Fall 2021

October 13, 2021

Cooler temperatures, rainy days, the sight of shorebirds flying south, and glimpses of golden mushrooms speckling the forest floor all signal the arrival of fall. After another busy summer, these changes are a welcome sight for many here on the west coast! This summer saw the successful reintegration of many in-person educational programs, revitalizing much of the area’s amazing in-place learning. The West Coast NEST has been keeping busy as well! A number of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) projects exploring goal implementation in our region are in their final editing stages and will soon be released to the world. We are further excited for what looks to be another successful year of the West Coast Knitting Retreat. Though the number of smaller events has slowed during these shorter days, upcoming fall offerings promise plenty of intimate and in-depth learning experiences. As always, you can stay up to date with event and course offerings via our website.

West Coast Knitting Retreat

This November, the West Coast NEST will again be hosting the Knitting Retreat as an in-person event held in Ucluelet, BC. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from local and visiting instructors, try local fare, and take in breathtaking views of the west coast. Tickets are nearly sold out, and we are beyond excited to be welcoming knitting enthusiasts back to the coast!

Macrame and Weaving Workshops with Kim Leckey

While fielding communications for this year’s Knitting Retreat, the NEST also received an enormous number of inquiries about possible macrame programs in the region. Luckily, macrame and weaving artist Kim Leckey of Sea Woven will be hosting several classes between Tofino and Ucluelet this month! Courses include both adult and youth options, covering a number of techniques.

200hr Yoga Teacher Training

A fantastic yoga opportunity is coming to Tofino this October! The intensive 200hr teacher training course will begin October 18th at the Tofino Ecolodge located in the Botanical Gardens. Participants will be taught Yoga theory and practice within the beautiful west coast setting. One seat remains for the fall intake, but there will also be a second spring offering in March. Learn more through the link below.

Science & Conservation Researcher Interview Series

This past June, the West Coast NEST released its Researcher Interviewer Series in Partnership with Royal Roads University, with the support of an NSERC PromoScience grant. These videos provide glimpses into the research of local scientists with the interviewing help of local science-inspired youth. Revisit the videos via the following link.

Reducing Wildlife Conflict

Tofino, Ucluelet, and surrounding areas experienced several wildlife conflicts again this summer. The West Coast NEST sat down with local program coordinators from WildSafeBC to refresh residents and visitors on remaining bear-aware and how to effectively reduce negative wildlife interactions in our communities. In response to the issue, the Tofino Community Food Initiative also piloted its Fruit Gleaning Program this year!

Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Periodic Review

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) recently completed the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO 2010-2020 periodic review self-study. The report communicates the organization’s progress to date, as well as its trajectory for continued operation under the biosphere designation. Read the periodic review and learn about the West Coast NEST’s role within the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region.

Science Literacy Week

Learn more about the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada's Science Literacy Week, and how the West Coast NEST celebrated it this past September.