April 6: Please Join Us For The Tofino Streamkeepers AGM
Sunday April 6th, 4pm-5:30pm
Clayoquot Field Station classroom (Tofino Botanical Gardens).
*On the agenda: election of a new board of directors and community input for future projects. Also, there are still a few seats available for the Streamkeepers Course taught by Dave Clough April 5th & 6th If you or anyone you know are interested please contact Streamkeepers ASAP. Thanks and look forward to seeing you soon! Sincerely, Lisa Fletcher, Raincoast Education Society

April 25-27: The 11th Annual Shorebird Festival
On the Pacific Rim, peak shorebird migration occurs in late April and early May, bringing thousands of shorebirds to our beaches and mudflats. Join the Raincoast Education Society for slideshows, guided birdwatching, a photography workshop and a Mudflats Stewardship celebration! Learn more about these amazing birds that stop on our local mudflats and beaches for just a few days during a journey thousands of kilometers long.

Check out the full schedule.
Can't open the schedule or need more information?
250-725-2560 or email res@island.net

Tofino Shorebirds: Spring and Fall

Migrating shorebirds are resting and refueling - Please respect their space
Each spring and fall, thousands of migrating shorebirds stop on our local beaches and mudflats to rest and refuel before they continue their long journey. Right now, the birds are returning south from their breeding season in the high arctic. Their time here is short but critical. Some birds stay only a few days and almost double their body weight feeding. Many will travel as far as Central and South America. Disturbance by dogs and people interrupts their feeding and resting and can threaten their survival.

How can you help?
Avoid approaching shorebirds too closely.
Give shorebirds space and keep pets on a leash or under control.
Use binoculars to get a closer look!
Spread the word.  Tell others about these fascinating creatures.

Raincoast Interpretive Centre
451 Main St, Tofino
Box 815, V0R 2Z0
Ph 725-2560, Fax 725-1252
res@island.net

A personal note from GoTofino staff. We see dogs chasing shorebirds on the beaches while their owners are oblivious to what is happening. Remember that the dogs are doing what dogs do, it is the owners who have to be educated as to why they cannot allow their dogs to chase birds (or any wildlife). If you see dogs chasing shorebirds, look for their owners and ask them if they realize what is happening. If they do not know the implications for the shorebirds explain it to them. Most dog owners are kind people who will understand and keep their dogs away from the birds in the future. And that's in everyone's best interests.

Jen Pukonen of the Raincoast Interpretive Centre presented the first of their energy program series by introducing energy advisor, Elizabeth White. Keep your eyes on the GoTofino.com Events page for more programs or watch for posters around town.

On you visit to Tofino check out the great info and displays the Raincoast Interpretive Centre has to offer.

The Energy Program Series is co-sponsored by the Raincoast Interpretive Centre and CLARET (Clayoquot Alliance for Reserach, Education and Training).

Festivals:

Annual Shorebird Festival
Spring
Celebrating the annual migration of thousands of migratory shorebirds with slide shows, lectures, birding outings and other shorebird-related events.

Annual Lantern Festival
August
Bring friends and family to enjoy the procession through the magically lit Tofino Botanical Gardens. During the week leading up to the Festival lantern making workshops are held at the Raincoast Interpretive Centre.

Raincoast Education Society Feast of the Forest
October
A five course meal celebrating the culinary delights of edible wildfoods.