To know nature & keep it worth knowing

The Victoria Natural History Society is a volunteer-run organization where members can share and develop their interest in nature.

Email

members@vicnhs.bc.ca

Address

PO Box 5220 Stn B Victoria, BC, V8R 6N4

About

Charitable Registration 119284347 RT0001

Victoria Natural
History Society
Sharing a love of nature since 1944
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Field Trips & Events
View our calendar to see what's coming up
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Join Us
Learn about the benefits of membership
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The Victoria Natural History Society (VNHS) formed in 1944 and currently has about 750 members. We are a volunteer-run organization. Members have developed their interest in nature in a wide variety of ways—some are professional biologists, others are students, most are amateur or volunteer naturalists. VNHS provides an opportunity for those interested in the natural world to come together to share their ideas and experiences.
The Victoria Natural History Society offers many field trips and presentations each month for its members. Note that while evening presentations are open to the public, field trips are designed for members. Guests may join for up to three trips, after which they are expected to join the Society. If you like what you see, please support VNHS by becoming a member and/or making a donation.
The primary objectives of the Society are:
  • To stimulate active interest in natural history
  • To study and protect flora and fauna and their habitats
  • To work with other societies and like bodies having interests in common with this Society.

POPULAR ITEMS

Calendar
Rare Bird Alert
Butterfly Count
Become a Member
Invertebrate Alert
Christmas Bird Count
Free Nature Programs for Schools
Nature Guide Available

Social Media

TWITTER
Questions, answers, and all interesting things of nature in 140 characters or less
To Twitter
FACEBOOK
Keep up on the latest from the VNHS on Facebook
To Facebook
FLICKR
View some of our members incredible nature photography, and share your own too
To Flickr

Calendar

June 25, 2017

  • CANCELLED: Cowichan River Footpath

    June 25, 2017 @ 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

    FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3)
    THIS TRIP HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO POOR RESPONSE
    This is an area well known to hikers and fisherman. This is a popular hiking trail but we will slow down to enjoy the birds and flowers along this scenic waterway. We will be investigating the area between Skutz Falls and Marie Canyon. A challenge to find along the route is the rare California tea plant (Rupertia physodes). There is also a small segment of Garry oak meadow where we hope to see some of the late spring wildflowers but another highlight of this section of trail is the abundance of plants found in the “Oddballs” section of the field guide by Pojar & McKinnon. This includes ground cones (Boschniakia hookeri) and candy sticks (Allotropa virgata). The route is reasonably level, but there are many trees roots crisscrossing the first half of the route that some people may find challenging. Wear sturdy footwear and you might wish to bring a walking stick. Bring a lunch and drinks for the all-day outing. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or (250) 721-0634 for more information.

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June 26, 2017

  • Investigating the Seaweeds along the Seashore

    June 26, 2017 @ 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
    1510 Whiffin Spit Road, Sooke, BC V9Z, Canada

    FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)

    Normally we are studying the intertidal creatures when we have a seashore adventure. This time we are privileged to have retired marine biologist Tom Widdowson take us on a seaweed trip. Most of us know a few common seaweeds but the diversity on our local beaches is phenomenal. We’ll ask Tom to give us his thoughts about why the seaweeds are no longer as bountiful as when he was doing his studies of these local areas years back. We will probably meet to carpool from town in the morning and go to the Sooke area but firm plans are not in place as yet. Tides will determine where and when we need to be there. Contact Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca or 250-721-0634 to sign up to be notified of further details for this trip or if you need other information.

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July 2, 2017

  • Monthly Butterfly Outing

    July 2, 2017 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Mount Tolmie Park, 3486-, 3492 Mayfair Dr, Victoria, BC V8P 4P9, Canada

    FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2)

    Join Gordon Hart on our monthly Butterfly outing. Each outing is intended to help us learn more about our local butterflies. The outing is weather dependent. It needs to be warm and sunny to make it worthwhile. We will meet near the top of Mount Tolmie (off Cedar Hill Cross Rd) and decide where to go from there.

    Meet at 1:00 pm at the main parking lot just north of the summit. Contact Gordon at (250) 721-1264 or email Agnes at thelynns at shaw.ca for more information.

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