If you are looking to take part in something eco and nature-friendly over the Christmas winter holiday season, Metro Vancouver offers a refreshing selection of outdoor nature walks, bird watching, wildlife appreciation programs, and eco-crafts.

It’s no secret that the Vancouver area has some of the best parks and natural outdoor places to experience plant life and wildlife in the fresh air near ocean breezes and in majestic evergreen forests. Don't be surprised if eagles, herons, ducks or geese are seen in the winter skies!

Here are a few to check out. Most are family friendly and some are even free.

BURNABY
Christmas Nature Walk on Sun, December 6, 1pm – 3pm at Burnaby Lake Nature House.
Experience a guided walk along forested trails and then enjoy complementary refreshments and crafts for the kids.

SURREY
Bird Walk the Little Campbell River on Sat, December 19, 9am – 11am
Discover the birds of the Little Campbell River with naturalist Lynn Pollard. This is a free event. Ph: 604-502-5158.

Eco-Christmas Craft Saturday, December 5: 10 am to 1 pm at Surrey Green Timbers Centre.          Create earth-friendly holiday crafts. A great drop-in event for families with children of any age. Cost: $7.

DELTA                                                                                                                                                                        Santa comes to Cammidge Heritage House on Dec 6: 1 to 3 pm, in beautiful Boundary Bay Regional Park. Refreshments and treats are provided. Admission by donation.  Enjoy this fun event in the quaint and cosy historic Delta farmhouse.  Email: programs.info@metrovancouver.org .

Reifel Bird Sanctuary: During the holidays, a drive to Ladner's Westham Island past rich farm country fields to walk the trails of the bird sanctuary would make for a great day - a leisurely break from busy city life.

RICHMOND
Winter Bird Feeding Workshop at Richmond Nature Park.
Sunday Dec 20 at 11am – 12 pm. This is a free program for those 18yrs+.
Learn how to turn your garden into a friendly sanctuary for wildlife. Phone 604-718-6188 for info.

VANCOUVER                                                                                                                                                     Camosun Bog Restoration Group - Saturday Work Party Sat Dec 19: 9 am to 12 noon in Camosun Bog - Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Help restore Camosun Bog and give mother nature a wonderful Christmas gift! For ages 14+. Info at Natural History BC.

Stanley Park Ecology Centre    Celebrate the Solstice - December 20: 1 to 3 pm. Join naturalist Jennifer Swanston to explore the traditions of midwinter festivals.

METRO VANCOUVER                                                                                                                                              Local Christmas Bird Counts will also be held in December at various Metro Vancouver locations. To join in and find out more, contact Nature Vancouver.

Discovering and experiencing nature's wonders beyond the shopping mall could turn out to be a shopper's greenest, richest holiday season ever!

For more ideas, visit best eco-friendly events for kids.