Hummingbird Banding Session ONLY

Join us in VanDusen’s Bird Garden for an informative and fascinating evening observing conservation research in action in support of wild birds in and around our city.

Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) team members will be conducting hummingbird & songbird banding in the Bird Garden with the goal of learning more about the bird species using the urban oasis of the Garden as habitat, contributing to research monitoring their population levels and health. This is a great way to learn about conservation science field work, the many issues facing our wild bird populations, and ways you can get involved and take action to support local birds in your own backyard.

Birdwatching Hotspots Guided Walk and Hummingbird & Songbird Banding Session

Enjoy Exclusive Garden After Hours Access!

Register for our Birdwatching Hotspots Guided Walk and Hummingbird Banding Session! Starting at 4pm, this experience will continue until 7pm when you will be in the Garden with your group enjoying nature after the Garden has closed. Spaces are limited.

June - Introduction to Bird Watching

The class is designed for aspiring and beginner bird watchers to help build a foundation of knowledge and gain confidence to get out and go birding this spring.

Long-time VanDusen birding guide Jeremy Gordon is back on-site with this seasonal favourite! During this introduction, he will discuss the best birding resources such as binoculars and field guides, share tips on identifying birds, and highlight hot birding spots in Vancouver. Following a one-hour classroom presentation, Jeremy will take you for a walk to look for some of the 103 species of birds in the Garden.

Guided Walk through VanDusen Botanical Garden

Appreciate VanDusen Botanical Garden on a deeper level by joining VanDusen Garden subforeman Andrew Fleming, for a one-hour guided walk through the Garden.

Andrew will highlight plants with unique features and characteristics, making them plants of interest throughout the year. Some examples are Aralia elata, Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire,’ and Zanthoxylum americanum.

Drought Tolerant Gardening (In Person)

Is your garden summer ready?

Prepare for the heat of summer in this course, equipping you with the knowledge to grow a drought-tolerant garden. Discover basics of design, such as exposure and soil conditions, the importance of organic matter and mulch, and the basics of irrigation and drainage.

Instructor Janis Matson will provide you with an extensive list of plant possibilities, including trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials, and ground covers that thrive in dry conditions.

Growing Herbs for Humans and Bees (Online)

Many edible and medicinal plants are a boon for humans and bees. Find out how to create a “herbaliscious” garden that fills your pantry while feeding pollinators.

This session will be presented by Lori Weidenhammer, a Vancouver performance-based interdisciplinary artist and educator. She is originally from a tiny hamlet called Cactus Lake, Saskatchewan. She first became enchanted with bees in this place, bordered by wheat fields and wild prairie. She is the author of a book called Victory Gardens for Bees: A DIY Guide to Saving the Bees.

Forest Therapy Walk (In Person)

Discover the regenerative power of body and mind in nature with Kristine Koster, certified Forest Therapy Guide. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, forest therapy is the eco-antidote to modern-day stress. Kristine will lead you through a variety of gentle activities in the Garden, all designed to promote relaxation, wellness, and connection.

Learn how the practice of forest therapy boosts immune systems and supports healing. The walk concludes by sharing wildcrafted tea and treats in the Garden.

Chigiri-e Paper Art: Flowers (In Person)

Chigiri-e is a Japanese art form using pieces of hand-dyed washi paper to create beautiful and detailed images. The result resembles a watercolour painting with a delicate texture. In this hands-on, creative art workshop, you will practice handcrafting skills, learn step-by-step Chigiri-e paper techniques and create two art pieces. Supplies included.