Invitation to Nanaimo Forest School's 2026 Community Summer Social – in partnership with "Protecting our Waters and Planet Project" | Celebrating Salish Food Forest Stewardship in the Catstream

Dear parents and children,

and everyone who is curious about us and loves Forest School,

This year's Summer Social we are hosting with Protecting our Waters and Planet Project (with funding support from Frontlines).

Together we invite our community of parents and children to come out to the Catstream Wetland Area for a clothing swap for forest gear, potluck, music, forest school crafts and games and hands-on land stewardship for the Salish Food Forest that has been emerging in the Catstream wetland area near Robins Park.

DETAILS

Sunday, June 14th, 2026

11am – 4pm

Catstream Wetland, South End Nanaimo

Exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gy1VwYPNJVrxpyXm6

Entrance on Park Ave between 6th and 5th

Parking at Robins Park, Connaught Ave and alongside Park Ave.

Carpooling and public transit, as well as biking and walking are encouraged.

PROGRAM [still tentative]

11:30am Opening by Snuneymuxw Elder

12:30pm Potluck Lunch

Throughout the day:

• Work party: mulching pathways, planting trees, invasive species removal – FREE wheelbarrow rides!

• Forest school winter clothes and rain gear swap

• Creative nature art-making

• Face paint

• Music

• Nature play

• Live Music by Forest School teacher David Proctor

WHAT TO BRING

• Potluck Dish to share, please label ingredients such as nuts, gluten, dairy, etc.

• Clothes and forest gear for forest school gear & clothing swap

• Weather & sun protection, such as wide-brim hats and long-sleeve shirts, etc.

• Clothes for your children to get dirty

Childrens' sized garden gloves for workparty action will be provided

MORE ABOUT "Protecting Our Waters and Planet Project"

Protecting Our Water & Our Planet is a community-based environmental program that engages children, youth, parents, and community members in hands-on cleanups and education focused on protecting natural spaces. Shoreline and community cleanups will be organized to remove litter, plastics, and cans from oceans, lakes, and forests, while creative art workshops and interactive learning sessions will help participants explore environmental stewardship and sustainability. School-based awareness sessions will also be delivered to teach students about tree planting, ecological responsibility, and the importance of caring for the environment. The program aims to build lasting awareness, encourage sustainable habits, and inspire active participation in preserving and protecting natural ecosystems.

RSVP

Please just send us an email to office@nanaimoforestschool.com to let us know if and how many of you are coming. Subject Line: RSVP for Summer Social

Thank you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

— Long live the forest and all her forest creatures! —

Images of our last Community Social:

https://www.nanaimoforestschool.com/post/first-nfs-community-summer-social