Sharing a love of nature
Join us in celebrating, protecting, and learning about natural habitats in the Greater Victoria region.
Formed in 1944 as the
Victoria Natural History Society
What we do?
(Photo Credit: Gordon Hart)
Protecting
For 80 years, Nature Victoria has been a steadfast advocate for protecting the biodiversity of southern Vancouver Island and the southern Gulf Islands. The three principal areas of protection we engage in are direct advocacy, support to other organizations that are advocating for issues we support, and the annual Christmas Bird Count.
(Photo Credit: Phil Lambert)
Learning
Nature Victoria is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world through various educational initiatives. These include a member newsletter featuring articles, project updates, and event announcements; monthly evening presentations covering topics like birds, marine life, and botany; and a variety of field trips exploring diverse natural environments. These programs aim to engage participants of all ages in hands-on learning experiences, promoting ecological awareness and a sense of community among nature enthusiasts.
(Photo Credit: Robert Harwood)
Celebrating + Sharing
Nature Victoria is deeply committed to fostering education, collaboration, and community engagement in the natural sciences. The organization offers scholarships and bursaries to support students pursuing studies in species and habitat conservation. Additionally, Nature Victoria actively participates in regional science fairs by providing financial support and volunteering as judges, aiming to inspire and encourage student projects focused on ecology and nature. The organization also collaborates with various environmental groups, offering funding and support to advance conservation efforts and ensure the sustainability of these initiatives.
We Need Your Help
There are many ways to get you can get
involved and make a difference!
Donate
Every dollar donated helps us to continue do great work.
Attend an Event
Explore nature and meet others in the community.
Videos
Volunteer Passion Projects
Invertebrate Alert
This blog provides an informal forum for terrestrial invertebrate watchers to post recent sightings of interesting observations in the southern Vancouver Island region. Visit https://invertsight.com/ to learn more.
Butterfly Count
Each month from April to September, one weekend will be designated for Butterfly Counts. If you are not able to complete your count on the weekend, you may do so during the following week. Please note: we are currently looking for a new count coordinator. Email: butterflies@naturevictoria.ca
Christmas Bird Count
Register to help collect data and monitor trends on bird species of Southern Vancouver Island.
The Victoria Naturalist Newsletter
Six times a year Nature Victoria produces a top-notch member newsletter chronicling species of note, future events, activities and field trips, conservation projects and nature resources in the community.
Non-members can view archived copies of The Victoria Naturalist here.
Become a member to receive current issues of the Victoria Naturalist.
Upcoming Events
- May 16, 2026
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Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies on Mount Tolmie
May 16, 2026 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Victoria RegionSATURDAY, MAY 16
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 2 —Paths can be narrow with uneven terrain)
Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies on Mount TolmieMeet at 8:00 a.m. Early in the morning, we have a good chance of finding some special spring migrant birds on Mount Tolmie(https://ebird.org/hotspot/L869220 ). Each spring, this location is a brief stop-over for several rare birds that turn up at this location, such as Lazuli Bunting. We will also check out the
wealth of wildflowers. As it warms up, we may see some of the butterflies that enjoy the Garry oak meadows.DIRECTIONS: Take the turn-off from Cedar Hill Cross Road to Richmond Road, follow Mayfair. Drive to the top, and park at the main parking lot just north of the summit.
For more information, please email birdingfieldtrips@gmail.com.
Rain or shine. Novice and experienced VNHS members all welcome. Non-members can participate up to three times, after which they are expected to join the Society.
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- May 17, 2026
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Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop Lake
May 17, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
SUNDAY, MAY 17
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 1—Easy walking, mostly level paths)
The Evening Chorus at Blenkinsop LakeMeet at 7:00 p.m. Blenkinsop Lake (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L578884 ) is a great place for evening birding. Commuting cyclists and group running clubs are done for the day and we should have the trail largely to ourselves. Late in the day, diurnal birds are starting to wind down but are still foraging for the day’s last meal for themselves and their young. A few songbirds sing until late in the day or even for awhile after sunset. Crepuscular birds such as owls will be active.
DIRECTIONS: Parking is available between Don Mann Excavating (4098 Lochside Drive) and the Lochside Trail.
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- May 18, 2026
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Cycling - Sooke Potholes to Leechtown
May 18, 2026 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Natural History Cycling Tour of the Galloping Goose Trail from Sooke Potholes to Leechtown
HOLIDAY MONDAY, MAY 18
FIELD TRIP (LEVEL 3 —Obstacles in paths or steeper grades, requiring agility)Meet at 8:00 a.m. Join Daniel Dönnecke on a cycling tour into the Sooke Hills. We will enjoy the birds and scenery along the way. Bring a lunch. You must register in advance for this trip at birdingfieldtrips@gmail.com.
For more information, please email birdingfieldtrips@gmail.com.
DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Galloping Goose parking lot 2.3 kilometres along Sooke River Road (off Sooke Road).
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