Water to Earth Month Events

World Water Day kicks off the month on March 22 and Earth Day wraps it up on April 22.

Check back at this page for event updates from the RDN and our community partners, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve (MABR), City of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Area Land Trust (NALT), VIU and Mosaic Forestry

The RDN’s Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP) Program has been hosting Water to Earth Month events with community partners for the last 10 years. Water to Earth Month is an activity-packed, month-long celebration that takes place between World Water Day on March 22 and Earth Day on April 22. Its aim is to actively engage the community to build awareness about local water resources and environmental stewardship.

This year, we are hosting a larger Earth Day celebration on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bowen Park Auditorium featuring vendors and information booths from around the community as well as interactive workshops and nature walks!

Join like minded individuals and tackle invasive plants during one of our work parties. All necessary equipment and training provided. Work parties are fun but physically taxing and best suited to those with a basic level of fitness and agility.  Wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves and loppers if you have them.

Location: Meet at Pipers Lagoon

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Link to register: Invasive Plant Removal for World Water Day

Designed for skaters of all ages and abilities.  Lap skating plus our popular 'Game Zone' for recreational Hockey with sponge pucks. Helmets are strongly recommended for all participants. 

Location: Beban Park

Time: 1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Link for more information: Earth Hour Skate

Location: Gabriola Island Community Hall (2200 South Road, Gabriola Island)

Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

With representatives from Island Health and the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resource Stewardship, you will have the opportunity to learn about: 

• Well maintenance and operation
• Protecting your water source
• Water testing and treatment
• Water treatment options
• Drought management 

To register, please send an email to watersmart@rdn.bc.ca with "Registration for Gabriola WellSmart Workshop" in the subject line.

For more information, please visit rdn.bc.ca/wellsmart. 

Join local experts and RDN Drinking Water and Watershed Protection staff to learn more about the Nanaimo River Watershed and the importance of keeping our natural areas healthy for generations to come. Located on 207 hectares of conservation land, Englishman River Regional Park is home to numerous wildlife species including Roosevelt Elk and a community hatchery with extensive salmon side channel. This is a great program for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

Time: 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Link to Register: Englishman River Regional Park Stream Walk

Join Team WaterSmart and local expert Samuelle to learn about birds in our region! Samuelle is a wildlife biologist and science communicator with a BSc. in Biology and Mathematics from Vancouver Island University and an MSc in Integrative Biology from the University of Windsor. She is passionate about bird research and enjoys training and mentoring students in field techniques. Recently, Sam has become a herpetology convert and now works with Sharp-tailed Snakes in Garry Oak ecosystems, expanding her love for wildlife from feathers to scales!

Location: Nanoose Bay Library

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Link to Register: Birds and Wetlands Workshop

Our expert pruner will show you how to care for young and old fruit trees and grape vines in your yard. This is the workshop to attend to get hands-on learning in basic pruning techniques. Bring a camera or notebook and questions for this hands-on workshop. Dress for the weather. 

Location: Pine St Community Garden, 271 Pine St (behind the parking lot).

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Link to Register: Basic Tree Pruning Workshop

Our expert pruner will show you how to care for young and old fruit trees and grape vines in your yard. This is the workshop to attend to get hands-on learning in basic pruning techniques. Bring a camera or notebook and questions for this hands-on workshop. Dress for the weather. 

Location: Beaufort Food Forest

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Link to Register: Basic Tree Pruning

This presentation focuses on rainwater system components, and how water quality is maintained. It outlines single-family residential property uses, but the concepts apply to all types and sizes of rainwater system designs and installations.

This workshop will be taking place at the Beban Centre in Nanaimo from 5-7PM.

Link to Register: Rainwater Harvesting Workshop

Is it true that trail runners have more fun? Only way to find out is to give it a try. You don’t need steep mountains or thick forests to have a good time trail running – think of it more as off-road running.  You will run with an experienced, friendly leader that will cover trail running technique, gear, hydration, navigation, safety and much more. Must wear good running/trail shoes and be in good physical health.  

Locations may vary, first class will meet at Westwood Lake First Beach.

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Link to Register: Trail Running

The Brant Wildlife Festival brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate nature. The festival hosts a multitude of events in the Spring that connect people with nature, educate people of all ages on topics of conservation, and celebrate the incredible biodiversity our region has to offer. The Brant Wildlife Festival is the only one of its kind on Vancouver Island. 

More Information, Please visit the Brant's Festival Website

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.

Link to Register: Nanaimo River Watershed & Water Treatment Plant Bus Tour

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! 

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Link to Register: Departure Creek Watershed Walk

Join local experts from the Friends of Cottle Creek and RDN Drinking Water and Watershed Protection staff to learn more about the restoration and monitoring projects happening in Cottle Creek. Please dress for the weather as this program will run in rain or shine. 

Join one of our local birding experts for a guided walk through Buttertubs Marsh and discover the diverse birdlife that calls this area home. Bring your binoculars and a camera if you'd like to capture the sights. This program runs rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather! 

Meet near the Miner's Cottage off Jingle Pot Road Entrance.  

Time: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Link to Register: Birding at Buttertubs Marsh

Join like minded individuals and tackle invasive plants during one of our work parties. All necessary equipment and training provided.   Work parties are fun but physically taxing and best suited to those with a basic level of fitness and agility.  Wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves and loppers if you have them.

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Link to register: Invasive Plant Work Party

Learn the best way to start seeds indoors, including selecting seeds, what medium to use, heating and lighting, proper timing and transplanting for your garden microclimate. This technique can save you lots of money and produce organic, healthy seedlings that you can plant at their peak for a successful vegetable or flower garden. We will provide some seeds for you to start during this class to bring home.

This workshop is outside.  Please dress for the weather.

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Nanaimo Community Gardens

Link to register: Starting Seeds Indoors

Discover what makes a bird a bird! Join us at Buttertubs Marsh to explore the fascinating world of birds. Do all birds build nests? Why do some sing? Through hands-on activities and observation, we’ll learn about bird adaptations, diets, and nesting habits. Perfect for curious kids who love nature! This is a parent participation class, great for the whole family!

Time: 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Link to Register: Bird Adaptations & Nests

Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

To register, please visit Hamilton Wetlands and Forest Tour

Farming and food security are important topics of conversations today, and in the past. Grow Nanaimo features stories of culturally diverse farmers, coal mining company farms, and the story of Five Acres, now known as Harewood. Take a seat in the outhouse interactive and be privy to the secrets of the night soil scavengers and check out the greenhouse activities. The stories in Grow Nanaimo encourage us to think about ways we have worked with the land and grown food in the past - how can reflecting on the past inform our discussions today?

To learn more, please visit www.nanaimomuseum.ca  

Join Team WaterSmart at the inaugural Brant Family Day Festival. There will be free of charge face painting and ice skating. DJ Connor will be performing with a lightshow and dancing in the pond.  

Location: Oceanside Place

Time: 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information: Brant Family Festival

If you have some pruning experience or have done some reading about pruning, this workshop can show you how to apply those principles to your trees. There will be some information on pest control, dormant oil spraying and other more complex tree care but even if you haven’t pruned before, this workshop will help you feel confident to start. Dress for the weather. 

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Beaufort Food Forest

Link to Register: Refresher Pruning Course

Join RDN Zero Waste and instructor to learn how to make art out of fabric waste!  Instructor Kim Adam guides you through the process of weaving on a simple frame loom using 'waste' fabrics & yarns to fashion a wall hanging or small bag. Receive instructions and tips to create more woven art at home. You'll view 'old/useless' textiles in a whole new light...virtuous recycling while having fun!!

Time: 10am-12:30pm

Location: Vancouver Island Regional Library, Harbourfront Library in downtown Nanaimo – 90 Commercial street, Nanaimo – Large Meeting Room

Equipment & supplies provided BUT participants should bring their own scissors for cutting fabrics/yarns.

Link to register: Artful Weaving Workshop

Join us this spring to go on adventures, make discoveries, and enjoy the changing of the seasons at Bowen Park! Monthly themes including nature observations, animal behaviours and welcoming spring.  Exploration focused walks, science experiments, crafts and special guests.

Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Link to Register: Bowen Afterschool Nature Club

During water to earth month, many different workshops are taking place including SepticSmart workshops!

SepticSmart is an education program that provides homeowners with information on their septic system. Care and maintenance of septic systems include regular tank pump-outs, monitoring and inspections. Upgrade and repairs should be done when necessary.  

Many properties in the RDN have a septic system to treat household wastewater. With regular maintenance, septic systems can last 25-30 years.

Register for a free workshop to learn how to properly care for your septic system and maximize its lifespan.

Location: Cedar Hall

Time: 6:00- 8:00 p.m.

Link to register: SepticSmart Workshop

For More information about SepticSmart Workshops, please visit this link.

This presentation focuses on invasive species removal with Hunter Jarratt (Invasive Species Guy) and Joanne (Broombusters).

Hunter Jarratt is a dedicated conservationist, ecological restoration consultant, and business owner with a strong passion for environmental protection. He has spent an innumerable number of hours managing invasive species in both volunteer and professional capacities.

Broombusters is a grassroots organization which was started in 2006 in response to community’s growing concern about the spread of the aggressive invasive species, Scotch broom, on Vancouver Island and lower BC mainland. 

Team WaterSmart will be providing free native plants and seeds to participants of this workshop.

This workshop will be taking place at the Bowen Centre in Nanaimo from 6-8 p.m.

Link to Register: Invasive Species Removal Workshop

Ever wanted to try fly fishing? Join our experienced instructors to learn about this sport including water and dry land practice casting instruction.  Discover the differences between spinning rods and fly fishing rods (sample rods available for comparison), types of fly fishing lines and introduction to fly  tying.  Casting in the final session on May 2nd, will take place at Westwood Lake. Participants are encouraged to bring their existing equipment if they wish to use it or have it evaluated.

Location: Beban Park

Time: various

Link to Register: Intro to Fly Fishing

Children and their families love to explore the great outdoors by hiking, camping, biking and more.  Sometimes curiosity draws kids away from family and friends. This AdventureSmart presentation is delivered by volunteers from Nanaimo Search and Rescue Outreach to teach kids how to avoid getting lost in the woods, and what to do if they do become lost.

Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Link to Register: Hug a Tree and Survive

This year, we are hosting a larger Earth Day celebration on April 19 (time TBA) with a celebration event at Bowen Park Complex  featuring vendors and information booths from around the community.

Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More Information to come soon!

Join Team WaterSmart and IIABC to learn more about irrigation practices in our region. More information to come!

Location: Cedar Heritage Centre

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Link to Register: Irrigation Workshop

Join others across the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) in participating in the City Nature Challenge, a global event that encourages people to observe and record the biodiversity of living things. This is a community-led opportunity to explore and share the incredible variety of life found throughout our region by paying attention to nature all around us - birds, bats, butterflies, snails, trees, ferns, fungi, and more.

The City Nature Challenge in the Regional District of Nanaimo invites participation from residents throughout the region. Whether you live in a municipality, electoral area, or rural setting, you can contribute observations from wherever you find nature - on land, in the air, in freshwater, or along our shorelines. Everyone is encouraged to take part, either individually or alongside friends and family to help build a snapshot of local biodiversity.

By using iNaturalist, participants help document as many wild plants and animals as possible throughout the region during the event period. These observations contribute to a global effort to better understand and appreciate biodiversity, while also supporting greater awareness of the natural environments that make our region unique.

For more information, please visit the City Nature Challenge BioBlitz Website

Location: Pleasant Valley Social Hall (6100 Doumont Road, Nanaimo)

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

With representatives from the City of Nanaimo and the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resource Stewardship, you will have the opportunity to learn about: 

• Well maintenance and operation
• Protecting your water source
• Water testing and treatment
• Water treatment options
• Drought management

To register, please send an email to watersmart@rdn.bc.ca with "Registration for WellSmart Workshop" in the subject line.

If registering for both workshops, please indicate this by having "Registration for WellSmart and Aquifer 211 Workshop" in the subject line as lunch will be provided.

Date: April 25, 2026

Location: Pleasant Valley Social Hall (6100 Doumont Road, Nanaimo)

Time: 1-3 p.m.

With representatives from the City of Nanaimo and the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resource Stewardship, you will have the opportunity to learn about: 

• Aquifer 211 Updates

To register, please send an email to watersmart@rdn.bc.ca with "Registration for Aquier 211 Workshop" in the subject line.

If registering for both workshops, please indicate this by having "Registration for WellSmart and Aquifer 211 Workshop" in the subject line as lunch will be provided.

For more information, please visit rdn.bc.ca/wellsmart.

For Water to Earth Month, visit Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre to learn about how waste is being managed at a local scale. Speak to operators and laboratory technicians to learn more about the work that they do everyday.

Location: 4600 Hammond Bay Road (parking and access on McGuffie Rd)

Time:11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reserve a tour time by calling 250-758-1157.

Join like minded individuals and tackle invasive plants during one of our work parties. All necessary equipment and training provided. Work parties are fun but physically taxing and best suited to those with a basic level of fitness and agility.  Wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves and loppers if you have them.

Link to Register: Earth Day Invasive Plant Work Party

Join the City of Nanaimo for a guided spring plant walk to discover fresh edible greens and blossoms such as chickweed, miner’s lettuce, dandelion, and nettle tips. Learn how to identify, harvest, and use these wild plants in everyday cooking. After the walk, enjoy a simple on-site tasting and leave inspired to bring more wild flavors into your kitchen. 

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Link to Register: Wild Culinary Walk: Spring Greens & Blossoms

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Link to Register: Starting a new Garden OR Revamping you Old Garden

In this workshop you'll learn essential plant identification skills and important pieces of foraging knowledge to help you forage safely and confidently. We’ll take a guided outdoor walk to practice identifying and harvesting wild edible and medicinal plants. This workshop is jam packed with knowledge and everything you need to get started foraging.  

Link to Register: Intro to Wild Foraging

During Water to Earth Month, many different workshops are taking place including SepticSmart workshops!

SepticSmart is an education program that provides homeowners with information on their septic system. Care and maintenance of septic systems include regular tank pump-outs, monitoring and inspections. Upgrade and repairs should be done when necessary.  

Many properties in the RDN have a septic system to treat household wastewater. With regular maintenance, septic systems can last 25-30 years.

Register for a free workshop to learn how to properly care for your septic system and maximize its lifespan.

Location: Lighthouse Community Hall

Time: 6:00- 8:00 p.m.

Link to Register: SepticSmart Workshop

For More information about SepticSmart Workshops, please visit this link.

Join Team WaterSmart at the River Never Sleeps Event

Information TBA!

Join Team WaterSmart at the Qualicum Beach Family Day Event!

Information TBA!

Join Team WaterSmart at the Qualicum Beach Day Event!

Information TBA!