The Brant Wildlife Festival is underway through Oceanside, with activities designed to learn about the natural world around us through fun, interactive events. (Brant Wildlife Festival)

By Alex Rawnsley

the world around us

New look Brant Wildlife Festival underway through Oceanside

Apr 6, 2024 | 5:56 AM

PARKSVILLE — The number of days might be trimmed down but the schedule is still jam packed for a staple spring event on the mid-Island.

The Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Region are running the 33rd annual Brant Wildlife Festival, beginning Friday, April 5 and running into Monday, April 8.

Lead coordinator Mandy Hobkirk said with the geese recently taking over area beaches and spring time finally emerging on Vancouver Island, it’s a perfect time to explore the region.

“The biosphere region is just teeming with life right now and we’re encouraging everyone to get outside and take part in the celebrations. Either by learning about species right outside your door, watching an eagle release from rehabilitation, watching a woodworking, carving and art show.”

Twenty-five events will take place over the four days with a focus on learning through fun.

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The Friday-to-Monday schedule is a reduction in days from years past, where schedules have ranged from a month-long event, to just a few days.

“We’re hoping this is going to make the festival a lot more accessible for people who might be travelling from outside of the region to participate.”

One of the key events on this year’s schedule is Saturday, April 6 and Milner Gardens.

The Biosphere Blitz will take a closer look at plants and animals we see on a near daily basis, but may not know enough about.

“This is kind of a beginners event, it’s a way for people to come and learn from local experts on how to identify things they would find right outside their door. Birds, plants, fungi, insects…they can come and learn from the real experts in the field.”

Registration for the event is free.

Also a key part of this year’s festival is a passport program with participating businesses in the Oceanside region, with around 20 stores taking part.

People can collect a passport at one of the stores and with purchase, get a sticker to go inside.

Once complete, passports can be entered to win the grand prize of a whale and wildlife adventure tour.

More information on this year’s festival, along with a complete events calendar, is available on their website.

— with files from Jordan Davidson

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