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October 21, 2016 - 11:26 AM
The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan is located in Mission Creek Regional Park, at Springfield and Durnin Roads. For more information on these and other EECO programs, check out ‘Your Guide to Regional Parks’, visit the Regional District website or contact the EECO at 250-469-6140.
The EECO community calendar is offering the following events:
Tracks Walking Clubs – East and West
There’s still time to register for the last month of our free fall ‘Tracks Walking Clubs’. The beginner graduated walking program offers your choice of location on either side of Okanagan Lake:
There’s no cost to sign up and members receive a walking journal, walking tips, seminars and motivational tips that keep you moving. People at a beginner fitness level are encouraged to take part gradually increasing their health, stamina and walking duration to 60 minutes.
‘Tracks’ is recognized as a BC Heart and Stroke Foundation ‘Hearts in Motion’ walking club.
To register, please drop in to the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan or email eeco@cord.bc.ca or phone 250-469-6139.
‘Eco-Art at the EECO’
Bring your imagination and join in the fun Saturday mornings for ‘Eco-Art at the EECO’.
Each Saturday morning at 11, you’ll create works of art with recycled and natural materials. There’s no need to pre-register for this free program, just drop into the EECO a few minutes early. All ages are welcome to take part!
‘Alien Invaders – Nasty or Nice?’ Exhibit
Many plant and animal species have moved to the Okanagan. A few of these species have had negative impacts of the native species that are a part of the sensitive Okanagan ecosystem. Learn about the difference between non-native and invasive species, and a few things that you can do to help reduce the spread of invasive species.
‘Alien Invaders – Nasty or Nice?’ opens on Friday, October 28th and will be on display until spring 2017.
‘Roll and Stroll’
Our free weekly free walking club for moms and caregivers with babies and little ones is underway and you’re welcome to join us.
‘Roll and Stroll’ is a great opportunity to meet other parents and spend time outdoors in a family and baby friendly environment.
Participants meet every Thursday morning at 9:30 am until November 24th at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO) and set out for a 45 minute walk through the park and along the Mission Creek Greenway. We’ll return to the EECO for refreshments and some baby basics. Participants are encouraged to use strollers and baby carriers that are suitable for rough terrain.
The program is free, but registration is required by calling the EECO at 250-469-6139 or email eeco@cord.bc.ca.
‘Going Wild at the EECO’
Students of all ages are welcome to join in as we are ‘Going Wild at the EECO’.
This program is a perfect activity to fill that after school void. During the hour long program, there’s a hands-on activity designed to teach students of any age about a new nature theme. It’s free and there’s no need to register, just drop in and have fun!
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Tuesday, November 8th – participants will learn all about ‘Hibernation’ and explore how animals get ready for a winter’s siesta.
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Thursday, November 24th – we’ll get a jump on the coming festive season and help you create some natural decorations and displays in ‘Greening the Season’.
The one hour program begins at 3:00 pm in the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan.
‘Explore Your Parks’
Here’s a great opportunity to get outside and active this fall and ‘Explore Your Parks’.
Join an interpreter as we share details about the special features of various regional parks. Please wear appropriate clothing and bring along some water and a snack. These free outings are held in conjunction with the Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) to provide barrier free access to our regional parks. To request the services of CRIS volunteers visit www.adaptiveadventures.ca.
Each event requires pre-registration and takes place on the following dates and locations:
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Saturday, November 19th at 10:00 am and Thursday, November 24th at 1:00 pm join us as we explore Scenic Canyon Regional Park and travel upstream along the Mission Creek Greenway. We’ll rendezvous for this hike at the Hollywood Road south parking lot.
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Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00 am and Thursday, December 8th at 1:00 pm we’ll stroll through the trails in the Hall Road area of Mission Creek Regional Park. Please meet in the parking lot off Springfield Road at Durnin Road.
To register your family, please drop in to the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan, email eeco@cord.bc.ca or phone 250-469-6139.
Green Christmas Decorative Workshops
The EECO in Mission Creek Regional Park is once again hosting its popular ‘Green Christmas at the EECO’ workshops. Learn how and make decorative wreaths and swags for the holiday season.
As this program for adults is so popular, Regional Parks Services encourages anyone interested to register quickly starting November 1st at the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan by calling 250-469-6139 or emailing eeco@cord.bc.ca. There is a cost of $15 per person to participate in the workshops.
The workshops go Friday, November 25th and Saturday, November 26th with a morning session each day from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. There’s also a Saturday afternoon session from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Greenery and other natural materials will be provided including prunings of Douglas fir, Cedar boughs, Oregon grape leaves, snowberries, and other natural items gathered from Regional Parks during our fall pruning. Participants are asked to please bring their own gloves, pruning shears and scissors, as well as any seasonal ribbon or old ornaments to reuse.
‘Story Time at the EECO’
Tuesday mornings are ‘Story Time at the EECO’. The free weekly one-hour drop-in program for children aged three to five and their care-givers is back for another season!
The younger ones love the nature-themed stories and songs followed by an art or craft project. The program is an excellent way for preschoolers to interact with others while learning more about the natural world.
‘Story Time’ runs each Tuesday morning at 10:00 from November 1st until December 20th. It breaks for the Christmas – New Year’s holidays and runs again Tuesday mornings from January 3rd to March 14th. (no program December 27th)
News from © iNFOnews, 2016