Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada

2009 Interpretation Programs - Saturna Island

Participate in weekend programs from mid-June till Labour Day

Saturday Morning – Island Markets
10:00am - 1:00pm

Participate in nature activities at the Parks Canada table at the Markets (except Aug 15 and Aug 29) and find out about the weekend's events. From butterflies and snakes to flowers and mosses, this year's market activities focus on “Species at Risk” and Garry oak habitats.

Watch the island bulletin boards for other program information or call the main office 250 654-4000 or 1-866-944-1744.

For all activities, bring water, hats, sunscreen, jackets, and appropriate walking gear.

For more information or to comment on the activities, please contact Senior Park Interpreter Gaileen Irwin at gaileen.irwin@pc.gc.ca or call 1-866-944-1744.

Sunset at Cabbage Island
Share stories at sunset!
© Parks Canada / Josh McCulloch 2006
Park Interpreter At East Point
Join an interpretive program at East Point on Saturna Island!
© Eric George
Park Interpreter
Watch wildlife with an interpreter!
© D.B. Media

JULY 2009

Programs on Saturna Island are lead by Park Interpreter Athena George, unless otherwise noted.


1 Wed All Day Canada Day – Visit the Parks Canada Booth at the Lamb Barbeque.
4 Sat 10:00am -1:00pm Species At Risk in Your Backyard – Saturna Market
Meet the rarest and most threatened plants and animals in the National Park.
4 Sat 2:00pm - 3:00pm Berry Bonanza – Walk – Winter Cove
Whether you are berry wary or berry merry, join naturalist Tracey Moss on this short walk to learn about some of our local berry plants. Meet at the picnic area.
5 Sun 11:00am - noon Owl Detectives – Activity for all ages – Winter Cove
With a toothpick in hand, pick apart a pellet and discover the habits and habitats of owls, in an irresistible combination of hands-on science and yuck. Meet at the picnic area.
11 Sat 10:00am - 1:00pm Species At Risk in Your Backyard – Saturna Market
(See July 4)
11 Sat 2:00pm - 3:00pm Insect Exploration – Activity – Winter Cove
Catch and identify dragonflies, butterflies, beetles and anything else with six legs. Join the fun with Claudia Copley, Entomology Collections Manager of the Royal BC Museum.
11 Sat 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Special Event
Who Gives A Hoot? – Special Evening Program – Saturna Community Hall
Learn to speak owl. Find out why owls can never wear glasses. Learn all about local owls from expert Darren Copley, Saanich Environmental Education Officer.
12 Sun 11am - noon Seal Pup Season – Walk – East Point
A Harbour seal mother nurses and cares for its pup for only 4 to 6 weeks. Watch for seals on the Point and find out about a young seal’s life. Meet at the parking lot.
17 Fri 1:00pm - 3:00pm What’s The Point? – Park Interpreter on Duty – East Point
Find Athena at East Point and discover something new about the Park.
18 Sat 10:00am - 11:30am Species At Risk in Your Backyard – Saturna Market
(See July 4)
18 Sat 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Special Event
Parks’ Day Old-Time Picnic – Special Event – East Point
Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned pleasures. Celebrate with Parks Canada, Saturna Parks and Recreation and the Saturna Heritage Committee.
19 Sun 9:00am - 10:00am Low Tide Exploration – Walk – Winter Cove
Bring your coffee in a thermos and join well-known Mayne Island naturalist Michael Dunn on a morning low tide walk. Wear gumboots and meet at the picnic area.
25 Sat 10:00am - 1:00pm Species At Risk in Your Backyard – Saturna Market
(See July 4)
26 Sat 2:00pm - 3:00pm Berry Bonanza – Walk – Winter Cove
Whether you are berry wary or berry merry, join naturalist Tracey Moss on this short walk to learn about some of our local berry plants. Meet at the Winter Cove picnic area.
31 Fri 1:00pm - 3:00pm What’s The Point? – Park Interpreter on Duty – East Point
Find Athena at East Point and discover something new about the Park.

AUGUST 2009

Programs on Saturna Island are lead by Park Interpreter Athena George, unless otherwise noted.

1 Sat 10:00am -1:00pm Species At Risk in Our Backyard – Saturna Market
Meet the rarest and most threatened plants and animals in the National Park.
1 Sat 2:00pm - 3:00pm Secrets of the Emerald Sea – Walk – East Point
Take an imaginary trip underwater to visit three marine mammals often spotted at East Point: the Orca, Harbour porpoise and Steller sea lion. Meet at the parking lot.
2 Sun 1:00pm - 2:30pm Kids’ Day Animal Olympics II – Special Event – Winter Cove
Are you as strong as an ant? As steady as a great blue heron? Can you jump as far as a frog? Join Athena and Tracey at Winter Cove for fun challenges and crafts for all ages.
3 Mon 2:45pm - 3:15pm Garry Oak Game Show – Ferry Lineup Boredom Buster– Saturna Community Hall
Test your memory with this fun introduction to the rarest plants and animals of the Garry Oak meadows and other unique Gulf Island habitats.
8 Sat 10:00am - 1:00pm Species At Risk in Our Backyards – Saturna Market
(See Aug 1)
8 Sat 8:30pm - 9:30pm Sunset Wildlife Viewing – Evening Program – East Point
Savour an East Point Sunset with friends new and old. Sit in silence, share some stories, and with luck spot some night creatures. Sunset: 8:23. Moon rise 9:08 (almost full). Meet out at the Point – a ten-minute stroll. Dress warmly and bring a blanket and a flashlight.
9 Sun 11:00am - noon Proposed Winter Cove Loop Trail – Hike – Winter Cove
Join Athena for a sneak preview of the proposed Winter Cove loop trail. Wear good walking shoes and long pants. Meet at the Winter Cove picnic area.
14 Fri 1:00pm - 3:00pm What’s The Point? – Drop-in – East Point
Find Interpreter Athena during your visit to East Point and discover something new about the Park.
15 Sat No activities on Saturna Island. All Interpreters at the Mayne Island Fair.
16 Sun 11:00am - noon Red-legged Frogs Forever! – Walk – Winter Cove
Enjoy an easy, guided walk to explore a tiny oasis of fresh water that keeps things lively during our dry Gulf Island summers. Meet at the picnic area.
21 Fri 8:00pm - 9:00pm Sunset Wildlife Viewing – East Point (See August 8)
Sunset: 8:17pm. Moonset: 8:23pm
22 Sat 10:00am - 1:00pm Species At Risk in Our Backyards – Saturna Market (See August 1)
22 Sat 3:00pm - 4:00pm Secrets of the Emerald Sea – Walk – East Point
(See August 1)
23 Sun 11:00am - noon Proposed Winter Cove Loop Trail – Hike – Winter Cove
(See August 9)

28 Fri 1:00pm - 3:00pm What’s The Point? – Drop-in – East Point
Find Interpreter Athena during your visit to East Point and discover something new about the Park.
29 Sat 10:00am -1:00pm Species At Risk in Our Backyard – Saturna Market
Meet the rarest and most threatened plants and animals in the National Park.
29 Sat 8:00pm - 10:30pm
Special Event
Star Watch – Special Event – East Point
Enjoy an evening of night sky exploration with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada—Victoria Centre. Bring blankets, chairs, flashlights, binoculars and telescopes.
30 Sun 11:00am - noon Red-legged Frogs Forever! – Walk – Winter Cove
Enjoy an easy, guided walk to explore a tiny oasis of fresh water that keeps things lively during our dry Gulf Island summers. Meet at the picnic area.

SEPTEMBER 2009

Programs on Saturna Island are lead by Park Interpreter Athena George, unless otherwise noted.

4 Fri 7:30pm - 8:30pm Sunset Wildlife Viewing – East Point (Full Moon!)
Savour an East Point Sunset with friends new and old. Sit in silence, share some stories, and with luck spot some night creatures. Sunset: 7:48pm. Moonrise 7:31pm. Meet out at the Point – a ten-minute stroll. Dress warmly and bring a blanket and a flashlight.
5 Sat 10:00am -1:00pm Species At Risk in Our Backyard – Saturna Market
(See August 29)
5 Sat 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Special Event
Mammals of the Night –Special—Location TBA
David Nagorsen, a renowned BC bat researcher, shares his knowledge with us about bats in the Gulf Islands.
7 Mon 2:45pm - 3:15pm Garry Oak Game Show – Ferry Lineup Boredom Buster– Saturna Community Hall
Test your memory with this fun introduction to the rarest plants and animals of the Garry Oak meadows and other unique Gulf Island habitats.

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