Community Calendar
Raingarden Self Guided Tour
Visit some of the raingardens in your community and win prizes while learning about water-friendly landscaping! Either pick up a copy of the guide, or download it here and then go visit some of the raingardens listed. After you have visited at least one raingarden, come back and enter to win prizes!
Raingarden guide and contest entry will be available on the Team WaterSmart Get Involved page starting March 22.
Water Day Walk at the Nanaimo River
Nanaimo River Walking Tour
March 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
ID: 141165 Register through the City of Nanaimo * Registration opens on March 12
Nanaimo River Walking Tour(External link)
Join the Regional District of Nanaimo staff to celebrate World Water Day, on an interpretive walk along the Nanaimo River. This River is the spine of the Nanaimo Watershed. Learn what makes it so significant and how we are connected to the health of this watershed.
Meet at the Nanaimo River Regional Park, Emblem Rd
Introduction to Plant ID
Join our introductory outdoor plant identification workshop ,perfect for beginners eager to explore native and non-native local plants. Learn to decipher the language of plant identification using common plant key guidebooks.
Edible Plant Walk
Experience 'Wild Food, Wild Medicine,' an outdoor walking workshop where you'll begin to identify local and common edible and medicinal plants. A quick look at a diverse array of berries, trees, herbs, shoots, and leafy greens. meet near the playground.
Departure Creek Interpretive Walk
April 4, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. meet at Woodstream Park on Bay Street
Registration is free through the City of Nanaimo - please note registration opens on March 12
Departure Creek Watershed Walk(External link)
Join local watershed expert, Dave Clough and Departure Creek Streamkeepers for an interpretive walk along on of Nanaimo’s urban watersheds. Learn about the history and importance of this local stream. This creek has received several restoration projects over the years and now sees returns of several salmon species, learn more and how you can help!
Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up
The yard is bright, birds are singing, and there are tad poles in the pond! Come discover all the different ways nature wakes up from its long winter sleep. This is a parent participation class. 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Earth Day Celebration at Bowen Park
The RDN’s Drinking Water and Watershed Protection(External link) team and City of Nanaimo are pleased to invite you to participate in an Earth Day community event taking place on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Bowen Park Complex, 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo.
This event aims to celebrate local ecosystems, plants, water, stewardship activities and goods from across the region! We hope it will be a fantastic opportunity to bring a variety of local community groups together to showcase all the amazing work, services and goods available in our community.
Free Presentations:
• 10:30 am - Dave Stewart (City of Nanaimo's Home Energy Retrofit Program)
• 11:30 am - Hunter Jarratt (Invasive Species Identification and Best Management Practices)
• 12:30 pm - Ken Netwig (Why Rainwater Harvesting)
• 1:30 pm - Nanaimo Climate Action Hub (Climate Cafe)
Wellsmart Workshop Meadowood
April 23, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Meadowood Hall
Learn how to keep your well in safe running order. Led by the RDN Drinking Water and Water Protection team, Island Health and the Province of BC to learn about:
• Well maintenance and operation
• Protecting your water source
• Water testing and treatment
• Water treatment options
• Drought management
This program is Free
For more information contact the Outreach Coordinator from the Drinking Water and Water Protection Program at 1-877-607-4111 or watersmart@rdn.bc.ca(External link).
Earth Hour Skate at Frank Crane Nanaimo
1:15 - 2:45 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena
City of Nanaimo Spring and Summer 2025 Activity Guide(External link)
Nanaimo River Watershed and Water Treatment Plant Bus Tour
Come see the amazing journey our drinking water takes from the mountains to our homes! Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the Nanaimo River Drinking Watershed, followed by a tour of Nanaimo's innovative Water Treatment Plant. Experts from City of Nanaimo and Mosaic will be on hand to discuss forestry, water quality, future plans and answer questions. Don't forget your camera! Meet at the South Fork Water Treatment Plant (2500 South Fork Road) Bring a lunch and wear suitable clothing and footwear for rugged ground and weather.
Nanaimo River Watershed & Water Treatment Plant Bus Tour(External link)