August 19, 2026 - Summer Evening Guided Kayak Tour with Alana! (Register Here)
Join Alana for a relaxing night out on the water enjoying a variety of lake birds, including white-throated sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, red-necked grebes, and often even osprey and common loons! We will spend about an hour and a half out on the water, exploring the lake together, and enjoying the local wildlife. Please note: You must bring your own kayak or paddleboard, as well as a lifejacket/PFD.
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM Start to 9:00 PM End
Cost: FREE! Please note you must bring your own kayak or paddleboard.
Meeting Location: Mayatan Lake, near Duffield, southwest of Spruce Grove - see location here: https://goo.gl/maps/u9o1prR7rjLypMg1A
Hosted by: Alana Tollenaar, Owner, Backyard Birds Nature Shop
September 18, 2026 - Hummingbird Kinusaiga Class with Alana! (Register Here)
Join Alana for an introduction to Kinusaiga art! Kinusaiga is a Japanese craft often called a "quilt without thread" or a "fabric picture". It involves creating detailed mosaic-like images by tucking fabric scraps into pre-cut grooves on a foam board. No experience required! We will provide all tools and supplies to create a beautiful 8x8" hummingbird Kinusaiga piece!
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM Start - 9:00 PM End
Meeting Location: Backyard Birds Nature Shop (15-100 King Street, Spruce Grove, AB)
Cost: $45+tax=$47.25 per person, includes all tools and supplies needed to make one hummingbird inspired 8 inch x 8 inch Kinusaiga fabric art piece!
Hosted by: Alana Tollenaar, Owner, Backyard Birds Nature Shop
October 24, 2026 - A Celebration of Birds of Alberta at the Royal Alberta Museum (Info & Tickets Here)
Join three of Alberta's most respected naturalists for a special evening celebrating the birds that shape our province, and the field guides that have helped generations discover them. Beginning with the much-loved 1998 field guide by John Acorn and culminating in the newly released guide by Gavin McKinnon and David Scott, this theatre-style presentation explores nearly three decades of change in Alberta's birding landscape. Through stories, photography, history, and conversation, the presenters will explore how bird populations have changed, how birding itself has evolved, and what the future holds for Alberta's avian life. Whether you're a lifelong birder or simply curious about the wildlife around you, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the remarkable birds that call Alberta home.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Royal Alberta Museum (9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0G2) Amiskwaciy Theatre, located on the second floor of the museum and accessible by stairs or elevator.
RESCHEDULED DATE COMING SOON - Custom Tote Bag Lino Stamp Workshop!
Join us for a guided, beginner-friendly, print making workshop! It will be a wonderful half day spent lino-cutting and tote printing! You will get to carve a lino block, print your design onto a tote bag, and take home your beautiful handmade pieces! No experience required to take this course, as instructors Amber and Kenna will take you through the class start-to-finish.
Date: Rescheduled date TBD
Time: 11:00 AM Start - 3:00 PM End (you may finish sooner, depending on your design!)
Cost: $60+tax = $63.00 per person, includes instruction and all supplies to make one tote bag, and a lino-cut stamp that you also get to take home! his class must be paid in full upon registration due to the cost of course materials and time required to prepare for the class.
Allergy Notice: Please be aware that peanuts, tree nuts, and our friendly store cat are present in the store. Please take appropriate precautions if you have allergies.
