Celebrate spring with guided walks, games, storytelling and more
Bring the whole family to celebrate the return of spring with exhibits, crafts and activities at Spring Fling, a drop-in event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, on March 27.
This is the second year of the family-friendly event, which includes guided walks, games, Indigenous storytelling and exhibits staffed by CRD educators from Climate Action, Watershed Protection and Waste Reduction departments.
“We wanted to create a family-friendly events geared toward kids during spring break,” said Emma Jane Vignola, a CRD Parks naturalist.
She said that the event is an opportunity to show children how they could be an environmental steward — whether they are at a park, school, work or their own home.
“We want to show them the connection between them and the place they call home,” she said.
At the event, attendees can sign up for a Seasonal Safari guided walk that will show how plants, bees, frogs and animals are becoming more active as the season changes.
They can participate in the interactive Indigenous storytelling program, which explores the cultural significance of birds and animals through a First Peoples lens. The program shares the time-honoured tradition of storytelling with cultural lessons and values.
The drop-in event is free to attend. It runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. The Seasonal Safari program runs noon to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m. Join the Indigenous storytelling program, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:45 to 1:15 p.m.
Meet near the information kiosk at the Filter Beds parking lot at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.
The trail for the guided walk is 100 metres in length, on a concrete path with a slight incline that is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.
There is an accessible washroom near the parking lot. No pets but guide and service animals welcome.
The park is served by B.C. Transit #70, #71, #72 or #75.
Details at crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/crd-regional-parks/events.
Join in a celebration of African culture and food on Saturday
Get a taste of African cultures at two events celebrating the heritage of people of African descent, at the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre, Saturday.
The events are presented by the Issamba African Arts and Cultural Centre.
Start with La Calebasse du Nomade, featuring dishes served by MaMa Put, an African and Caribbean eatery.
Choose from dishes such as piri-piri chicken with Cameroonian-style black-eyed bean stew, riz gras — jollof-style rice with goat, or beignets haricot.
After lunch, embark on an exploration of African heritage, tradition and community at Sankofa: Moments for kids and the Youth.
The program features activities, discussions and meaningful networking opportunities meant to empower and inspire the next generation.
Both events take place Saturday at the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre at 1709 Blanshard St. La Calebasse du Nomade pop-up eatery will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (cash only). Sankofa runs 4 to 6:30 p.m.
The event is free, but registration is mandatory. You can pre-order food or register for Sankofa at issambacentre.ca.
Hone your craft with an award-winning photographer
Embark on a journey of exploration with photographer Leah Gray at Expanding and Perfecting your Vision as a Photographer, a presentation where she shares her vision and ideas on photography at Camosun College, Friday.
The presentation is part of the Victoria Camera Club’s year-long 80th-anniversary celebration.
“Photography is the culmination of planning, technique, vision, composition and perception, brought together in one instant — with a little [or more] editing,” said Gray, a teacher and Canadian Association for Photographic Art-certified judge.
At the presentation Gray will explain the creative process that produces her award-winning works.
Her Siblings image won the Photographic Society of America Nature Image of the Year award in 2018.
Tickets are $15. The event runs 7 to 9 p.m., March 22 in the Gibson Auditorium, Room 216 of the Young Building at Camosun College Lansdowne Campus, 3100 Foul Bay Rd. Pay parking available at lot P1, accessed off Lansdowne Road.
For more information or for tickets, go to victoriacameraclub.ca.
