Winter 2021

December 16, 2021

Along with a dusting of snow on surrounding mountain tops, a seasonal quietness has begun to settle on the coast. This is an important time to relax, recharge, and to enjoy some of the smaller, more intimate community event offerings currently taking place. The West Coast NEST is thrilled to have successfully hosted a number of in-person events over recent months, including the Science Literacy Week Scavenger Hunt and the West Coast Knitting Retreat. We hope that you’ll come learn with us next year as this momentum continues to grow. Take a look at what we have to look forward to!

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust has brought back the Giving Catalogue. This online holiday crowdfunding campaign helps raise money for local non-profit organizations. The CBT provides administrative support and allocates 100% of donations to the registered organization of the donor’s choice. Donations help sustain the important ecological, educational, and social programs that strengthen local ecosystems and communities.

Invasive Species Council of BC: Pacific Rim

The Invasive Species Council of BC has recently expanded its Youth Volunteer Program to the Pacific Rim region. This program offers plenty of volunteer and learning opportunities to local youth and young adults. We are excited to be partnering with the organization, and Youth Facilitator Jamie MacKay, to help facilitate programs and events that benefit local communities and environments, and that equip youth with valuable hands-on volunteer experience. Reach out to Jamie at facilitatorisl@bcinvasives.ca with any program or collaboration questions!

Pack Your Bottles!

If you’re planning on traveling to the region this holiday season, be sure to pack your reusable travel mug and water bottle! A number of free water dispensers have been installed throughout Tofino and Ucluelet thanks to Surfrider Pacific Rim’s “Take back the Tap” campaign, so there’s no need (or reason) to purchase disposable bottles during your stay. Familiarize yourself with both the program and fountain locations through the link below. You can also easily participate in Surfrider’s 5 Minute Beach Clean during your stay to help remove harmful debris from local beaches or check to see if your travels align with one of the Ucluelet Aquarium’s Microplastic Survey volunteer opportunities. Check our events page for volunteer announcements!

Plan Your Spring Break!

Before you know it, winter will be over, and spring break will be upon us! It’s never too early to start planning your stay and identifying what educational opportunities will be available to you. Take a look through our partner organizations and their offerings to customize your trip.

Return of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival

Plans are in full swing to bring back in-person activities for the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival! Festivities will take place March 18th to 26th, 2022 between Ucluelet, Tofino, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Stay up to date with details by checking in on our event listing.

Raincoast Education Society: Speakers Series

Join Raincoast Education Society during one of their free, online Speaker Series events this winter. This year’s expert speakers will be exploring various “Giants of the Deep”, including the upcoming presentation on Basking Sharks on January 13th. Keep up to date with discussion topic updates through the link below!

West Coast Knitting Retreat

Read our recap of this year’s West Coast Knitting Retreat, one of the many ways the West Coast NEST is working to grow the local education tourism economy.