Native Plant Study Group Presents:
Thursday October 15 2026 at 7:00pm
Native Plants: Nature’s Blueprint for Healthy Streamside Ecosystems
with Stephanie Gurney
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
Online: Link to Register on Zoom
Talk Topic:
Discover how native riparian vegetation stabilizes streambanks, filters pollutants, cools water, and sustains fish and wildlife for resilient, thriving waterways.
Native riparian vegetation plays a critical role in maintaining stream health by stabilizing banks and preventing erosion, naturally filtering runoff to improve water quality, and shading waterways to keep temperatures cool for fish like salmon and trout. These plants create essential habitat and food sources for birds, insects, and other wildlife, while their deep root systems and natural adaptations make them resilient to floods, droughts, and pests. By restoring and protecting native plant communities along streams, we build resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems that support biodiversity and safeguard our freshwater resources for future generations.
Speaker Bio:
Stephanie is the Education & Outreach Coordinator with Peninsula Streams and Shorelines. She has a BSc in Geography with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability, a Diploma in Restoration of Natural Systems, and recently completed a Herbal Immersion Program with Wild Folk Botanical Academy for working with medicinal plants. Steph has worked in the local environmental nonprofit sector since 2017 and is dedicated to sparking curiosity and fostering stewardship in future generations. As a nature enthusiast, environmental steward, and informal place-based educator, Steph is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences throughout local communities.
Cost: Donations are gratefully accepted to support the guest speaker. Everyone is welcome, and no need to RSVP. Free for NPSG Members.
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.
What to bring
- A mug for herbal tea or decaf coffee
- A headlamp or flashlight
- Some small change for cookies, tea, or raffle tickets
- Drop-in donation if you’ve got it (free for members)
- Native plant or native seeds if you have extra
What to Expect
A short welcome and intro, then a sit-down talk by the 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.
Plant Raffle
Native Plant Study group members are welcome to bring native plants or seeds they have grown or salvaged from their own gardens or restoration projects. Share with others who need plants! Tickets are 1 for $1 or 3 for $2 – Cash is preferred, e-transfer is also accepted.
Accessibility
- 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 uneven dirt path.
- 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.
- There are two gender-neutral washrooms, single stall, locking, and accessible
- The area is not well lit – flashlight or additional light is recommended. Washrooms are 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 the process of decolonization.
Questions, email nativeplantstudygroup@gmail.com
Who We Are
We are a volunteer group with a shared interest in native plants for their aesthetic, intrinsic, and conservation values. Gatherings are (usually) held on the third Thursday of each month from September to May (except December) and feature a speaker, a draw for native plants, and a lively community discussion.
Many thanks to our Sustaining Supporters!
These businesses provide discounts to our active card-holding members:
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 the process of decolonization.