Tuesday 31 December 2013

November 2013 Walk

This year's November walk was a great success. Over 20 children showed up to the event with their parents, much more than we had predicted due to the cold weather. Yet our leader Nadine Chan competently took charge and made this a fun and memorable walk for everyone. Niusha Mj has kindly taken a few photos to capture the day. See any familiar faces?





Monday 30 December 2013

Thanks for Everyone's Support!

Happy New Years!

We have now approached the end of 2013, and I would like to take a moment to reflect back on our past four years at Trail Troupers. Countless contributors have helped sustain this tri-mentoring program over the past few years. The supporters range from mentors and youth leaders to parents and children, and further to our local advertisers. I would like to thank all of our mentors and leaders for spending many hours translating a professional knowledge of the park to simple words and interactive activities for kids. As well, I would like to extend my appreciation for the time all parents have put into addressing their children's education and interest.

In particular, I would like to address an old mentor of ours named Terry Taylor, and express my gratitude for his long-lasting support and patience. Terry has spent much of his days trudging in the trails across the Pacific Spirit Park. He has studied a wide variety of moss species in the forest, and sparked much interest regarding lichens and microorganisms. For Trail Troupers alone, Terry has mentored around 20 walks altogether! Unfortunately for us, Terry has now moved to Victoria, BC and can no longer mentor our walks. However, we truly appreciate his dedication to the program a and wish him a fun and relaxing life a few kilometres away.

Courtesy of secheltgroves.com

With regards to the current state of the program, we have previously had a range of mentors from high-school and university students, all the way to retired professors. Whoever is interested in mentoring a walk, we would love to hear from you!

We did not have a significant show-up for December's walk due to the holiday season. Please let us know if you are interested in attending the upcoming walk on January 18th, 2014. If we have a lot of interest, we would be more than happy to lead the January walk. Stay tuned for more updates!

Cheers to 2014,
Sheida Naderi-Azad
Director, Trail Troupers Program

Saturday 7 December 2013

TT Walk Saturday December 14th, 2013

Hey everyone,

Our team has dedicated many hours to organize yet another fun and interactive nature walk for children. Trail Troupers will hold this month's walk on Saturday December 14th at 10am. The theme is "Eye Spot", which is designed to help children become more aware of the tiny details of their natural environment. We will meet at 29th Avenue and Imperial Street, and will take a new path in the Pacific Spirit Park. Bring your kids and family, and prepare for an awesome start to your weekend!


Please note: this month we have changed the date of the walk so that it does not conflict with the winter break. Usually the walks are held on the third Saturday of each month unless otherwise specified.

Cheers,
Sheida Naderi-Azad
Director, Trail Troupers Program

Saturday 9 November 2013

TT Walk: Nov. 16th, 2013

It's that time of the month again...yet another nature walk! 

This month we have prepared for a super fun and interactive walk at the Camosun Bog. If you are free on Saturday November 16th please meet us at the entrance of the bog at 10am. Our nature walks target children aged 3-12, but everyone is welcome! 


If you are uncertain of the bog's location, please check out the map below for more information.




See you all on Saturday November 16th at Camosun Bog. Don't be late!
PS- If you would like to be added to our Parent Mailing List contact us at pspyouth@gmail.com.

Warm Regards,
Sheida
Director, Trail Troupers Program

Sunday 13 October 2013

Trail Troupers Nature Walk October 19th, 2013

Are you interested in teaching your children about nature? Would you like to attend a Family Event for FREE on a weekend? Trail Troupers is hosting its next nature walk on October 19th at the Lily of the Valley trail, located in the corner of 12th and Blanca. Meet us at 10am for a fun hour-long walk. This walk is intended for families with children aged 3-12 years old.
See you all on Saturday October 19th at 12th and Blanca. Don't be late!

Dress warm, bring your kids, and be prepared to learn about discovering the park. For more information or to be added to our Parent Mailing List, email us at pspyouth@gmail.com . You may also check out our blog at http://pspsevents.blogspot.ca/ for monthly updates.



Cheers,
Sheida Naderi-Azad
Director, Trail Troupers Program

Monday 9 September 2013

Stories Along the Trail



Stories Along the Trail


Fun for the whole Family!

Sunday Sept. 22,  1 - 4 PM
(last departure from starting point at 3:15)

Its time for this special annual event!  Costumed storytellers will be found along a trail, and enchant you as they tell you about the adventures of a mysterious Chimera who is looking for a home.  You will hear how it just doesn’t work out to live with any of the creatures who it meets.  And of course you will learn about the secret lives of all the creatures it meets... including bats, birds, a coyote and more! You will be left wondering what sort of being the Chimera is ... just wait till you find out!

Bring your family and friends to a unique storytelling event where you will be guided along a marked trail!  It’s free and it’s fun, and it is enchanting!  
... And it’s suitable for all ages.  

(The trail loop is about a 1.5 km long.  It’s gravel, but OK for strollers)


NB... the map was incorrect, fixed now.
the entrance for Stories is at Salish Trail (NOT Sasamat)

How to get there!

Meet at the Salish Trail park entrance on 16th Ave about 1/2 km east of the traffic circle at 16th and Wesbrook Mall. You will be directed to follow the short path to the event start. 

Parking is available along 16th Ave.
You can take either the 33 or 25 bus along 16th Ave.; the closest stop is Hampton Place.

Guides will take groups around

every 10 to 15 minutes.  The walk, including the stories will take about an hour and a half.


Enjoy waiting for you turn by visiting activities and displays by a Metro Vancouver Park Interpreter,  Young Naturalists, and Terry Taylor!  Girl Guides will offer refreshments.


Wednesday 28 August 2013

Trail Troupers Walk September 21st, 2013

Are you interested in teaching your children about nature? Would you like to attend a Family Event for FREE on a weekend? Trail Troupers is hosting its next nature walk on September21st at the Lily of the Valley trail, located in the corner of 12th and Blanca. Meet us at 10am for a fun hour-long walk. This walk is intended for families with children aged 3-12 years old.

Check out our poster of the month:


See you all on Saturday September 21st at 12th and Blanca. Don't be late!


Dress warm, bring your kids, and be prepared to learn about discovering the park. For more information or to be added to our Parent Mailing List, email us at pspyouth@gmail.com . You may also check out our blog at http://pspsevents.blogspot.ca/ for monthly updates.

Cheers,
Sheida Naderi-Azad
Director, Trail Troupers Program

Sunday 9 June 2013

Access to further postcards...

Hello all...
Not many people are checking in on these postcards, so I will not continue posting them on the blog, and leave the blog for actual event updates.  If indeed you wish to receive postcards by email on a weekly basis until Snowberry the mouse is found (later this summer) please contact me as the webmaster (bottom of home page of http://pacificspiritparksociety.org).

A pdf booklet of of all the postcards, plus photos of the animals the squirrel encounters will eventually be made available.
Pille

Postcard 6 from Hazel the Squirrel




Hi friends,

I think owl is wise, so I listened to her advice and asked someone who lives on the ground.  But it didn't work.  At least it didn't work yet.  I saw a garter snake on the ground in a grassy area, sunning itself.  So I went down and talked to it.  I was really polite, but you know what the snake did?  It just slithered away through the grass and didn't answer me at all.  "That's not very nice", I thought.

But later on, when I thought about it for a bit I remembered that most snakes aren't talking animals.  I think that snake just didn't understand me.  Besides it might have been a little scared to see a squirrel right up close.  I'm going to look for some other animal who lives on the ground.

Nuts to you!
Hazel

Sunday 2 June 2013

Postcard 5 from Hazel the squirrel



Hi friends,

You know something funny?  I've always been afraid of owl, but I knew she was wise, so I got up my courage and went to ask her.  I hid in a sword fern, just in case.  Owl was very sleepy, but she laughed when she saw me hiding.  "Don't you know I only hunt in the night, or when its just getting dark? You're a day animal."  

I thought whew, that means I don't need to be afraid of her any more. Then I thought about Snowberry, because mice are mostly night animals.  But before I could say anything else Owl kind of chuckled and said "Besides, I don't eat talking animals".   "Oh, " I said, "then have you seen Snowberry?"  She nodded wisely and said, "No, not recently.  But you should ask someone who lives on the ground."  

Why do you think she suggested that?
Am I going nuts?

Hazel

Sunday 26 May 2013

Postcard 4 from Hazel the Squirrel




Hi friends,

I did find the dandelions, but still no mouse.  I wonder where Snowberry has gone?  Do you think I should ask the owl?  The owl is supposed to be wise, but I'm scared of him.  Maybe I'll find a safe place to hide while I ask.

Have you ever tried to eat dandelion seeds?  They're very good, and all kinds of animals can eat them. People can eat them too.  But the seeds are really tiny, and all that fluff gets in the way.  Snowberry likes them, but the fluff makes me sneeze. I like to blow on the fluff and see the seeds float away.  

I'd rather eat nuts!  Wouldn't you?
Hazel

Monday 20 May 2013

Postcard 3 from Hazel the Squirrel



Hi friends,

I climbed a mossy cedar tree to ask the chickadees if they had seen Snowberry the mouse.  But they weren't flying around in flocks any more, I guess they are busy with their nests.  The couple that I saw didn't want to stop and talk with me, but they did twitter something about dandelion seeds.  

Maybe the dandelions are ready, Snowberry always did like the seeds to eat, so I will go take a look. 

Nuts to you!
Hazel

Sunday 12 May 2013

Postcard 2 from Hazel the Squirrel




Hi friends,
Since Snowberry likes salmonberries, I thought I would look there.  But the berries aren't ripe yet, so I guess I will have to look somewhere else.  I think I will go and ask some birds, they might have seen the mouse.
Nuts to you!
Hazel

Trail Troupers Walk: May 18th 2013

The next Trail Troupers walk will be held next Saturday May 18th at 10am. The leader of the month is Gelareh Modara from Prince of Wales Secondary School. Meet us at 16th Avenue and Sasamat Street for a fun walk about various trees of the park!


Cheers,
Sheida Naderi-Azad
Director, Trail Troupers Program

Monday 6 May 2013

My name is Hazel

Hello everyone,

Here is the first postcard from the squirrel.  
The winning name, based on the panel of Early Childhood Educators, is Hazel.
Runner up names were Butterscotch, Chestnut, Ginger, and Puffy-tail.

Pille

Here is what Hazel told me:

I think Hazel is a perfect name for me because I love hazelnuts!  There aren't very many hazel trees in the park, but I know where to find some.  There's no nuts now, they won't be ready till the fall.  

I have been looking for my friend Snowberry, but haven't seen the mouse yet.  I'll keep looking and I'll ask my friend Pille to send you photos of where I've been.  

Nuts to you!
Hazel

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Take Another Look!


Sunday April 28 
Meet at Sasamat and 16th Avenue.
Event open from 1-4 PM, allow about an hour to complete.

This  is a  Fun Family treasure hunt
we have levels for all ages from toddlers to adults! 

more information on PSPS website

Monday 15 April 2013

TT April 20th: Spring Vacation!

Do you want to learn more about the park's Spring plants? Would you like to meet other families on a relaxing Saturday morning?

Trail Troupers program is hosting its March nature walk for children and their guardians. Join us for a fun walk on April 20th, the upcoming Saturday. The walk will run from 10-11am, and we will be meeting at 12th Avenue and Blanca Street. This month's theme is "Spring Vacation". See you all there!  

Wednesday 13 March 2013

NightQuest!!!
























Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Time:  7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Pacific Spirit Regional Park, 16th Ave Park Entrance (400m west of Blanca)
Explore the magic and mystery of the park at night. Make your way along 2 km of lantern-lit trails to discover more about the creatures who live in the forest darkness. Then join the community for some storytelling, drumming and campfire fun! Bring a lantern or flashlight and allow 1 hr to complete the quest.
 
FREE, and bring a mug & change for the Girl Guides concession.

Camosun Bog Sundews: You've heard of animals that only eat plants, what do you call a plant that only eats animals?"

Sundews germinated in a school classroom from seed from Camosun bog: CBRG donated some mini bogs to Vancouver Schools.  This one grew in a tub in Prince of Wales Secondary. Photos by Robert Mo



Saturday 2 March 2013

TT March 16th: "The Beauties of Winter"

Are you interested in getting some fresh air on a weekend morning? Would you like to learn more about the various plant species of the Park? Do you want your children to grow to love and care for their natural world? 

Trail Troupers program is hosting its March nature walk for young children and their guardians. Come out and join us for a fun and memorable walk on March 16th. The walk will run from 10-11am, and we will be meeting at 12th Avenue and Blanca Street. This month's theme is "The Beauties of Winter". See you all there!  





P.S. For more information, or if you wish to be added onto the parent mailing list, contact us at: 
psp.youth@gmail.com

Cheers,

Sheida
Director, Trail Troupers

Friday 8 February 2013

TT February 16th: Lily of the Valley


It`s about time for Trail Troupers` next walk! We lead monthly nature walks for children around the Pacific Spirit Park trails to bring them in closer acquaintance with their nature. Every walk is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month, so there are no surprises in terms of dates!

Take a look at the poster below to find out about the upcoming walk on February 16th, 2013:




Contact us at psp.youth@gmail.com to be added onto the parent mailing list. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions.

Cheers,
Sheida Naderi-Azad
Director, Trail Troupers Program

Januray 2013: Detective Action

The past Trail Troupers walk in January was a great success. Grade 12 student Nadine Chan single-handedly led the walk for seven children on the topic of "Detective Action". During the walk, she taught everyone the small details in the park that would otherwise be neglected. Take a look at the high-lights of the day:


"Sword fern is a type of fern that looks like a sword!"

Interactive activity using their hearing and smelling senses. 
The children were asked to close their eyes and shout out what they sense.


Check out the fungi growing on the tree bark! 
 
Finding refuge inside a hollow tree.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the February walk!

Cheers,
Sheida
Director, Trail Troupers Program

For more information, contact us at: psp.youth@gmail.com

Sunday 6 January 2013

TT January 19th: Newt Loop

Hi world,
My name is Sheida Naderi-Azad, and I am currently the leader of the Trail Troupers program. We lead monthly nature walks for children around the Pacific Spirit Park trails to bring them in closer acquaintance with their nature. Every walk is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month, so there are no surprises in terms of dates!

Take a look at the poster below to find out about the upcoming walk on January 19th, 2013:


Contact us at psp.youth@gmail.com to be added onto the parent mailing list. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions.

Cheers,
Sheida