Wondering what to do for the holidays? Why not participate in a Christmas bird count?
In 1900, American ornithologist Frank Chapman asked birders across North America to count birds on Christmas Day and submit the results in the first Christmas Bird Census. The Christmas Bird Count is now conducted in more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. For more information about attending a local bird count visit the Langley Field Naturalists website.
Meanwhile, residents can make their voices heard about the use of cosmetic pesticides by filling out a questionnaire.
The provincial government is considering a province-wide ban on cosmetic pesticides and have set up an online questionnaire. It is short and to the point. The Canadian Cancer Society has developed a model response to the questionnaire at www.cancergameplan.ca
Green Wednesday: The Nature of Cities. If you’re an urbanite, you might think of nature as something that exists outside of the city limits. That thinking is prevalent and may contribute to the growth of nature deficit disorder among our kids . . . and ourselves.
The Nature of Cities explores efforts around the world to merge built and natural environments, and on Green Wednesdays the Green Ideas Network and Kwantlen Polytechnic’s School of Horticulture (Langley campus) will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 7 in the auditorium or room 1030. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Please RSVP to Gary Jones at gary.jones@kwantlen.ca or call 604-599-3311.
On Dec. 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.., LELS will host a holiday social, with roast hotdogs and marshmallows on the fire, hot chocolate. There will be a silent auction and prizes.
Contact Kim at kgreenwood@tol.ca or call 604-532-3513, if you plan to attend.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, join LEPS staff to make native plant table centerpieces that are environmentally friendly, cost effective, and fun to make. This event runs from 10 a.m. to noon.
Participants must bring a shallow bowl or reuse a centerpiece plate from a flower shop. RSVP to Kim by calling 604-532-3513 or email kgreenwood@tol.ca. Cost by donation.
In 2009, 4.5 million turkeys were gobbled up by Canadians, 5.8 million litres of eggnog was sold that December and approximately 5.8 million Christmas trees were harvested.
LEPS asks, Why not try something new this year? Tree farms in Langley are now sell living, potted Christmas trees that can be replanted after the holidays, and the Yorkson Watershed Stewardship Committee can help you find a great place to plant it. Contact Lina at lazeez@tol.ca or call 604-532-3517 before Dec 21 for more information.