Tag Archive for: Science

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Society of Crows

From a remote island to the urban jungle, the ever-popular Society of Crows will take you on a journey into the mind of the crow to explore its complex social interactions. Dr. Butler will enchant, amaze and entertain you as he describes from his latest best-selling book he and his wife’s explorations of crows from remote coastal islands in British Columbia to bustling urban centres. Bring your crow stories and join the fun.

Dr. Butler’s book, Society of Crows, is a best-seller, and the film of the same name has won a Leo Award.

Robert Butler, Canadian author, ornithologist, artist and conservationist, is an award-winning scientist and public speaker. From books, public speaking, television and radio appearances, through teaching, films, science and art he has brought birds and nature into the lives of tens of thousands of Canadians. Butler is a fellow of the American Ornithological Society, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation. He holds a doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia.

 

This event will be held in person and online via Zoom. All registered participants will receive the Zoom link close to the day of the event.

Dr. Butler will have copies of his book, Society of Crows, available for sale at the event.

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Gardening: Worm Composting

Join Neill McCallum for a workshop on the essentials and benefits of worm composting—a highly efficient method for creating vibrant, thriving gardens that outperforms traditional composting. Under Neill’s guidance, discover how worm composting produces nutrient-rich vermicompost using household organic waste. Learn to reduce waste, enrich soil biodiversity, and support a flourishing ecosystem through the power of microorganisms.

Watch worms in action and gain hands-on knowledge as Neill provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to building your own affordable worm composting system.

Neill McCallum is a science teacher and environmental educator with a background in Biology and Education, and graduate studies in Education. Neill shares his hands-on experience with vermicomposting, gardening, and being environmentally conscious. Neill is passionate about helping people of all ages better understand where their food comes from and how everyday actions can support healthy ecosystems. His work bridges classroom learning with real-world environmental practices, empowering communities to compost waste, grow food, and care for local biodiversity.

 

This event will also be streamed live via Zoom. All registered attendees will receive the Zoom link before the session. The session will not be recorded.

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Good News on Climate: Emerging Trends and Surprising Solutions

What is new and exciting in the world of climate solutions? Recent years have seen huge developments such as global renewable energy production surpassing coal for the first time in 2025. What does this mean for the climate fight? What other good news is there that we are not hearing about in the headlines?

Presenter Dave Hunter will share the latest information on topics such as solar panels, microgrids, geothermal, wind, vertical greenhouses, aquaculture, green bricks, and more, plus a perspective on carbon capture and storage.

 

Dave Hunter has had an international career working for IBM and other software companies. His science and technology background has equipped him in his retirement to become a facilitator with Regenerate BC working on climate action. He loves the environment, hiking on the North Shore and camping around BC.

 

Ask-A-Dietician

Wondering how to get good nutrition into picky eaters? Plans for cooking varied and balanced meals for one? Tips for adhering to a special diet for a new diagnosis? Join registered dietician, Whitney Hussein for a special Ask-a-Dietician session at the library. Bring your questions and get expert advice.

 

This session will be held live in person and streamed live via Zoom. All registrants will receive the Zoom link. Unfortunately the session will not be recorded.

Gardening: Starting Seeds

January is the time to get going on your garden! Join us to learn how to start seeds for your home garden. You will save money and can have a steady supply of seedlings to plant outside.

With her seed starting technique using vermiculite, expert home gardener, Gail Felton achieves consistent, predictable results that are flexible and easy to accomplish at home. This is a hands-on session where you’ll get a chance to try the technique yourself and get your garden started. We will start seeds for lettuce, tomatoes, sweet peppers and basil. This is an excellent session for beginner gardeners and more experienced gardeners will learn some tips too!

 

**In preparation for this session, please save and bring some clean takeout sauce containers with lids (small plastic containers that ginger or dipping sauce come in). You will start your seeds in these containers and can take home again.**

 

This is a hands-on session, so Zoom attendance will be less satisfactory. Although the Zoom option will be offered, please consider coming in person.

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Climate Mis- and Disinformation

Put on your detective hat to connect the dots in climate mis- and disinformation campaigns. In this interactive session you’ll learn how to find and identify anti-science talking points and trace them to their root sources – individuals, think tanks, advertorials, media and more. Leave the workshop empowered to speak up about climate misinformation and actively support the majority of Canadians pushing for meaningful climate action.

 

This session is delivered by a member of the New Westminster Climate Action Hub, Jennifer Nathan. Jennifer shares over 30 years of climate activism with a depth of knowledge augmented by her science teaching background.  She has experience as a park naturalist, in working on the legal aspects of climate justice, as a guest speaker at many events and projects.  (see https://gooderhamnathan.com/about-us/ for more information about her legal experience).

Ages 14+

 

This event is highly interactive and so in-person attendance is recommended. A hybrid link will be provided to all registrants but in-person attendance is preferred.

This event is part of BC Library Association’s Climate Action Week, a province-wide initiative to highlight the ways communities and libraries are taking action in the climate crisis. Check out all the climate action events at the New Westminster Public Library from November 2-8! nwpl.ca/climate