Book Description

An astounding new guidebook packed with colour photographs, day trips, personal reflections, and a variety of activities for nature lovers of all ages. Wildlife Weekends invites readers to discover the wildlife that inhabit the ecosystems of southern British Columbia. Greater awareness may lead the reader to form a deeper appreciation and understanding of animals in their habitats, ultimately resulting in more people placing greater value on our role in protecting, conserving, and even rewilding ecosystems. Written as a guidebook with 20 species-focused chapters covering southern British Columbia, Wildlife Weekends leads the reader to 'hardened' sites (sites that already have viewing infrastructure in place, such as trails, boardwalks, parking, and restrooms) within a six-hour drive from Vancouver. Each chapter guides the reader on a place-based discovery of the species in its local ecosystem. Topics include natural history, First Nations cultural or traditional ecological knowledge connections, current scientific research, and personal stories from wildlife researchers. Themes include how to engage and take action around a species, ethical viewing considerations, minimizing the carbon footprint of your experience, and understanding how each species is affected by climate change. Special emphasis is placed on involving children and youth, ways to protect wildlife, and resources to grow one's knowledge. Wildlife and locations span widely, from killer whales off Saturna Island to hummingbirds in Princeton, and from snakes in Osoyoos to bald eagles on the Chehalis Flats near Harrison. Species outlined range even more widely, from tiny pika to enormous grey whales, from endangered Vancouver Island marmots to iconic moose and colourful Canada darner dragonflies. Wildlife Weekends offers something for everyone!