Environmental Education to Inspire People of All Ages to Develop a Deeper Relationship with the Natural World.
Through curated programs and community events, the Hornby Island Natural History Centre brings together local educators, researchers, and inspired community members to share knowledge, spark curiosity, and deepen our collective commitment to land stewardship and ecological protection.
For over twenty years, the Centre has offered a welcoming space for people of all ages to explore the unique biodiversity of Ja-dai-aich—today known as Hornby Island. What began as a grassroots collection of bones, shells, and stories, lovingly gathered by Joy Jeffries and a small group of volunteers, has grown into a vibrant hub for environmental education and connection.
As a program within the Hornby Island Educational Society, the Natural History Centre is a registered charity and non-profit organization.
MEET OUR TEAM
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MEET OUR TEAM 〰️〰️〰️
OUTDOOR EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Chaya Mills has spent the past five years immersed in environmental education, with a focus on helping others connect with the natural beauty and wonder of the island she calls home.
A graduate of the Outward Bound Career Catalyst program, Chaya is trained in outdoor leadership and group facilitation for educational settings. She also holds a Wilderness First Aid certification and has led youth programming at both the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre and the Cedar Coast Art and Ecology Centre.
Whether she’s guiding a forest walk or leading a tide pool exploration, Chaya is passionate about helping others develop a deeper understanding of, and relationship with the natural world.
Chaya Mills
NATURAL HISTORY CENTRE HOST
Kyla Salter is a recent graduate from the University of British Columbia, where she earned a BA in Urban Studies. Her academic work has focused on sustainability, community engagement, and the relationship between people and place.
With extensive experience coaching and leading youth sailing programs, Kyla is passionate about outdoor education and creating accessible, engaging opportunities for young people to connect with the natural world. Through her work, she has supported hundreds of participants in building confidence, skills, and a meaningful relationship with the ocean. She is especially interested in how recreation, community, and lived experience can foster deeper environmental awareness and stewardship.
In her free time, Kyla can be found exploring Hornby Island by diving or biking.
Kyla Salter
NATURAL HISTORY CENTRE HOST
Heron is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems diploma program through UVic. Growing up on Hornby Island and immersed in its ecology, he has become very familiar with the land and its inhabitants, both those of the present day and those that swam in the waters that would, millions of years later, become Hornby.
Heron Selkirk
Our Stewards
The heart of the Natural History Centre beats thanks to a dedicated team of stewards. Longtime volunteers, knowledge keepers, and passionate community members who care for our collections, guide our values, and power our visions.
A deep and heartfelt thanks to:
Barb Biagi, Bill Caywood, Bill Hamilton, Elizabeth Sheehan, Emi Honda, Indika Gnanaranta, Joann Kean, Neil Wilson, Norma Wilson, Ruth Goldsmith, Tina Wai, and our founder, Joy Jeffries.
It’s their quiet work that makes it all possible.
In Memory of Sarat Colling
1983-2025
Sarat Colling was an integral part of the Natural History Centre for over a decade, serving as coordinator, educator, advocate, and friend. Her contributions helped shape the Centre’s vision and its reach—expanding programming, building partnerships, and deepening the Centre’s commitment to justice-oriented, decolonial approaches to environmental education.
Sarat believed in the power of storytelling, collective care, and community-rooted knowledge. Her work reflected that belief at every turn, and her legacy continues to ripple through the Centre’s programs, partnerships, and people.
We are deeply grateful for the time, heart, and wisdom she shared.
Learn more about Sarat’s life and work here.
Want to do More?
We graciously accept one-off or monthly donations to support our programs and inspire generations to protect and connect with the more-than-human world.
