Friday, June 4
Ride a Bike Day
Things kick off on Friday with Ride a Bike Day, where locals are asked to leave their cars at home and pedal to work and to their errands. To sweeten the deal, people who are riding their bikes could win prizes if they’re spotted in various secret locations around Whistler.
Saturday, June 5
Monthly Bird Count
The Whistler Naturalists are inviting members of the public to join local experts on their monthly bird count around Alta Lake. It’s a great way to learn about our local feathered friends. Meet at the bottom of Lorimer Road at the entrance to the Catholic Church at 7 a.m.
EnviroFest
The EnviroFest festival features live music in Town Plaza from noon to 4 p.m. with Leanne Lamour and friends, the annual Re-Use-It Centre Fashion Show at 2 p.m., the inaugural "Trash Sessions" jam on instruments made from garbage, and various displays. You can buy backyard and worm composters at Compost Daze, pick up some energy efficient bulbs and advice from B.C. Hydro, sign up with the Co-Operative Auto Network car sharing program, and learn more about Whistler’s environmental community.
Why Biodynamic Gardening
AWARE and the Alta Lake School present Ferdinand Vondruska and the community compost demonstration garden at 2 p.m. behind the Alta Lake School in Spruce Grove. Vondruska ahs operated a biodynamic farm in Paradise Valley for 30 years.
Stargazing
Local astronomers John Nemy and Carol Legate from the Pacific Observatory will unveil their newest addition, a portable 25-inch telescope, one of the largest public telescopes in all of Canada, while conducting a tour of the night sky from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Rainbow Park.
Sunday, June 6
Nature Walk
Join Heidi Lessman for an hour-long guided tour of the Lost Lake Nature Trail, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., which includes wetlands, old growth trees, interesting flora and fauna, and some signs of bear activity.
Environment Week is a national event that was created more than 30 years ago to showcase environmental issues and support the preservation, protection and restoration of the environment.
Over the past week the Whistler event has included an introduction to Whistler’s new car sharing program, free transit for national Clean Air Day, and nature walks guided by members of local environmental groups.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler also chose Environment Week to release their first draft of the Comprehensive Sustainability Plan, a long-term planning document that addresses issues of growth and economic, social and environmental sustainability for the community. You can get a copy of the document at www.whistler.ca in the Reading Room, or online at www.whistlerfuture.com.
