Native Plant Study Group

Our Next NPSG Event is Guest Speaker & Meeting

Thursday October 16th 2025 at 7:00pm

Talk: A Botanical Quest: In Search of Trillium hibbersonii

with Justin Dunning

Join us for an evening with Justin Dunning, botany enthusiast and passionate explorer of rare native plants. Justin will share his journey to locate and photograph the elusive Trillium hibbersonii, a rare trillium species found only on a remote corner of Vancouver Island. Through vivid images and field stories, he’ll reveal the challenges and triumphs of tracking this botanical treasure, and why its conservation matters.

Whether you’re a seasoned botanist or a curious nature lover, this talk promises inspiration and insight into one of this region’s most mysterious native plants.

Speaker Bio:
Justin Dunning grew up exploring the forests, rivers, and lakes of central Ontario. He studied greenhouse horticulture at Niagara College and has been obsessed with orchids since high school. When he’s not growing orchids and carnivorous plants, he’s out in the wild searching for rare native species.

In Person Location:

At the Swan Lake Nature House, 3873 Swan Lake Road -> Link to Map

Lekwungen Territory, with connections to WSÁNEĆ community as well

Cost: Free event, but donations gratefully accepted to go towards the guest speaker! Everyone welcome, and no need to RSVP.

What to expect:
A short welcome and intro, then sit down talk by speaker for about an hour, then after tea and treats, and chatting. Followed by a native plant raffle!

6:30-7:00: Volunteer setup inside and socializing (everyone welcome to help for 3 free raffle tickets!)
7:00-7:15 Introductions and Welcome
7:15-8:15 Presentation by Speaker, Q&A
8:15-8:30 Treats and Tea break
8:30-8:45 Famous Native Plant Raffle!!
8:45-9:00 Clean up together

Help with the setup or bring cookies to share for 3 free raffle tickets.

Note: This talk will be recorded and broadcast on Zoom, and we will share the recording with our members. To become a member, visit membership $25 for the year.

What to bring:

A mug for herbal tea or decaf coffee
A headlamp or flashlight (it is dark from the parking lot to the nature house!)
Some small change for cookies, tea, or raffle tickets
Drop-in donation (if possible), or $25 for your annual 2025 membership fee
Native plant or native seeds if you have extra for the plant raffle

Accessibility Notes:

The Nature House Building is on the ground/main floor and is wheelchair accessible up a concrete path with a slight incline. The walk will be on an uneven dirt path during sunset.

There are two accessible parking spots at the very end of Swan Lake Road here past the main parking lot, about 20 steps from the front door. The area is not well lit if after sunset – flashlight or additional light is recommended. Two washrooms are gender-neutral, single-stall, locking, and accessible inside the building. There is a HEPA filter air purifier we turn on during our meetings, masks are not required.

Territorial Acknowledgement:

The Native Plant Study Group respectfully acknowledges that we meet on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lekwungen Peoples. We are a garden group with a strong interest in gardening with native plants for their aesthetic, intrinsic, and conservation values. We gratefully recognize the longstanding stewards of these plants and ecosystems, as well as their cultural significance.

We encourage a safe and respectful space for everyone to learn along with us in our individual and collective pathways of decolonization.

Registration Information is also sent via the NPSG email newsletter. Please send us an email at nativeplantstudygroup@gmail.com if you have problems or questions.