to Ocean Outfitters – plankton samples will be ready for microscope observation of these fascinating creatures.
Date: Every Tuesday in July and August, and Sept 1st
Time: 1:00-3:30pm
Location: Meet outside Ocean Outfitters (368 Main St.)
Cost: Free

Support Raincoast Field School
2020-09-01 - 2020-09-30 | Online, Canada
Please help us keep the Raincoast Field School program running through 2020 and beyond; make a donation during our matching campaign this September!

Raincoast Field School directly engages over 500 students through up to 200 field trips per year. It’s the kind of program you won’t find anywhere else! Raincoast Field School is entirely funded by the RES, offered to every single student in every single class (K-7) at no cost to their parents, their teachers, or the school. We are only able to run this program with the generous support of our donors – local businesses and individuals who care about what we do and support us in our mission year after year. We are reaching out to ask for your support to help us ensure Field School remains a key component of the educational experience children in our community can count on. Please help us ensure this program continues in 2020 and beyond!

Beach Seine
2020-08-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Tofino Sea Kayaking, 320 Main Street, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
Explore intertidal eelgrass meadows and learn about the animals that live in this important habitat at a beach seine this summer!
Most of us have probably encountered eelgrass – from spending hours in the ocean alongside these green ribbons, or exploring eelgrass-filled mudflats. Eelgrass meadows create habitat for a myriad of coastal species and act as a highly productive ecosystem. And it’s thanks to eelgrass that today’s halibut fish fry or tonight’s salmon dinner is possible. The meadows form a buffer in the water that softens the impact of waves and currents, reducing coastal erosion and creating a calm habitat. This provides a nursery for many juvenile fish, including rockfish, salmon and halibut, and also provides an ideal habitat for herring to spawn. These fish are preyed upon by waterfowl such as: Great Blue Heron, migrating shorebirds and ducks. In addition, eelgrass blades act as a substrate for diatoms and other algae, which get grazed upon by many eelgrass-dwelling invertebrates such as nudibranchs, crabs and shrimp.
We will work together to pull the seine net up on to the beach, and learn how to handle the animals we catch with care. All animals collected will be gently returned to the ocean.
Gumboots recommended – this program will run rain or shine!

CANCELLED 20th Annual Tofino Lantern Festival
2020-08-23 19:30 - 22:30 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
CANCELLED
The Tofino Lantern Festival is the Raincoast Education Society’s signature community event and fundraiser, drawing the young and old with an unbelievable variety of handmade lanterns, live music, dance performance, food vendors, and other entertainment.
We have cancelled the Festival due to the ongoing global pandemic. Please consider donating your admission fee instead to support our free educational programs!

Don’t miss out on one of Tofino’s most beloved and magical festivals, rain or shine! We hope to bring the festival back in 2021!
Festival details are provided below for your interest – the festival is cancelled for 2020.
Festival opens at 7:30 pm, trails open at 8:30 pm
Adults: $15 (cash only) / Kids under 12: FREE
This is a car free event! Please make use of the free shuttle from the village green to Tofino Botanical Gardens starting at 7 pm. The last shuttle will leave the gardens at 11 pm.
Please, no dogs at the Tofino Lantern Festival.
This is a drug & alcohol free event.

Ocean Camp | Tofino
2020-08-17 09:00 - 2020-08-21 15:30 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
Ocean Camp (Tofino)
Dates: August 17- 21

Time: 9:00-15:30
Location: Tofino Botanical Gardens (location may change)
Cost: $250

This camp is all about salt water and anything that lives in it! Explore coastal nooks and crannies, investigate tides and marine critters, play games with your friends, and roast treats over a beach campfire – these are just a few of the activities that will take place during Ocean Camp.
Ages: 7 – 10
Register through Tofino Recreation Guide
http://www.tofino.ca/recreation

Forest Camp | Ucluelet
2020-08-10 09:00 - 2020-08-14 15:30 | Ucluelet Community Centre, 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet, British Columbia, V0R 3A0, Canada
Forest Camp (Ucluelet)

Dates: August 10-14
Time: 9:00-15:30
Location: Ucluelet Community Centre
Cost: $250

Description:
Discover the wonders of the forest and stream ecosystems! Camp days include exciting survival games, tricks to stay safe in the woods, ecology of local rainforest flora and fauna, roasting treats over a beach campfire, and a competition to build the best outdoor shelter possible.
Ages: 7 – 10

Register through Ucluelet Parks & Recreation
https://ucluelet.ca/community/parks-recreation

Ocean Camp | Ucluelet
2020-07-20 09:00 - 2020-07-24 15:30 | Ucluelet Community Centre, 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet, British Columbia, V0R 3A0, Canada
Ocean Camp (Ucluelet)
Dates: July 20 -24

Time: 9:00-15:30
Location: Ucluelet Community Centre (location may change)
Cost: $250

This camp is all about salt water and anything that lives in it! Explore coastal nooks and crannies, investigate tides and marine critters, play games with your friends, and roast treats over a beach campfire – these are just a few of the activities that will take place during Ocean Camp.
Ages: 7 – 10
Register through Ucluelet Parks & Recreation
https://ucluelet.ca/community/parks-recreation

Forest Camp | Tofino
2020-07-13 09:00 - 2020-07-17 15:30 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
Forest Camp (Tofino)
Dates: July 13- 17

Time: 9:00-15:30
Location: Tofino Botanical Gardens
Cost: $225
Discover the wonders of the forest and stream ecosystems! Camp days include exciting survival games, tricks to stay safe in the woods, ecology of local rainforest flora and fauna, roasting treats over a beach campfire, and a competition to build the best outdoor shelter possible.
Ages: 7 – 10
Register through Tofino Recreation Guide
http://www.tofino.ca/recreation

Small Town, Big Picture: Tofino – Ambassador Program Session
2020-07-08 17:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
This three-hour orientation session delivers the “big picture” of living in Tofino. Learn about local history and basic ecology, cross-cultural understanding, businesses and activities, festivals, host etiquette, and important civic information. This is a great way to get up-to-date local’s information about living and working in Tofino.
This course is a suggested prerequisite for other courses.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: May 6, May 13, May 20, May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.

Photo by Shaun Stewart, Capturing the Coast submission.

Nuu-chah-nulth Lands & Waters – Ambassador Program Session
2020-06-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Online, Canada
This three-hour session is an introduction to Nuu-chah-nulth homelands, culture, and language. Learn about local history, cross cultural understanding, Nuu-chah-nulth language, and cultural world view. Explore the ancient and continued interconnections between the local landscape, the ocean and First Nations culture.
The sessions will alternate their regional focus between Ucluelet and Tofino on a weekly rotation (regional focus noted alongside dates listed below).
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Dates: June 16 Tofino, June 23 Tofino

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.
Photo by Gisele Maria Martin.

Nuu-chah-nulth Lands & Waters – Ambassador Program Session
2020-06-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Online, Canada
This three-hour session is an introduction to Nuu-chah-nulth homelands, culture, and language. Learn about local history, cross cultural understanding, Nuu-chah-nulth language, and cultural world view. Explore the ancient and continued interconnections between the local landscape, the ocean and First Nations culture.
The sessions will alternate their regional focus between Ucluelet and Tofino on a weekly rotation (regional focus noted alongside dates listed below).
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 10AM – 1PM
Dates: June 16 Tofino, June 23 Tofino

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.
Photo by Gisele Maria Martin.

Terrestrial Ecology – Ambassador Program Session
2020-06-15 09:30 - 12:30 | Online, Canada
This three-hour session, taught by Barb Beasley, focuses on coastal terrestrial ecosystems. From the forest floor to the top of the canopy, this course will explore the interactions that occur in our local terrestrial ecosystems and the many species that inhabit them.
The sessions will alternate their regional focus between Ucluelet and Tofino on a weekly rotation (regional focus noted alongside dates listed below).
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 pm
Dates: June 15 Tofino

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.
Photo: Two Corvids, April Bencze, Capturing the Coast 2018

Marine Ecology – Ambassador Program Session
2020-06-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
This three-hour session focuses on the rich marine environment that plays an integral role in life on this coast. This course will cover the intertidal and pelagic ecosystems of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds, including seaweeds, invertebrates, and marine mammals (and more!) as well as local oceanographic conditions. The sessions will alternate their regional focus between Ucluelet and Tofino on a weekly rotation (regional focus noted alongside dates listed below).
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: May 8 Tofino, May 15 Ucluelet, May 22 Tofino, May 29 Ucluelet, June 5 Tofino, June 12 Ucluelet

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.

Photo by Dane Stabel, Capturing the Coast submission.

Raincoast Field School @ home
2020-06-11 11:00 - 11:30 | Online, Canada
Raincoast Field School @ home is an interactive online program delivered by Raincoast Field School instructors, educators and scientists. The program is being created to provide our local students (and beyond!) nature-based programming during COVID-19 related school closures.
Weekly ecology lessons are offered at 11 am PDT on Tuesday and Thursday, and can be joined from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Lessons will be best suited for families with children in Grades K-7. Links to supplementary materials and recorded videos will be posted on the Raincoast Field School @ home page after the lesson.

Register for email updates and links to the live lessons.

Registration is free. By providing your email address when you register we will be able to send you reminders, links and keep you up to date on future offerings. You can join the lesson from your home computer, smartphone or tablet.

Nuu-chah-nulth Lands & Waters – Ambassador Program Session
2020-06-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
This three-hour session is an introduction to Nuu-chah-nulth homelands, culture, and language. Learn about local history, cross cultural understanding, Nuu-chah-nulth language, and cultural world view. Explore the ancient and continued interconnections between the local landscape, the ocean and First Nations culture.
The sessions will alternate their regional focus between Ucluelet and Tofino on a weekly rotation (regional focus noted alongside dates listed below).
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: May 5 Tofino, May 12 Ucluelet, May 19 Tofino, May 26 Ucluelet, June 2 Tofino, June 9 Ucluelet, June 16 Tofino, June 23 Tofino

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.
Photo by Gisele Maria Martin.

Terrestrial Ecology – Ambassador Program Session
2020-06-08 17:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
This three-hour session, taught by Barb Beasley, focuses on coastal terrestrial ecosystems. From the forest floor to the top of the canopy, this course will explore the interactions that occur in our local terrestrial ecosystems and the many species that inhabit them.
The sessions will alternate their regional focus between Ucluelet and Tofino on a weekly rotation (regional focus noted alongside dates listed below).
Small Town, Big Picture is a suggested prerequisite for this course.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: May 11 Ucluelet, May 18 Tofino, May 25 Ucluelet, June 1 Tofino, June 8 Ucluelet, June 15 Tofino

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.
Photo: Two Corvids, April Bencze, Capturing the Coast 2018

Marine Invertebrates of the West Coast
2020-06-05 19:00 - 2020-06-07 13:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
In light of the Covid 19 recommendations for social distancing and staying home, the 2020 field course has been cancelled.

Please sign up here to be notified of future course offerings.
This weekend field course will introduce participants to the diversity and ecology of Pacific Northwest invertebrates.
Topics to be covered in this year’s course include an introduction to invertebrates (What are they? What is their role in coastal ecology?), invertebrate biodiversity in the Pacific Northwest, morphology and adaptations of common phyla, scientific drawing, and more!

Course fee is $250, and includes lunch on Saturday and Sunday and admission to the Aquarium.

Friday, June 5th (7:00 – 8:30 pm)

Presentation – we will discuss what makes an invertebrate and how they differ from other groups of organisms. We will then go over the major groupings of invertebrates and delve into some of the most common ones we find on the west coast.

Saturday, June 6th (8:00 am – 8:30 pm, with breaks) Low tide is at 8:03 am (0 feet / 0.0 m!)

Field trip to explore the intertidal zone on Tofino’s rocky coast and practice naturalist skills, including fundamentals of invertebrate identification and characteristics of common phyla.
Work on observational drawings at field site.
Plankton collection and workshop at the Ucluelet Aquarium!
Presentation – explore the ecology of intertidal invertebrates discussing zonation and biological relationships as well as the morphological adaptations that help invertebrates survive in the intertidal zone.

Sunday, June 7th (8:00 am – 1:00 pm) Low tide is at 8:49 am (0.3 feet / 0.1 m)

Putting it all together – field trip to identify invertebrates and their communities in nature, including opportunities to share what you’ve learned with the group.

About the instructor:

Dr. Kylee Pawluk is a marine ecologist and invertebrate lover. Kylee’s research has focused on understanding how environmental and biological factors influence marine invertebrates and seaweeds. She has been an instructor at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and the University of Victoria teaching various courses such as marine invertebrate zoology and coastal conservation. She is currently the Regional Projects Coordinator for the Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP) working on marine spatial planning. To find out more about Kylee visit http://kpawluk.com/

Check out photos of last year’s course below:

Small Town, Big Picture: Ucluelet – Ambassador Program Session
2020-05-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
This three-hour orientation session delivers the “big picture” of living in Ucluelet. Learn about local history and basic ecology, cross-cultural understanding, businesses and activities, festivals, host etiquette, and important civic information. This is a great way to get up-to-date local’s information about living and working in Ucluelet.
This course is a suggested prerequisite for other courses.
Location: Zoom Meeting (Register to receive the meeting link, allow a few minutes for the link to arrive in your inbox).
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dates: May 7, May 14, May 21

The West Coast Ambassador Program is a joint initiative of the Raincoast Education Society, the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino. The Raincoast Education Society is responsible for course curriculum, registration, and program delivery.

Photo: Capturing the Coast submission, 2018

Seaweeds of the West Coast 2020
2020-05-08 19:00 - 2020-05-10 13:00 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
In light of the Covid 19 recommendations for social distancing and staying home, the 2020 field course has been cancelled.

Please sign up here to be notified of future course offerings.
This weekend field course, based out of the Tofino Botanical Gardens, will introduce participants to the world of west coast seaweeds. Topics to be covered in this year’s course include an introduction to seaweeds (What are they? What is their role in coastal ecology?), biodiversity of west coast seaweeds, essentials of collecting and identifying seaweeds, seaweed foraging, the relationship between seaweeds and people, pressing and preserving seaweeds, and more!
We are excited to welcome back course instructors Dr. Bridgette Clarkston and Dr. Katy Hind who will come to Tofino to share their seaweed knowledge and expertise with us.

Course registration is $250 per person, and includes lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, May 8th (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm)

Presentation – overview of west coast seaweeds, different seaweed groups, role of seaweeds in coastal marine ecosystems.

Saturday, May 9th (8:00 am – 8:30 pm, with breaks) Low tide is at 9:03 am (0.3 feet / 0.1 m)

Field trip to explore seaweeds on Tofino’s rocky coast and practice naturalist skills, including fundamentals of seaweed identification.
Collection of seaweeds at field site.
Workshop to practice using dichotomous keys, field guides and online databases to identify unknown specimens
Create your own scientific and artistic seaweed presses.
Presentation – seaweeds and people: from traditional uses to modern foraging, and everything in between.

Sunday, May 10th (8:30 am – 12:00 pm) Low tide is at 9:50 am (0.7 feet / 0.2 m)

Putting it all together – field trip to identify seaweeds and their communities in nature, including opportunities to share what you’ve learned with the group.
Course wrap-up.

About the instructors:
Dr. Bridgette Clarkston is a seaweed enthusiast and co-author of the field guide, Pacific Seaweeds: A Guide to Common Seaweeds of the West Coast. She is a science educator and avid photographer with over 11 years of teaching and outreach experience. She has worked with initiatives such as the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative at the University of British Columbia. She specialized in seaweed taxonomy during her PhD at the University of New Brunswick where she discovered several new species of red seaweed, including one she named Euthora timburtonii. Currently, she is a faculty member in the Botany department at the University of British Columbia. Find out more about Bridgette here.

Dr. Katy Hind is a seaweed biologist and Hakai Scholar. She is currently working as the Senior Laboratory Coordinator at UVic. In her research, she has described new species of seaweed using an integrative approach that combines molecular techniques, historical DNA, morphology, biogeography, and ecology. To find out more about Katy’s research visit www.katyhind.com.

Check out photos of last year’s course below:

CANCELLED Tofino Shorebird Festival
2020-05-01 - 2020-05-03 | Tofino Botanical Gardens, 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0, Canada
The Tofino Shorebird Festival celebrates the spring migration of shorebirds with a series of educational birding activities throughout the region. We draw on local and visiting experts to participate in the festival, offering guest lectures, birding workshops, boat trips and much more! This is a great opportunity to experience the largest wildlife migration in the region, learn about these impressive birds, and understand why Tofino is one of the very best places in western Canada for bird watching.

With great reluctance we have decided to cancel this year’s festival.
The COVID 19 outbreak is leading to a huge amount of uncertainty and it is extremely difficult to confirm the participation of our special guest experts and volunteers who would need to travel to get here. Ultimately, health and safety concerns are at the top of our mind.

The birds will be migrating and there will be spectacular opportunities for birding in early May regardless of the cancellation. As the situation develops we will entertain the possibility of celebrating the shorebirds with small, informal, educational events. We are committed to creating as many opportunities for locals and visitors alike to learn while prioritizing health and safety. Updates will be available through our newsletter and social media channels.

Raincoast Field School @ home
2020-04-02 11:00 - 11:30 | Online, Canada
Raincoast Field School @ home is an interactive online program delivered by Raincoast Field School instructors, educators and scientists. The program is being created to provide our local students (and beyond!) nature-based programming during COVID-19 related school closures.
Weekly ecology lessons are offered at 11 am PDT on Tuesday and Thursday, and can be joined from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Tuesday’s lesson will be best suited for families with children in Grades K-3 and Thursday’s for families with children in Grades 4-7. Links to supplementary materials and recorded videos will be posted on the @ home page after the lesson.

Our second Raincoast Field School @ home will be offered via Zoom Meetings. On Thursday April 2 at 11 am go to the zoom meeting, info below.

Topic: Raincoast Field School @ home (April 2)Time: Apr 2, 2020 11:00 AM Vancouver
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us04web.zoom.us/j/965863152?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 965 863 152Password: [REDACTED]

Registration is free. By providing your email address when you register we will be able to send you reminders, links and keep you up to date on future offerings. You can join the lesson from your home computer, smartphone or tablet.

Weekly themes:
March 31 and April 2 – Trees and Forests
April 7 and April 9 – Whale Migration
