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.
November 14, 2026 - Paint a Concrete Tortoise with Sharla! (Register Here)
Paint your own concrete tortoise garden statue with the guidance of concrete guru, Sharla Forster! She will then take them back to her shop and spray them with a sealant for outdoor use. Pick up of your completed concrete piece will be within 1-2 weeks of the date of the class.
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM Start - 9:00 PM End
Meeting Location: Backyard Birds Nature Shop (15-100 King Street, Spruce Grove, AB)
Cost: Includes all supplies to paint one concrete tortoise, in one of the following two sizes:
Small Tortoise (7" x 5" x 2.5"): $40+tax = $42.00 per person
Medium Tortoise (4.5" x 10" x 8"): $60+tax = $63.00 per person
November 14, 2026 - Butterfly Wings n' Wishes Wildlife Encounters!
Join us to meet a variety of amazing wildlife species from Butterfly Wings n' Wishes! The animals will be here between 11 AM and 2 PM, in store at 15-100 King Street in Spruce Grove!
Meet a variety of amphibians and reptiles, including a tortoise, both native and exotic snakes, geckos, frogs, and a salamander!
You will also have the opportunity to meet a variety of insects, such as the hissing cockroach, a giant millipede, a mantis, tarantula, butterflies & caterpillars, isopods, beetles, and other little critters for display!
It's FREE to meet the wildlife, but donations to the lab are greatly appreciated! Donations help sustain their lab and research, as well as their education programs about butterflies in Canada.
November 28, 2026 - Meet Nina the Burrowing Owl!
Meet a live bird of prey up close and personal! No registration required. Join us between 11 AM and 2 PM to meet a live bird of prey in the store at 15-100 King Street in Spruce Grove!
It's FREE to meet Nina the Burrowing Owl, but donations to the observatory are accepted and greatly appreciated! It allows Beaverhill Bird Observatory to continue the important bird monitoring and education work they do!
December 6, 2026 - Polar Bear Soapstone Carving Class with Barry Kostiuk! (Register Here)
Come and join us for a fine art class here at Backyard Birds! Carve your very own polar bear statue out of soapstone with the guidance and direction of talented soapstone artist, Barry Kostiuk. This class is limited to 8 participants only, to give you as much individualized attention during the class as possible, and allow you to hone your craft throughout the day.
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM Start - 4:00 PM End (Note: This is a full day class! ~6 hours, including a lunch break, bring your own bagged lunch!)
Meeting Location: Backyard Birds Nature Shop (15-100 King Street, Spruce Grove, AB)
Hosted by: Barry Kostiuk, Carvings in StoneCost: $160+tax=$168.00 to make one soapstone polar bear carving (approximately 7" x 5" x 3.5")
What to Bring: Barry provides the stone for carving, as well as all of the carving tools you will need. He does ask that you please bring a bath towel to carve your piece on, as well as a hand towel to wipe your hands on as you are working! Also, your clothes may get dusty as we work, so please wear something you don't mind getting a little dusty!
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.
