W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
(wh-my-eh-then: Place of the Deer)(formerly Mary Lake)
Programs/Events at W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
Include monthly “Nature Kinship Walks”, volunteer “Care for the Land” events, “Wellness through Kinship to Nature” and Forest Therapy
Nature Kinship Walks
2nd Sunday of each month
Outdoor Event
1 – 4 pm: self – guided walk with map
Guided walk & talk (2 hrs) 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm
- Rated as easy and slow paced
- Maximum group size 12 people
We invite you to come walk the streamside trails and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this special property. This land has been under conservation ownership since 1947 so nature definitely has a strong presence here.
The Sanctuary property has 10 different ecosystems, contains a 7 acre lake with various riparian areas and both the Earsman and Millstream creeks which are part of the 13,000 year old watershed flow thru it. There is definitely something special about this place!
Monthly Guided Nature Walk
Members: FREE registration required HERE
Children under 12: FREE
Guests and General Public: $10 Suggested Donation
If donating at the gate please register: HERE
RULES
- We ask that children be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- People with mobility issues are welcome to ask for vehicle access on the main driveway.
- Please stay on marked trails and be mindful not to disturb the wildlife that call the Sanctuary their home.
- Many birds and animals live here so there is a no pets policy to ensure minimum disturbance.
Location: 1772 Millstream Rd just north of the Finlayson Arm Rd. junction
Parking: Please park along Millstream Rd. and meet at front gate to sign in
Note: This property is a conservation area and closed to the public at all other times to ensure the protection of endangered ecosystems and sensitive riparian areas.
Monthly Self-Guided Nature Walk
Members: FREE – No registration required
Children under 12 : FREE
Guests and General Public: $5 Suggested Donation
Kinship: Caring for the Land
2nd Saturday of each month
Outdoor Event 1 – 3 pm:
Volunteer opportunities to help in the restoration and care of the Sanctuary lands.
Whether removing invasive species or helping to plant ecological buffer zones that mitigate historical land disturbances you will have an opportunity to work beside other like-minded people dedicated to the care of the ecosystems.
Sign up on our volunteer page to get on our mailing list and we will notify you directly about upcoming caring for the land events.
Location: 1772 Millstream Rd just north of the Finlayson Arm Rd. junction
Note: This property is a conservation area and closed to the public at all other times to ensure the protection of endangered ecosystems and sensitive riparian areas.
Upcoming Special Event
Forest Bathing Walks:
Participate in a forest bathing experience at the beautiful W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary. This event offers the opportunity to lower your stress and increase your well-being through group invitations to experience nature in a comfortable, peaceful, and immersive way.
Walks are guided by certified Forest Therapy guide and registered social worker Rachel (Rae) Calder. Please note that trails may have some uneven ground and will proceed in the rain but not if there is a wind warning. Please dress accordingly.
The minimum age for participants is 12 years old and there are a maximum of 12 spaces per event
Regular priced tickets are $40.
Sliding Scale tickets ($25-$40) are available for current members of the W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary Society (they manage the sanctuary), and for BIPOC and unwaged participants.
A portion of the walk fees are donated to W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary to support their programming and conservation.
Dates: TBA
Buy your tickets here:
We acknowledge this sacred land as traditional and unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations.
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary
1772 Millstream Rd,
Victoria, BC V9B 6E4
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary Society
1772 Millstream Rd. Victoria, BC. V9B 6E4
WSÁNEC Coast Salish
W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary lies within the traditional territories of the WSÁNEC (Saanich) Coast Salish Peoples.
We recognize the integral role the ancestors of the WSÁNEC Coast Salish Peoples play as past and present day stewards of the Highlands lands.