Times Colonist

Celebrate spring with guided walks, games, storytelli­ng and more

- PEDRO ARRAIS

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/parksrecre­ation-culture/parks-trails/crd-regional-parks/events.

 ?? CRD PARKS ?? Emma Jane Vignola, a CRD Parks naturalist, works the CRD Parks exhibit at the Spring Fling event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park in 2023. The family-friendly drop-in event features exhibits, activities, guided walks and presentati­ons on March 27.
CRD PARKS Emma Jane Vignola, a CRD Parks naturalist, works the CRD Parks exhibit at the Spring Fling event at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park in 2023. The family-friendly drop-in event features exhibits, activities, guided walks and presentati­ons on March 27.

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