Parks Day Tomorrow

Strathcona Wilderness Institute invites the public to celebrate Canada’s Parks Day on Saturday July 21, at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre at the Paradise Meadows trailhead in Strathcona Park. The Centre, adjacent to Mt. Washington’s Raven (Nordic) Lodge, is open 9 a.m-4 p.m. daily for park and trail information thanks to volunteers for the Institute.

Parks Day is a day to celebrate and support parks and nature, to re-engage with our natural heritage to ensure that parks are protected for future generations to enjoy. Strathcona Park has a special significance as BC’s first Provincial Park, and the largest on Vancouver Island.

On Saturday July 21 you can browse information and displays from the Comox District Mountaineering Club, Friends of Strathcona Park,  Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue, and Island Alpine Guides. There will be a nature walk in the Meadows at 10 a.m., and a special cake at noon generously provided by Thrifty Foods Courtenay.

At 1 p.m. join acclaimed artist Brian Buckrell for a ‘Plein Air’ demonstration in acrylics. Brian’s work includes many scenes of the Park and can be previewed at www.brianbuckrell.com

Also featured is SWI director Lindsay Elms’ new book, available for sale at the Centre. ‘Above the Bush: a Century of Climbing on Vancouver Island’ was written to commemorate the centenary of the Alpine Club of Canada's Vancouver Island Section. More information is at www.lindsayelms.ca 

SWI programs are free although donations are always appreciated. For more information on the SWI activities at Paradise Meadows check the calendar at the bottom of this blog.