Learn about the incredible response and enthusiasm met by UBC’s first ever Biodiversity Days experience series, which took place earlier this month.
UBC Botanical Garden during the Family Nature Walk experience.
Between May 8-23, 2021, we hosted a series of virtual and in-person programming called Biodiversity Days in honour of the UN International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). The first of its kind, Biodiversity Days was a big success in engaging friends, family and community to celebrate biodiversity and learn more about its importance for current and future generations.
Associate Director Dr. Tara Moreau, a lead organizer of Biodiversity Days, operates a station handing out little succulents!
As part of Biodiversity Days, UBC Botanical Garden hosted a Family Nature Walk for people of all ages to enjoy the Garden while learning about biodiversity through fun activities. Between Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23, a total of 100 families (310 participants) went on the Family Nature Walk, which included 7 educational stations supported by 33 staff, students and volunteers.
Patrick Lewis, Director of UBC Botanical Garden, welcomes visitors to the world of plants at UBC Botanical Garden.
Folks of all ages get to enjoy learning about the wonders of biodiversity.
Biodiversity Days included virtual experiences such as our sold-out plant propagation workshop hosted by our Artist in Residence, Dr. Erin Despard, a UBC Biodiversity and Climate Action Ideas showcase and, in honour of Cultural Diversity Day (May 21), a keynote talk by Dr. Sm’hayetsk Teresa Ryan featuring stories of salmonberries and Aboriginal forest stewardship. It was great to see so much engagement on topics of biodiversity, with over 135 participants attending the virtual sessions.
And in fact, we had so much interest in the plant propagation workshop that we are hosting another one in June, which is also sold out! (You can sign up for the waiting list here.)
Visitors answer the question: How can you take action to help protect the planet and biodiversity?
Families created new memories in nature at UBC Botanical Garden. #UBCblossoms
Learn more about the experiences on our blog post about Biodiversity Days.
UBC Botanical Garden would like thank everyone who worked hard on ensuring the first Biodiversity Days series was a success and for the community’s support and enthusiasm.
If you participated in Biodiversity Days experiences, please let us know if you have any feedback, suggestions or want to participate in future Biodiversity Days series!
Biodiversity Days was hosted by UBC Botanical Garden in collaboration with SEEDS Sustainability Program and the Climate Crisis and Urban Biodiversity initiative.
