The Brant Wildlife Festival is nearly upon us and with it comes the return of the iconic geese and numerous fun events around the community.
Central Vancouver Island boasts one of the richest levels of biodiversity in Canada. Herring spawn, Brant Geese and many other migratory species can be seen on the shores and waters of the Parksville Qualicum Beach area, thrilling tourists, birdwatchers and photographers.
Don’t forget to Spot the Brant. 20 painted Brant Geese have been hidden in businesses throughout Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
March 31
The weeks-long celebration of local wildlife begins March 31 with “Lift off” with The Nature Trust of BC from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This opening reception at the Bayside Resort in Parksville will include appetizers, musical entertainment by Easy Street and an informative presentation. Tickets are $50 and available online.
Also on March 31 is the Brant Wildlife Festival Visual Feast, a digital media exhibit in the Cloakroom Media Gallery at the McMillan Arts Centre (MAC). It will feature the video work of Andrew Collins, highlighting the work of numerous local photographers, and runs until April 8.
April 1
Next up is the Brant Wildlife Mini-Docs Movie Event April 1, which will show seven wildlife and conservation mini-documentaries, featuring B.C. filmmakers Maxwel Hohn, Peter Mieras and Mike Mckinlay. Admission is $10 and free for children under three-years-old. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m.
Witness a rehabilitated bald eagle released into the wild at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) in Errington at 2 p.m. on April 1. The centre is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $6 for children over 13 and free for children 12 and younger. Veterans and military members also admitted free.
The 30th Pacific Brant Carving, Woodworking & Art Show runs April 1 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and April 2 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Admission is $6. The show includes a woodturning competition and commercial booths featuring top wildlife artists, carvers and turners from around B.C.
The Parksville branch of Vancouver Island Regional Library hosts Resilient Coasts for Salmon, a collaborative five year project lead by the Pacific Salmon Foundation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 1. Learn about the importance of shorelines for wildlife habitat and how you can be involved.
There will be a seafood demonstration and tours at Deep Bay Marine Field Station starting at noon on April 1. It will include educational displays, child-friendly science activities, touch tanks, shellfish research facility, and informal cooking demonstrations from local seafood companies. Admission is $12 for adults, children are admitted free and no registration is required.
April 2
The Oceanside Concert Choir’s “Remembrance and Renewal” concert is set for 2:30 p.m. on April 2, at Knox United Church in Parksville. Tickets are $20 and are available at Fireside Books in Parksville and Mulberry Bush Bookstore in Qualicum Beach.
April 3
Join Deb Jones for an informative education session on rain gardens at the Qualicum Beach Library and tour a local rain garden within the town at 1 p.m. on April 3.
April 4
Dr. Lynne Brookes will lead a practical bird identification workshop on April 4 at NIWRC. This beginning to intermediate-level workshop goes from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for participants aged 14 and up. To register, call NIWRA at 250-248-8534 Option #3 (Gift Shop). Cost is $55 per person.
Check out some vintage Brant Goose decoys at the Qualicum Beach Museum from April 4 to April 8. Learn about the connection between nature and humans at the museum’s Fish, Trees, and Folk display. Children can stop by the craft table and make their own Brant Goose or herring.
READ MORE: Regional District of Nanaimo celebrates Water to Earth Month
April 5
Join the Arrowsmith Naturalists at 10 a.m. on April 5 for a walk through forest and riparian areas of the Englishman River. Discover how this invaluable river estuary is being restored through efforts by The Nature Trust of BC, the ongoing stewardship work of volunteers such as the Arrowsmith Naturalists, research and the generosity of donors devoted to this multi-year recovery effort. Pre-registration is required.
The Brant Wildlife Children’s Festival is set for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 5.
School District 69 students will have their work on display at Arrowview Elementary School in Qualicum Beach alongside educational displays and games by local community groups. Entrance is by donation.
April 6
Informative tours of the 50-acre Heritage Forest in Qualicum Beach are scheduled for April 6 at 10:30 a.m., April 6 at 1:30 p.m., April 7 at 10:30 a.m. and April 7 at 1:30 p.m. The easy walking trails meander alongside remnant old-growth forest and Beach Creek. The cost is $5.
April 8
A second tour of the Englishman River estuary is planned for April 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required.
The Brant Wildlife Mini-Docs’ second movie night is set for April 8 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
April 9
View Brant Geese and other birds at Parksville Community Park, near the Labyrinth, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at “Brant in the Bay”. Check out displays provided by The Arrowsmith Naturalists and learn more about Brant migration and nature.
April 14
From April 14 to April 16, join the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Bio-Blitz in conducting a rapid biological survey of flora and fauna. Contribute to biodiversity research in the form of “Citizen Science.” Prizes will be awarded for the most observations per day.
April 15
Come visit the largest wetland around at Hamilton Marsh. Volunteers from the Friends of French Creek Conservation Society, Arrowsmith Naturalists and the Hamilton Marsh Committee will be on hand to provide guided tours.
Tours take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Easy walking, dress in layers and don’t wear your good shoes. Please don’t bring dogs on the trail as it’s nesting season. Ducks Unlimited Canada, Oceanside Chapter will be on hand to tell you all about wetlands and also provide draw prizes.
— NEWS Staff