Nature Journaling at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Park

Our trip to Belcarra Regional Park was so much fun and full of cool experiences. We started the day with a nice nature walk by the water. The trail was surrounded by big trees, and we could hear birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind. Every now and then, we stopped to look at the beautiful view of the bay and spotted fish swimming close to the shore. The air was fresh, and the walk made us feel calm and connected to nature. It was a great way to begin our adventure.

Next, we went to the dock to try catching crabs. It was super exciting! We used bait and traps and dropped them into the water, hoping to catch something. While waiting, we learned a bit about the crabs that live there and how they’re important to the environment. When we pulled up our traps, we were so happy to see crabs inside! We made sure to be careful and let them go after looking at them. It was really cool to see these creatures up close and learn more about them.

At the end of the day, we did a scavenger hunt to learn about Indigenous people and their connection to the land. We followed clues and found items that taught us about their traditions and how they used nature to live. It was fun searching for everything and also interesting to learn about their way of life. By the time we finished, I felt like I had learned so much about nature and history. Visiting Belcarra Regional Park was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to go back next year.

 

A watercolours journal is a way to show the beauty of nature, like the red huckleberry, by painting and writing about it. For the red huckleberry, the journal might show its bright red berries, green leaves, and how it grows on old stumps or logs. It’s a way to learn about and remember the plant and its role in nature.

Here are some simple facts about the red huckleberry:

  1. Where it Grows: It grows in forests, especially in the Pacific Northwest, often on old stumps or rotting wood.
  2. Can You Eat It?: Yes! The berries are tart and a little sweet. Indigenous peoples ate them fresh or dried.
  3. Food for Animals: Birds, bears, and other animals love to eat the berries, too.
  4. Traditions: Indigenous people used the berries for food, medicine, and even to make dyes.
  5. Helps Nature: The plant helps break down old wood and supports other plants and animals.

A watercolours journal helps show how special and important the red huckleberry is in nature and to the indigenous communities.