Hornby Island Natural History Centre
After months of preparation a dedicated team met for three days to clean the Natural History collection that had sustained soot damage from the school fire. In the week leading up to the much-anticipated cleaning event, the group spent a…
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Exhibit Restoration Fundraising Campaign
Since the recent fire at the school, many people from on and off-island have expressed their concern about the Natural History Collection. Many thanks to our community for your kind offers of support and caring.
About
The Natural History Centre offers events, programs, and a natural history collection to encourage a bond between people and nature. Our programs give community members and visitors opportunities for cultivating deeper relationships with the natural world.
Visit Us
Come and explore the Natural History Centre! We are located at the Hornby Community School and home to a wide-ranging display focusing on the animals and geology of Hornby Island. You will find wild information and fun hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
Programs
Our summer programs include the speaker series, in which experts speak on topics of local interest, and nature walks, which are a great opportunity to discover Hornby’s unique geology and ecosystems. Year-round we collaborate in student education programs.
latest news
Natural History Landscapes
Last summer it was exciting to see the chocolate lilies blooming and spreading profusely along with the blue camas in the Ethnobotanical garden adjacent the school. The alpine strawberries with their small white flowers were taking over the paths, as were seedlings of the…
Update from the Stewards
Hi everyone! As of January 2019, supporters have generously donated a total of $15,000 towards restoring and reestablishing the Natural History Collection. Thanks so much for all of your caring and generosity! We are closing the GoFundMe site but will…
Vote for the Vancouver Island Elasmosaur!
Exciting news from the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre! Their elasmosaur, which was discovered in Courtenay, has been shortlisted in a competition to become an official provincial symbol. Click to Here Vote. The voting period will close November 23,…
Summer 2018 Photos
Check out this cool footage from Dr. Archer’s presentation of a young glass sponge reef taken just east of Hornby Island! Thank you to the speakers and nature walk leaders for sharing their knowledge and supporting the Natural History Centre: Stephanie…
New Specimen Acceptance Policy
The Natural History Centre is now only accepting seabirds for taxidermy in the collection. Specifically, we will take any seabird specimens in suitable condition* EXCEPT the following (which we already have): Glaucous-Winged Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue Heron and Western…
