Regional District of Nanaimo Environmental Youth Ambassadors

Youth Ambassadors. Thinking about university? VIU is host pre-VIU days, for prospective students to get to know the campus and the programs that VIU has to offer.

From the Organizers:

Science and Technology Previews

March 10 and 11 | 9:30 am to 11 am
Take part in short labs, tours and hands-on activities across Science and Technology.

Faculty of Health Sciences and Human Services Open House

March 18 | 2 to 4 pm
March 19 | 10 am to 12 pm
Tour labs and classrooms and meet faculty and students.

Trades and Tech Showcase

March 21 | 12 to 3 pm
Discover hands-on career paths in trades and technology.

For more information, please visit VIU's website.

This is an optional workshop for Youth Ambassadors.

From the Organizers:

In this talk, explore the invisible journeys happening below decks with Dr. Jenny Carney-Zollars, the head of SERC’s ballast water sampling program. Dr. Carney-Zollars will highlight how ships transport invasive species, how the scientists on her team can detect organisms often invisible to the naked eye, and what strategies are working to help ships reduce the risk of spreading invasive species along their routes.

Date: March 17 2026

Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Smithsonian's website.

Youth Ambassador's! UBC is hosting a workshop about the connection of trees, that might be interesting to attend. This workshop is optional.

From the organizers:

Forest ecologist Dr. Nalini Nadkarni will share insights from decades of canopy research on how forest ecosystems function as interconnected networks, alongside UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Lecturer Dr. Teresa Ryan (Sm’hayetsk), a Tsimshian scientist whose work bridges Indigenous knowledge and Western science in forest and watershed stewardship.

Together they’ll explore how trees share information and resources – and what these living networks can teach us about resilient ecosystems and communities.

Date: March 26 2026

Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

For more information, please visit UBC Forestry's website

Youth Ambassadors! Are you passionate about the environment, sustainability, and the great outdoors? Do you dream of a career that combines your love for nature with cutting-edge science and innovation? Maybe the UBC’s Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Undergraduate program will be the right fit! Information sessions are happening online via Zoom on March 12, April 9, May 14, 2026.

For more information, please visit UBC Forestry

From the Organizers:

Kidovate Nanaimo 2026 Market Day will be held on Saturday, April 18th at the Nanaimo North Town Centre Mall from 10 - 4pm for youth in grades 6-12. Space is limited so register today! If you have any questions or wish to be added to an email list for updates, please send a message to Brock at smithb@uvic.ca.

As a Kidovate participant, you will receive a graphic novel-style workbook to help you think through some of the key decisions you need to make as a Kidovate entrepreneur. We can also connect youth with UVIC Business student mentors who can (virtually) help you decide what to sell and how to sell it. Spring Break is a great time to get ready for Kidovate!

Link to Register: Kidovate Nanaimo

From the organizers:

The primary objective of these scholarships is to invest in future leadership by providing financial support to emerging leaders enrolled in recreation-related studies throughout British Columbia. Scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 towards tuition costs. An additional objective of these scholarships is to promote environmental studies and raise visibility for recreation to encourage students to pursue these fields of study.

Annual Scholarship Cycle dates

1. Application window opens -January 1st each year
2. Applications window closes – March 31st each year
3. Scholarship application review – April each year
4. Scholarships are awarded May – June of each year

For more information, please visit the recreation foundation of British Columbia's website.

Applications are now open for the Robin and Sylvia Campbell scholarship, presented by North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA).

More about the Scholarship:

Youth Ambassadors! Did you know you can apply for funding for your projects from Nature Nanaimo?

From Nature Nanaimo:

Description: The award was created to recognize and encourage students whose interests and activities are aligned to the mission of Nature Nanaimo. The recipient of a single award of $500 and a complimentary one year’s membership will be announced at a Nature Nanaimo Meeting. The winner of the award will either have already demonstrated initiative, or is planning a future project, that is consistent with the mission of Nature Nanaimo.
Who can apply? The award is given to students in good standing who are currently enrolled in grade 11 or 12. Students may attend public or private schools or be home-schooled. An applicant must reside within the greater geographic area of Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Gabriola Island, Cedar, Protection Island, and Lantzville. International students, including those on study permits or visas, are not eligible to apply.
Criteria: Applicants may be an individual student or the leader of a group of students.
Grant Guidelines: Award winners can use the funds as they wish. A budget or accounting may be submitted with the application but is not required.

For more information, please visit Nature Nanaimo's website

On October 24, 2025, 11 members of the NDSS Eco Club came out to learn about how Nanaimo River Regional Park is managed, what makes it unique and why invasive species like Scotch broom are harmful. Despite the rain they worked together to clear an entire block of broom, a huge effort that will make way for future restoration projects to increase native plants, help wildlife thrive and keep the park healthy for everyone to enjoy. Their dedication shows how much can be accomplished when a community comes together, even on the rainiest days!