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What is the Tofino Raincoast Education Society?
The Raincoast Education Society (RES) is an independent non-profit society and registered Canadian charity. The RES was established in August 2000 with a mission to help shape an environmentally sensitive future for the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region through education and community stewardship. Our aim is to enable citizens within and beyond the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region to participate knowledgeably, effectively and responsibly in the work of shaping this future for our region and for our planet.
The Mission of the Raincoast Education Society
We seek to accomplish our mission by delivering a broad range of high-quality educational and interpretive programs, such as interpretive walks, seminar series, school programs, and slideshows focused on the natural environment, cultures, and communities of the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region. We also bring outside educators and experts to our region for programs and presentations.
We work with a broad range of public, private and community institutions and agencies, both within and beyond the region, in order to establish and maintain a high-caliber education and interpretive network and to reflect a wide range of perspectives in all educational and interpretive activities.
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.
Tofino Shorebirds: Spring and Fall
Migrating shorebirds are resting and refuelling
- 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 Education Society
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.
August 2009 Squids Wash Ashore on Tofino Beaches
August 2009. Photo of a Humboldt Squid washed ashore onto Chesterman Beach, Tofino, BC.
Photo by Josie Osborne. Learn more about these squid here.
See how many of the animals and birds of Tofino you recognize.
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 Elizabeth White, Energy Advisor and Jen Pukonen of Raincoast. |
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 Research, Education and Training). |
Annual
Lantern Festival
