19
May 2025Ellis Nature Centre Opening Day
Join us on Monday, May 19th for our 2025 opening day!
We have an amazing lineup of events including slow birding activities, kids’ activities with Nature Alberta, a Great Horned Owl information table, and salad foraging. We’ll also be hosting two fundraisers on opening day, a chicken bingo raffle and popcorn sale. Don’t forget to pick up your passport when you arrive and complete all the activities for a special prize!
An exact schedule of events will be posted about 1 month before the event, so keep an eye on our website and social media for that!
20
May 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
24
May 2025Learn to Bird
Join Ellis Nature Centre on Saturday, May 24 from 8-10am for an introductory birding experience! We will have 3 leaders who will show small groups of 6 people to 3 unique birding areas on our site. You will learn basic birding skills and how to apply them in each area of our site. Whether you’re just starting your birding journey or a seasoned pro wanting to refresh their skills, we’d love to have you. All ages welcome, the ability to walk and stand for the two hours is a must.
25
May 2025Wildlife Friendly Gardening
Join Ellis Nature Centre staff on Sunday, May 25 from 11am-12pm to learn about how to create a wildlife friendly garden! This workshop will take you around the gardens at Ellis Nature Centre to learn about key features that support wildlife, selecting plants, and overall garden design. If you want to make sure that your garden helps animals, birds, insects, and pollinators, then this is the workshop for you. This event is free, but pre-registration is appreciated as there are only 25 spots available!
27
May 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
31
May 2025BioBlitz (Citizen Science)
Dip your toes into the world of citizen science by joining Ellis Nature Centre’s BioBlitz on Saturday, May 31! We will be focusing on species found on our site in three broad categories: birds, insects, and plants. Participants will help our leaders discover the species on the Ellis Nature Centre site and help us collect valuable data which will help drive future research. This event is happening all day, with activities around the different species on a rotating schedule. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more details!
1
June 2025Beginner Birding Workshop
Join Ellis Nature Centre as we host Bird Dreams for a 3.5 hour gentle outdoor birding adventure on Sunday, June 1 from 9am-12:30pm! They provide you with a high quality pair of binoculars with a comfy neck strap, and a light snack. You will wind our way through the beautiful grounds and gardens of Ellis Nature Centre birding as you go. We will be on the lookout for avian insectivores including Tree Swallows, Purple Martins, and migratory Warblers! There have been 163 species of birds recorded at Ellis Nature Centre and we will look for as many as we can together in a small close up birding group. There have been 6 different kinds of Woodpeckers identified at Ellis Nature Centre, we will learn together how to look for signs of what kinds of Woodpeckers are around including size and shape of tree holes, behaviour and meaning of different calls and Woodpecker sounds.
We review the keys to ID including habitat, where to look for what kinds of birds, behaviour, colour patterns, shape, and range. We will also review the ethics of birding including how we bird, how we can positively affect birds through birding, and how humans are affected by birds and birding. We will introduce community science apps and demo them in the field together, including iNaturalist, eBird and Merlin . We will use iNaturalist to identify some beneficial native plants and insects for birds and discuss how learning more about native plants and insects benefits our local and migratory birds. We keep our tour groups very small for an up close personal birding experience. Come enjoy the sight and sounds of spring at Ellis Nature Centre and experience the joy of birding. We are proud to be members of Indigenous Tourism Alberta. The fee for this workshop is $65 per person and limited to only 8 people.
3
June 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
10
June 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
17
June 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
19
June 2025QNSRD Board Game Night All Ages!
All ages. Pay $7 at the counter and includes one free drink. The third Thursday of every month. Event often runs more than one hour.
24
June 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
1
July 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
8
July 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
15
July 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
22
July 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
29
July 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
5
August 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
12
August 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
19
August 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!
26
August 2025Fibers & Firs
Calling all stitchers! We invite you to join Ellis Nature Centre’s new craft group Fibers & Firs, focused on the art of stitching. All fiber art mediums are welcome – embroidery, crochet, cross stitch, knitting, etc. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm from May 20-August 26 to work on current projects, get tips from other stitchers, and build community. Please note that this is not an instructional workshop, but time for folks who love fiber arts to get together and work on their projects surrounded by the beauty of the Ellis Nature Centre site. If weather permits, we will work outside! Light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and baked goods will be provided for the first few sessions, with the hope that as we build a steady group everyone will be willing to contribute occasionally to the selection of baked goods.
Date: Weekly on Tuesdays, from May 20 to August 26
Time: 6-7:30pm
Location: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Free!
No registration required, simply drop in!