Past Events
In this informative Q&A session, forest ecologist Erik Piikkila explains the critical role healthy forests play in protecting our communities from fire and drought. As climate extremes become more frequent, understanding the link between forest health, water security, and fire resilience is more important than ever—especially for landowners, stewards, and concerned citizens of the Southern…
In this engaging and informative webinar, native bee expert Bonnie Zand shares practical guidance on how Salt Spring gardeners—and anyone interested in supporting biodiversity—can welcome and protect native pollinators. As climate change and habitat loss threaten insect populations, Bonnie offers a hopeful perspective grounded in community action and simple gardening practices. This session was part…
This comprehensive, full-day workshop brought together over 70 participants, including FireSmart Coordinators, forest managers, BC Wildfire Service, Fire Rescue, First Nations representatives, and local government to address fire risk in the Coastal Douglas-fir (CDF) Biogeoclimatic Zone. With 70% of the CDF zone under private ownership, participants explored how communities can adapt to increasing fire risk…
Looking to make your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and climate-resilient—without breaking the bank? This practical, info-packed webinar walks you through how to access thousands of dollars in local, provincial, and federal rebates for home upgrades. From heat pumps to rainwater systems, this session is your one-stop shop for navigating the rebate landscape on Salt Spring…
We are pleased to announce the dates for the popular course Wonders of the Salish Sea 2023. Discover the magic of the Salish Sea with our four-part series of exciting talks! From killer whales to octopuses, our expert speakers will take you on a journey to learn about the unique ecosystem and inhabitants of this…
How do we protect the forests we depend on as climate impacts intensify? In this in-depth presentation, Dr. Ruth Waldick shares insights from the Mt. Maxwell Adaptation Lab on Salt Spring Island—an innovative project exploring how local ecosystems respond to fire, drought, and forest degradation. Learn how place-based science, climate adaptation strategies, and community collaboration…
Learn how to burn wood more safely and efficiently, reduce harmful smoke, and take advantage of local rebates that support cleaner heating options. Assistant Chief Mitchell Sherrin from Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue walks you through best practices, safety tips, and common wood stove mistakes. If you heat with wood or know someone who does,…
Join renowned gardening expert Linda Gilkeson, Ph.D., for this inspiring and practical talk on how to adapt our gardens and landscapes to thrive in an era of climate disruption. As heatwaves, droughts, and storms become more frequent, this session offers proven techniques to help gardeners build resilience into both edible and ornamental spaces, while supporting…
On Monday, June 13th 2022, the Native Plant Stewardship working group, and a few community members, led by Dr. Catherine Tarasoff, removed some yellow flag iris at a site on Miles Road off Beddis. Yellow flag iris can displace native plants and dry out wetlands, altering the local ecosystem and reducing the habitat available for…
This practical, info-packed webinar helps Salt Spring residents start taking climate action right at home. Learn how to reduce emissions and save money by making your home more energy efficient — with expert guidance and available rebates through Better Homes BC, Canada Greener Homes, and Transition Salt Spring. Host: Rob Lowrie, Transition Salt Spring’s Climate…
This holiday season, Salt Springers are invited to spread joy and reduce waste by taking part in the Community Toy Swap at Meaden Hall. This fun, family-friendly event gives pre-loved toys a second life while helping make the holidays brighter for local families. WHEN: December 5 & 6th, 2025 WHERE: Meaden Hall, 120 Blain Rd…
🌿A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us in the field for our spring and fall planting days this year – and to all who donated plants, offered support, or helped behind the scenes. Together, we planted over 2,000 native plants! Your efforts are helping to restore ecosystem functioning (erosion control), reduce wildfire risk,…
In a small facilitated group, we will share the feelings – grief, anger, despair and more – that we carry about living in difficult times. Coming together to name and honour both our gratitude and our pain for the world enhances our resilience, builds connection and strengthens our actions. Maggie Ziegler is a former psychotherapist who…
The next Repair Café is coming up on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at Meaden Hall. Start time 10:30 am, last intake for repairs 1pm Stations Available: NEW! Workshops/Demonstrations Bring the items you would like to work on, no registration necessary.
We are hosting a community restoration planting on October 17 & 18, and we’re looking for donations of native plants to help restore and strengthen our local ecosystems. Here’s our target plant list: Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) Pacific Willow (Salix lucida) Baldhip Rose (Rosa gymnocarpa) Red Alder (Alnus rubra) Blackcap Raspberry…
Clothing Drop-Off Items accepted: Freshly laundered and odour-free, male/female/kids baby clothing (outerwear, shirts, sweaters, coats, pants, dresses, pyjamas). Items excluded: Underwear, socks, shoes, accessories, items with noticeable stains or holes. We would really appreciate pre-sorting by size and type before arrival for donation. For Example: Kids – 0-1, 1-2T, 3-4 Women’s – t-shirts, sweaters, skirts…
Did you miss the last Repair Cafe? Do you still have broken items lying around your house that you don’t want to toss out? The Repair Cafe is a great place to meet new friends, reduce waste and save money. When: Saturday, September 20th, 10:30am – 1:30pmWhere: Meaden Hall, 120 Blain Rd (below the Legion)…
Upcoming Webinar with BC Bestselling Author Linda Gilkeson, PhD Want to make the most of your garden harvest without expensive equipment or complex processing? Join acclaimed organic gardening expert Linda Gilkeson, PhD, for a practical, photo-rich online workshop focusing on simple food storage methods that anyone can use. WHEN: Sunday, September 14th, 2025,TIME: 3pm –…
One of the greatest accelerators of wildfire is woody debris. The good news is, this is a manageable problem with a fairly simple solution that’s already in practice in many regional communities: chipping. Chipping the debris reduces fire fuel, creates valuable chips for gardens and farms and provides an alternative to burning, thus reducing air…
Slow Down Salt Spring’s beloved Toy Swap returns this December! It’s your chance to declutter, reduce waste, and share the magic of play-all while helping local families prepare for the holidays in a joyful, budget-friendly way. Dates to Know: Toy Drop-Off: Friday, December 5th Free Shop Day: Saturday, December 6th Where: Meaden Hall Full event…