With physical distancing keeping families at home, family time is more important than ever!
The BC Wildlife Federation is here to help families of member and non-members alike to navigate these times. Here you will find resources and activities that you can give your kids to do on their own or do together as a family.
We update this web page WEEKLY. If you are looking of our previously featured content, they can be found at bottom of the page.
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The Townsend’s chipmunk is part of the squirrel family and is found in coniferous forests in the southwestern region of BC. They are great climbers and seek out trees or burrows to hide from their predators. The colour of their fur blends in with the environment which also helps them camouflage from predators. During cold winters, they tend to hibernate but in more milder winters, they can survive without hibernation. Next time you are on a hike, keep an eye out for these rodents!
Make a picture frame for your home!
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May 27, 2020 (PDF Download)
May 20,200 (PDF Download)
May 14, 2020 (PDF Download)
May 7, 2020 (PDF Download)
April 30, 2020 (PDF Download)
Journal prompt: Why do you choose to be outside?
Animal of the week: Townsend’s chipmunk
The Townsend’s chipmunk is part of the squirrel family and is found in coniferous forests in the southwestern region of BC. They are great climbers and seek out trees or burrows to hide from their predators. The colour of their fur blends in with the environment which also helps them camouflage from predators. During cold winters, they tend to hibernate but in more milder winters, they can survive without hibernation. Next time you are on a hike, keep an eye out for these rodents!
At Home Activity: Forest frame
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BC Wildlife Watching: Get your camera ready to spot popular creatures around BC that start to emerge during the spring and summer months. HelloBC’s article will give you the inside scoop on where to find the best sightings. https://www.hellobc.com/stories/bc-wildlife-watching-what-to-see-in-spring-and-summer/
Tie your own knots: From bow lines to clove hitches, learn how to tie knots from the comfort of your home. This skill can come in handy when camping and boating and also improves hand-eye coordination. https://sites.google.com/wildernessinquiry.org/allaboutknots/tie-your-own
Journal prompt: What parts of your natural surroundings do you find soothing?
Animal of the week: Steller’s Jay
These birds are very common around BC’s conifer and pine-oak forests. When building their nests, they use mud to glue little pieces of tiny sticks together and place them 6 to 30 feet high in trees. They are also quite bold and clever creatures and are known to be habitual nest-robbers, similar to other jay species.
At home activity: Bird feeders
What you need:
– Empty toilet paper roll
– 2 small sticks or straws
– Peanut butter
– Bird food
– String
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How will Coronavirus change the environment? Carbon emissions have dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the real question is will it last? Watch the video from BBC below to find out more. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200422-how-has-coronavirus-helped-the-environment
Identify dangerous plants! Become familiar with spotting dangerous plants like poison ivy and giant hogweed through MEC’s website. Teach your kids how to stay safe when exploring nature.
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Journal prompt: What will your yard look like in 5 years?
Animal of the week: Western Painted turtle
The Western Painted Turtle is BC’s only native freshwater turtle! They live in BC’s wetlands and can live for 20-30 years. There are fewer than 250 adult western painted turtles in the Pacific Coast population. Fun fact: BC’s western painted turtles grow faster and larger than others of the same species.
At Home Activity: Leaf Rubbings
Nature is full of colour! But have you noticed the shapes and textures? Leaf rubbings are a great way to observe and compare some of the texture in nature!
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Journal Prompt: What is your favourite season? Why?
Animal of the week: Mule Deer
There are three subspecies of mule deer in BC! They live throughout most of the province and can sometimes be recognized by their white tail with black hair at the tip. The Rocky Mountain Mule deer migrate between summer and winter habitats, this trip can be as far as 120km!
At Home Activity: DIY Puzzle
Here is an easy way to use what we have around the house and create something fun for the whole family!
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List of Birds Local to the Greater Vancouver Area – Vancouver Bird Week
Journal Prompt: What does nature mean to you?
Featured Animal: Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Herons are up to a metre tall and can have wingspans that stretch over 1.5 metres! They live in wetlands along the coast and southern interior. Fun Fact: nesting occurs in colonies called heronries that may include up to 400 nests!
At Home Activity: Backyard Nature Surveys
If a scientist was studying a forest, would it take a LONG TIME to look at every tree?
Yes! So, scientists study smaller SAMPLE AREAS. You can use this method too!
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