Abbotsford Mission Nature Club

Homegrown National Park - Dr. James Scott
2024-09-11 00:00 (America/Vancouver)
The Homegrown National Park project encourages people to turn their yards into wildlife-friendly habitats, creating interconnected corridors that are like a park. By planting native species and promoting richness and variety, individuals can support native wildlife and healthy air quality, reduce their water usage, and lessen flood risk. The homegrownnationalpark.org website offers resources and tools to help people get started on their conservation journey. By being part of the HNP movement, the Abbotsford-Mission Nature Club can be a leader in the community, modelling how their neighbours, too, can become better stewards of the earth we all love. The David Suzuki Foundation has partnered with the HNP movement

January meeting
2024-09-11 00:00
Zoom meeting with Christine Thuring Pollinators in the City: How urban environments can support native bees.
Pollinator gardens are gradually becoming common features in the urban landscape, which is great for biodiversity, for human well-being and for the biosphere. There is always room for improvement, of course, and this talk offers resources to help enhance pollinator garden design and maintenance. After introducing the diversity of BC’s native bees, this presentation explores a range of tools that can help and guide well-informed plant selections and provisions for healthy forage and safe nesting.

May meeting - Garter Snakes
2024-09-11 00:00
Carmen Sprang will share her three years of experiences and observations of the garter snakes and the hibernaculum area along a Delta dyke. The Spring emerge this year has been quite a contrast to last year’s. We are going to hear the reasons.

February meeting - Wolves in the Yukon
2024-09-11 00:00
Bernie Walter will be speaking on Wolves in the Yukon.
Details to follow.

March meeting - Conservation Collaboration
2024-09-11 00:00
Andrea Gielens – Conservation Collaboration: A Tale of three species
Explore the biology and reintroduction efforts at The Greater Vancouver Zoo to save three small but iconic BC species and the science and advancements that have led to challenges and successes over the past 20 years. Andrea manages the Zoo’s captive breeding and release programs for the Oregon spotted frog, the Coastal Western Painted turtle, and the Taylors Checkerspot butterfly.

CANCELLED - Reifel Waterfowl Refuge field trip
2024-12-28 00:00
TOUR IS CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER.

Annual Club Summer Picnic
2024-12-28 00:00
Our annual summer picnic. Details to follow.

2024 Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-28 00:00
The annual Christmas Bird Count, please contact Ken Summers for details.

Peach Creek field trip
2024-12-28 00:00
John Vissers will be showing us the new spawning channels that were built at Peach Creek in Chilliwack.

Greater Vancouver Zoo Field Trip
2025-03-03 00:00
Fieldtrip to Greater Vancouver Zoo and tour the breeding facility.
Join Andrea Gielens for a two-hour behind-the-scenes tour of the captive breeding programs of the Oregon Spotted Frog, the Coastal Western Painted Turtle and the Checkerspot Butterfly at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Meet at 9:45 am on March 19th at the Zoo’s entrance, 5048 264th Street in Aldergrove.
We were able to get a group rate which is – Adults $20 (Reg $36), Children $13(Reg $25) for a minimum of 15 people. It being Spring Break we encourage members to take their children and grandchildren. Not suitable for children under the age of 10.
After the breeding program tour, you can visit the rest of the zoo at your own leisure.
Register with Quirien at qmuldertenkate@gmail.com by 7 pm on March 17th.
Please include the names of the people attending and a cell phone number in case she needs to contact you and have no access to Wi-Fi!

Migratory Bird Day at Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
2025-03-03 00:00
The second Saturday of May marks peak spring migration in Canada—a time to connect, admire, and advocate for these incredible travelers. As they journey across borders, we must ensure they have safe habitats along the way. Join us in celebrating and protecting migratory birds. Wonder at their incredible journeys, learn about conservation efforts, and take action to help them thrive in our cities, towns, and villages. Together, we can make a difference for our shared spaces and bird populations.
Leaders: Vince and Ruthanne Clements
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors (65+) $6, Children (2-14) $6
Register: Hank/Alice Roos 604-853-4283 or haroos12@gmail.com

Blackberry Removal Blitz - Willband Creek Park
2025-03-03 00:00
We are hoping to be able to do the whole park in one day. At this time of the year the shoots and patches are very accessible. The park will be assessed whether there are ground nesting birds active just in case. This has been an ongoing activity when the weather is favourable. The City with their equipment flailed areas that we had mapped for them, but we still need to try and get rid of areas along the trails.
Needed: 20+ volunteers ages 10 and up
Equipment: Garden clippers, loppers, leather gloves (some equipment available)
Time: 9:30 – 12:00
Lunch: Pizza lunch courtesy City of Abbotsford (20+ volunteers)
Register: haroos12@gmail.com by March 21

Hogan Family Nature Park Springtime Walk and Work Party
2025-03-03 00:00
Easy: There are no toilets or picnic tables at the park.
Leader: Wendy DaDalt
Location: A small dead-end parking lot at 28632 Debruyne Road, west off Bradner Road and north of the Fraser Highway.
Come to Hogan Family Nature Park to enjoy a quiet, mixed forest with blooming spring flowers. The 8ha (20 acre) City of Abbotsford Park on the headwaters of the Salmon River, is open again after the 2021 “Atmospheric River” damaged its small bridges. We will start with a 1 km easy walk around the trail loop. This should be a great time to see and photograph trilliums, vanilla leaf and bleeding hearts. During this walk we will also flag invasive plants.
The AMNC has “Adopted” this park, which was donated to the City. A lite work party will follow for those wishing to prune or remove plants needing attention. Details will be
provided to registrants.
Register by emailing wendy@dadalt.net.

iNaturalist City Nature Challenger 2025
2025-03-03 00:00
From April 25-28, 2025, cities around the world will be working together to share observations of nature in the 2025 City Nature Challenge. The CNC encourages people to explore and document the wildlife in their cities while using the iNaturalist platform. This helps to raise awareness of local biodiversity while contributing to a better understanding of urban ecosystems.
Come out and participate in Citizen Science! We can all make a positive difference.
Joan Septembre is coordinating the following group activities in Abbotsford:
April 12 @ 1 pm – iNaturalist training walk at Stony Creek Park (meet at parking lot off Bateman Rd).
April 26 @ 1 pm – Abbotsford Parks Bioblitz (meet in front of The Reach Gallery Museum)
Please email Quirien Mulder ten Kate (qmuldertenkate@gmail.com), the AMNC club representative for this iNaturalist project, if you any questions.
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2025-abbotsford

Earth Day in Mission
2025-03-03 00:00
‘Green Living’ earth day celebration at the Fraser River Heritage Park. The event will feature a variety of family fun, including live performances, guest speakers, interactive activities and demos, food trucks, a sustainable marketplace and more.
The Abbotsford Mission Nature Club will have a display. This is a free event

2025 BC Nature Conference and AGM - Nature in the Rainshadow
2025-03-03 00:00
The Nicola Naturalist Society is hosting the 2025 BC Nature Spring conference and AGM in Merritt, 22-24 May 2025.
For more information and to register https://bcnature.org/2025-bc-nature-conference-and-agm/

Jackman Wetlands & Aldergrove Regional Park Walk
2025-06-27 00:00
Wednesday July 9 – Jackman Wetlands and Aldergrove Regional Park Northwest corner ( Langley)
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Optional: Bring lunch for a picnic.
Level: Moderate. Approx 5 km.

Stroll around a scenic wetland system created by former gravel extraction which seasonally supports a variety of waterfowl. A very open area so wear a hat and sunglasses if nice. Then we will go cross-country through the new disc golf course located on the former Jackman landfill site and follow a connector trail into Aldergrove Regional Park. We will walk a short distance through a cool young forest before returning to the parking lot.

Meet at Jackman Wetlands 1111-272’nd Street parking lot on the west side of the road.
Register with Wendy DaDalt at wendy@dadalt.net or call 604-856-2575

Houston Trail, Derby Reach Regional Park
2025-06-27 00:00
Wednesday, July 16 – Houston Trail
Join Quirien Mulder ten Kate for a three-hour nature walk on the Houston Trail, part of the Derby Reach Regional Park Trail system. Meet at 9:45 am on July 16th at the Heritage Area Parking Lot on Allard Crescent. Dress for the weather and bring a snack and water. An outhouse is available at the start and mid-way the walk. The trail is slightly hilly in places so you may wish to bring hiking poles. Bring binoculars for some birding, too.

Time: 9:45 am
Level: slightly hilly (undulating)
Please register by 7 pm on July 14th by emailing Quirien qmuldertenkate@gmail.com your name and cell phone number.

Mt. Thom Lookout Trail
2025-06-27 00:00
Wednesday, July 23 – Mt Thom Lookout Trail
Mt. Thom View Trail is a 25-minute leisurely walk to a lookout offering views of surrounding mountains, Cultus Lake and the Fraser Valley. Continuing the circle returns us to the parking lot. Meet at the parking lot at 10:30 and bring a lunch. There are pit toilets at the trail head.
Time: 10:30 am
Level: Easy to moderate, walking poles suggested
Directions: Access to the trailhead is from the Churchill Parkway in Ryder Lake, 38 minutes from downtown Abbotsford.
Take the exit123 (Prest Rd) from Hwy 1, head south. Go 3.4 km, then turn left on Bailey Rd. Keep right at the fork onto Elk View Rd. Turn right on Ryder Lake Rd. Continue straight where Ryder Lake Rd. turns to the left, on to Extrom Rd. Turn right on Forester Rd, and right again on to Churchill Parkway, where you will see the parking lot for the trailhead. The easiest is to enter Churchill Pkwy on to Google maps and follow the directions.

Register with Rita Bot at rbot12@gmail.com

July 2 Summer Walk - Open to suggestions
2025-06-27 00:00

July 30 Summer Walk - Open to Suggestions
2025-06-27 00:00

October meeting: Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society
2025-08-12 00:00
KEEPING THE LEGEND ALIVE!
Ms. Sarah Schreier
Ms. Sarah Schreier is Executive Director of the FRSCS. For over 25 years, Ms. Schreier has provided analysis and advice to a number of organizations and sectors related to healthcare, basic research, fisheries management issues and most recently, White Sturgeon research. Ms. Schreier studied business and communications at the University of Ottawa, and Royal Rhodes University, in British Columbia, Canada.
In her role as Executive Director, Sarah oversees the FRSCS Strategy Deliverables, and provides direction to help facilitate White Sturgeon research initiatives and management plans. Sarah provides leadership to ensure we continue to build and strengthen partnerships among key stakeholder groups and government leaders. Sarah is a frontlines resource for media on sturgeon related issues and is often invited to present the ‘sturgeon story’ and our science to local groups, schools, community groups, professional associations and National and International conferences.
Ms. Schreier brings extensive experience managing dynamic, long-term relationships among individuals, sectors and diverse communities to make a difference for our environment.
To view FRSCS Impact Video, click here.

November meeting: Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition Projects
2025-08-12 00:00
Habitat Restoration of Watersheds in the Fraser Valley
Rachel Drennan BSc., P. Ag.
Director of Operations, FVWC
Short description of presentation: Join us as we take a deep dive into the habitat enhancement and restoration efforts FVWC has undertaken over the past year! Through compelling photos and stories, we will showcase the transformation of our project sites, highlighting the challenges faced, the restoration techniques put to the test, and the lessons learned along the way. Discover how adaptive management keeps our ecosystems thriving and ensures each site has the best chance of long-term success. Most importantly, we hope to explore how we can work together to amplify our work. Collaboration is key to building a healthier, more resilient environment for all. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring new opportunities to join forces on future projects!
Personal Biography:
Rachel Drennan is a Professional Agrologist with expertise in ecological restoration and environmental stewardship. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the Fraser Valley and a professional certification in Ecological Restoration from the University of Victoria.
Since joining FVWC in 2009, Rachel has played a pivotal role in fostering partnerships and engaging with all levels of government including First Nations, federal, provincial, and municipal authorities, as well as community groups and local leaders. Her work encompasses the development of habitat restoration plans, funding applications, volunteer coordination, and the oversight of FVWC’s diverse restoration initiatives.
Dedicated to the restoration and long-term monitoring of riparian ecosystems, Rachel brings extensive experience in salmon habitat restoration and streamside bioengineering, ensuring the sustainability and resilience of local ecosystems.
AND
During this meeting we will be having a fund raiser for the Club. We have about 25 gently used and new puzzles for sale starting at $5-$20. You may donate your puzzles for this sale (no pieces missing). Bring them to the meeting or contact Alice Roos, 604-853-4283 or haroos12@gmail.com.
Also, for sale are about a dozen swallow/chickadee bird boxes for $30 that were made by Club members.
Note – The funds raised will be used to update the camera in the owl box and also purchase a camera on an extension pole to look inside birdboxes without disturbing the birds.

September meeting: Macro Photography
2025-08-12 00:00
Justin Chan – Macro Photography: Exploring Small Worlds
Justin is a naturalist with a passion for macro photography, with a primary focus on spiders and insects. One of his photos of a spider received the runner up prize in the 2024 Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year, in the Terrestrial Life category, which has been published in Canadian Geographic and other publications. When not working as an illustrator, he can be found out with his camera looking for bugs!
Presentation Description:
Macro Photography opens up a diverse hidden world of arthropods! With high magnification, these small and often-underappreciated insects and spiders become larger than life, filling the frame with colourful and intricate detail. Justin Chan is a macro photographer and naturalist based in Vancouver. He will share photos of macro subjects, such as jumping spiders, bees, butterflies, beetles, and more. He will then dive further into the miniscule with ultra-macro subjects, such as springtails, mites, pseudoscorpions, and other mesofauna. Macro photography equipment and techniques will be covered after each section. He will also discuss how paying closer attention to the little things, and sharing your photographs on platforms like iNaturalist, can contribute to citizen science, and even reveal new discoveries.
Here are some samples of his photography. (All rights reserved)

Tynehead Regional Park - Return of the Salmon
2025-11-12 00:00
Fall is a beautiful season to visit Tynehead Regional Park and watch the return of the salmon. Coho are already coming through, and chum will be next. We should see some of these fish while walking the Hatchery and Serpentine Loop Trails. These sylvan trails feature large conifers, nurse logs and stumps, ferns and shrubs. The Serpentine River is always present. Mostly the trails are easy but there are some gentle slopes and uneven surfaces. Dress for the weather which could be wet and cool.
Meet at Tynehead Regional Park Hatchery Parking Lot, 16585 96th Ave, north side of 96th Avenue, 100 m west of 168 Street in Surrey. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Register with Wendy DaDalt at wendy@dadalt.net or call 604 856 2575.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00-12:30 p.m.
Level: Easy to Moderate. Approx 4 km.

Christmas Bird Count
2025-11-12 00:00
This year the Christmas Bird Count will take place on December 30th. No experience necessary as every area within the count circle has an expert birder. If you want to join the fun and haven’t already received our email, contact ken.summers@telus.net. There will be a post-count gathering afterwards at the Mandarin Gardens in Abbotsford for those interested, even if you don’t take part in the count.

Nature Club Christmas Social
2025-11-12 00:00
Nature Club Christmas Social
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 6:30 pm (note time)
Join members of the Nature Club for a festive evening of fellowship, light snacks, music, singing, year-in-review slideshow, bake sale.
Please bring to share a dessert or an appetizer in individual portion sizes (to be served with tongs or in paper muffin cups).
Hot apple cider will be provided. Please bring your own mug
The bake sale is a fundraiser for Nature Club activities. Bring a wrapped treat e.g., loaf cake, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, etc. All items will be sold for $15.00.
And don’t forget to bring cash/cheque to buy some baking, too!

CANCELLED - iNaturalist and Merlin Participation Event
2025-11-12 00:00
CANCELLED due to weather – iNaturalist and Merlin Participation Event
Join Abbotsford Mission Nature Club members at the Willband Creek Park Viewing Platform to observe, identify and record birds using the phone applications iNaturalist as well as Merlin. Please install and create accounts for these applications ahead of time to reduce data use in the park. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope if you have one.
This event is rain or shine so dress for the weather. We will provide hot chocolate!
We look forward to hosting you in the park.

February Meeting - Stories of Arctic Birds, Bernie Walter
2025-12-03 00:00
Bernie was stationed for 10 years in Alert, Nunavut, the most northern military station on planet Earth. While in Alert, Bernie observed and photographed a variety of wildlife, including Arctic birds. Join Bernie as he tells stories of Arctic birds in their unforgettable landscape.

January Meeting - Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia
2025-12-03 00:00
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Spectacular scenery, flourishing wildlife and the experience of a lifetime. Join naturalist/photographer John Gordon as he shares his recent trip to the Southern Ocean.
Click here for more information.
