Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary Gathering to practice and learn on 171 acres of urban wetland (Swan Lake) + rare oak meadow (Christmas Hill). Lekwungen-speaking & WSANEC Peoples' Territory.
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This World Environment Day 2026, the focus is on climate change and calling on the importance of making tangible action ...
06/05/2026

This World Environment Day 2026, the focus is on climate change and calling on the importance of making tangible action on a local to global scale.

Wetlands are key in mitigating and adapting to climate change, specifically in balancing greenhouse gas budgets as carbon sinks, and for their important role in the water cycle. 💧🌾

Wetland decline disrupts the climate system, reduces the availability of water resources, increases local communities’ susceptibility to natural disasters, causes the loss of species, and affects people’s livelihoods and well-being. (Info from Ramsar Convention on Wetlands).

Pledge to support Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary today! If you love please help the charity that runs this urban sanctuary by tagging us, sharing our posts, joining our e-newsletter (link in bio), and/or volunteering with us. 💚

Photos: Agile Drone Services, Addison Kits, Cara Gibson, and Cim MacDonald.

In need of some nature mindfulness? Join us for a guided forest bathing walk at the Nature Sanctuary. Shinrin-Yoku is th...
06/04/2026

In need of some nature mindfulness? Join us for a guided forest bathing walk at the Nature Sanctuary.

Shinrin-Yoku is the Japanese practice of forest bathing, of taking in the forest through our senses - through our sense of hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell.

More than a walk in the woods, forest bathing is an opportunity to slow down, focus on our senses and re-connect with nature. Being outdoors and connecting with nature offers us wellness and health benefits that include increased immune function, enhanced cardiovascular and respiratory health, stress relief, and more.

When: Monday, June 15th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: 3873 Swan Lake Road
Cost: $20

As our walk wraps up, we will share a cup tea and a light snack in appreciation to Swan Lake and our time with nature.

Please note that the walk may take place on trails that are not rated as "accessible" within our trail system. If you have any questions or requests for accommodations, please reach out to [email protected] directly prior to registering.

Register online: https://swanlake.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/swanlake/event.jsp?event=89137

Join us at the 2026 Swan Lake Social & AGM to enjoy refreshments and connect with community! Where: Swan Lake Nature Hou...
06/03/2026

Join us at the 2026 Swan Lake Social & AGM to enjoy refreshments and connect with community!

Where: Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Road
When: Thursday, June 11th (Social: 4:30-5:30pm; AGM: 5:30-6:30pm)
Non-members are most welcome!
*Please note that only active members may vote at the AGM.

RSVP online: https://swanlake.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/swanlake/event.jsp?event=91154&

06/02/2026

Come along with our Biodiversity Coordinator as we do weekly water quality monitoring at Swan Lake! 🛶

We’re part of the B.C. Lake Stewardship Monitoring Program (BCLSMP), which studies how lake conditions affect biological productivity. Now in our third year, this work helps us better understand Swan Lake, restore key habitat for native species, and advocate for its protection as urban development continues to grow.

Learn more about Swan Lake water quality monitoring here: https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/reports/

Happy International Wild Salmon Day! 🐟This year's theme is “Restore Salmon Rivers. It starts with healthy habitats”. Sal...
06/01/2026

Happy International Wild Salmon Day! 🐟
This year's theme is “Restore Salmon Rivers. It starts with healthy habitats”. Salmon depend on healthy rivers, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans at every point in the life cycle, so restoring these habitats is highly important for these keystone species.

This spring, Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary Staff celebrated Earth Day by releasing Coho salmon fry into Swan Creek! This was our 6th annual salmon release into a remediated section of the creek, as part of an ongoing collaborative restoration effort with community partners.

Interested in helping restore significant habitat? Join us for our weekly stewardship meetups at Swan Lake! Learn more here: https://swanlake.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer-application

Swan Lake is pleased to host Science Venture for children's summer camps this year! 🌿EcoSTEM at Swan Lake immerses camp...
05/28/2026

Swan Lake is pleased to host Science Venture for children's summer camps this year! 🌿

EcoSTEM at Swan Lake immerses campers in hands-on, place-based learning through guided hikes, environmental monitoring, field games, and meaningful habitat restoration projects. With both A-Week and B-Week options, campers can enjoy varied experiences while building STEM skills, environmental awareness, and a lasting connection to and care for the natural world.

Camp dates: July 13-17, July 20-24, August 10-14, and August 17-21
Two weeks of themes are available (A and B week). EcoSTEM is ideal for children entering Grade 2, 3, or 4 in September.

Register online: https://scienceventure.campbrainregistration.com/

Join us for our weekly stewardship meetups at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary to practice place-based ecological restoration ...
05/26/2026

Join us for our weekly stewardship meetups at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary to practice place-based ecological restoration and learn more about plants! 🌿

Our volunteer stewardship meetups occur every Tuesday and Saturday at the Nature Sanctuary and are a great opportunity to undertake hands-on restoration of endangered oak-camas meadow and sensitive lake wetland, which are important habitat for many at-risk species.

After this 2-hour activity, enjoy refreshments and baked goods.

Learn more and fill out our restoration sign-up form online: https://swanlake.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer-application

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢💚Do you know how to spot the difference between the native Western painted turtle (Chrysemys pi...
05/23/2026

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢💚
Do you know how to spot the difference between the native Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) and invasive Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)?

While both Western painted turtles and Red-eared slider turtles have yellow stripes on their heads and legs, Red-eared sliders have a prominent red stripe on each side of their head.

Western painted turtles have a red plastron or belly with a yellow and black pattern, whereas the Red-eared slider has a yellow plastron with black markings.

The Nature Sanctuary is fortunate to have a growing population of Western painted turtles. Take part in monitoring them by recording your observations on iNaturalist or filling out our online survey here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/a658808f64c744bfaca4a3ad3efb930a

🌾🌾🌾

Please do not interfere with turtles unless they are in imminent danger. If you do move a turtle off the road, move it in the direction it was going and ensure you wash your hands thoroughly. If you come across an injured turtle, contact the BC SPCA Wild Animal Helpline at +1 (855) 622-7722 and follow their directions.

Photos: Judy Riddell, Bob Orchard, Paul Reeves, Ryan Rasmussen, & David Solomon

This International Day for Biological Diversity, we would like to feature the amazing diversity of species we have here ...
05/22/2026

This International Day for Biological Diversity, we would like to feature the amazing diversity of species we have here at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary!

The marsh wetland around Swan Lake and the deep-soil oak-camas meadow up on Christmas Hill provide important habitat for a wide variety of species.

Featured species:
1 – Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
2 – Blue dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis)
3 – Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii)
4 – American mink (Neogale vison)
5 – Great camas (Camassia leichtlinii)
6 – Subfamily Vespertilioninae
7 – Garry oak (Quercus garryana)
8 – Northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus)

Interested in getting involved in restoring important habitat? Join us for our weekly stewardship meetups on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Sanctuary! Sign up here: https://swanlake.app.neoncrm.com/forms/volunteer-application

Photos: Robert Fraser, Brian Starzomski, Kristen Banasch, iNaturalist user wintereater, Taylor Nishimura, & Sarafina Henderson

Address

3873 Swan Lake Road
Victoria, BC
V8X3W1

Telephone

+12504790211

Website

https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/

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