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Category: Field Trips

VicPS Chair’s Message to Start 2026

Happy New Year Everyone!

Welcome to 2026!  Attached is the VicPS schedule of events for 2026.  

FIELDTRIPS:

This year, we’re doubling up on fieldtrips, with twice as many on the roster compared to last year. Thanks to John Kitson for committing to these extra trips.

For those new to VicPS, fieldtrips are on Sundays (less traffic) and the time indicates when we leave/return to the Helmcken Park & Ride on the Island Highway.  For those without vehicles, we arrange carpooling from the park & ride, which is accessible via transit.

Fieldtrip locations are chosen based on tides and river levels, with beach visits generally April thru July and river sites generally June thru Sept. Higher elevation sites are reserved for months when weather and tides are not favourable. We usually take a hiatus from fieldtrips in Dec/Jan. 

Fieldtrip dates, times and locations are subject to change based on weather and times; logistics, along with site details, are confirmed via email in advance of each trip. Fieldtrip invitations & details are sent only to those who have renewed their annual dues by the January 31st deadline (details below).

MONTHLY MEETINGS:

Monthly meetings are generally the second Tuesday of the month, with hiatus in the summer during peak fieldtrip season. Monthly meetings are subject to cancellation if we do not have a speaker or a topic of interest to discuss. 

Last year we had a wonderful run of workshops, thanks to leaders Marji Johns and Thor Henrich, and those continue to be a possibility if other leaders step forward.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS:

The annual Fossil Fair to display our fossil collections for the public will take place at Tillicum Mall for the second year in a row. More details on that leading up to March break, but please consider booking a table and displaying your material to augment the fair, or volunteer to run an activity.  We have microscopes for a cool microfossil display but haven’t been able to do that in a few years, so the more volunteers we have, the more creative things we can do to show the public the cool history below BC!

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES:

It really helps with administration when dues are paid by the JANUARY 31st deadline, as our Society is required to remit a portion of dues to the BC Paleontological Alliance in early February.  I thank you in advance, and note that dues can be paid by e-transfer to victoria.palaeontology.society@gmail.com, or by cheque to: 

Treasurer
Victoria Palaeontology Society
4034 Hessington Place
Victoria, BC, V8N 5C6

On February 15th, names of those who have not renewed membership for 2026 will be removed from the distribution list, and access to the resources in the member’s area of the BCPA website will cease.  A few reminders will be sent throughout the month, for your convenience.

We look forward to what the earth will reveal to us in 2026!

(VicPS Chair) Jerri Wilkins

VicPS field trip: Sunday, November 16, 2025

VicPS member John Kitson is leading this field trip. John warns that this coming weekend will likely be rainy, so dress accordingly.  Field trip details have been emailed to all VicPS members. Please RSVP, indicating at which location you wish to meet.  

For first-timers, please remember to bring a rock hammer (a regular or mason’s hammer will do), cold chisel(s) and safety glasses. You will get to learn about concretions.

VicPS field trip: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Details have now been sent to members, with the advice: bring your rain gear! 

When: 8:00AM, Sunday, October 19, 2025

Travel: Victoria members meet at Helmcken Park & Ride at 8AM to
arrange carpooling. ‘Up Islanders’ meet at Old Farm Market south of
Duncan at 9AM. Nanaimo folks meet us onsite.

Please RSVP to vicpalaeo@gmail.com and indicate which meeting place you’ve chosen.

VicPS field trip: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Members should check their email to find details for our fieldtrip this weekend. Please note the early start time (7:50AM) if you are leaving from Helmcken Park & Ride in Victoria. 

We will rendezvous with up island members at the Co-op at 4A Alberni Highway at 10:00AM.  We will make a special stop in Duncan if anyone wants to carpool from there. 

VIPS members welcome to join us. Please RSVP at vicpalaeo@gmail.com.

VicPS field trip: Sunday, July 20, 2025

The VicPS fieldtrip this month will be to the lovely Chemainus River.  The site requires a 15-minute walk on a gentle to moderate grade from the parking lot to the river, the ability to traverse a rocky riverbank, and it’s possible you may want to wade across the slippery rocks of the river to the other side.  It is appropriate for families, and children old enough to be around the river.  All children must be in the company of an adult. 

Expect beautiful views, wet feet and a high probability of finding specimens. Sunday is forecast to be a bit cooler than mid-week, but do bring and use sunscreen.

Details are in the email that each member should have received; contact Jerri Wilkins if you have not received the email.  Please RSVP.

    A Summer of VicPS

    The monthly VicPS meetings are on summer hiatus and the focus is on fieldtrips, public education, and the Symposium.

    June 15 – Field Trip, TBD (Lead: Corbin Rolfe)

    Join Corbin Rolfe as he leads his first official VicPS fieldtrip!  Please look for an email from Corbin with details of the trip, closer to the date.

    June 22 – PUBLIC EDUCATION:  Cowichan Valley Nature Kids (lead:  Jerri Wilkins)

    VicPS has been invited back for a second year to provide a ‘fossil field day’ for kids in the Cowichan Valley. Last year our volunteers had a blast introducing kids to the ancient marine life on Mt. Tzouhalem in Duncan. If you like participating in public education, Jerri will reach out closer to the date seeking volunteers. No experience necessary – we all learn by doing!  

    July 20 –  Field Trip (lead:  Jerri Wilkins)

    We’ll visit one of the most beautiful and productive sites on our annual field trip schedule, and one Jerri looks forward to visiting every year.  It’s a moderate walk and a good site for families, and for swimming (sometimes on purpose). Look for the invite closer to the date.

    July 24 – PUBLIC EDUCATION: Island View and You (lead: Carol Barbon)

    This is our annual opportunity to join the Capital Regional District and nature-based organizations for a day of public education focused on the past and present animals and ecosystems of Island View Beach (Cowichan Head) on the Saanich Peninsula. Closer to the date Carol will be looking for volunteers to hang out at Island View Beach for the day….tough job! If you attended the May 18th fieldtrip, this is your opportunity to test your memory by sharing knowledge with others.  Jerri know who you are… we will be in touch!

    August 10 – Field Trip (lead:  Jerri Wilkins)

    This site on the shore is easily accessible, and for those with patience and a good eye, it can reveal well-preserved gastropods and occasionally an ammonite.  Details will be provided in a fieldtrip guide closer to the date.

     August 21 – PUBLIC EDUCATION: Slithery, Slimy & Scaly (lead:  Carol Barbon)

    For this event, we join the Capital Regional District and nature-based organizations at Elk/Beaver Lake to talk about all things slithery, slimy and scaly. VicPS brings a new perspective to this annual event, exploring with kids why we don’t see snakes and frogs and lizards in the local fossil record.  Or do we? Volunteer to help Carol, and you’ll learn the answers. She will reach out for volunteers closer to the date.

    August 21-24 – BCPA-VIPS Paleontological Symposium 2025

    This bi-annual meeting of paleontological researchers is four days of all things paleo as it relates to Vancouver Island and BC.  Presentations on the latest scientific research, scientific posters, workshops and fieldtrips and lots of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts to meet.  Check out the details below, and sign up today:

    15th BC Paleontological Symposium 2025 v2 – Vancouver Island Paleontological Society

    VicPS field trip: Sunday, May 18, 2025

    The VicPS fieldtrip this month will be close to Victoria: on the Saanich Peninsula. Paid members will have received details concerning the field trip as an email.

    Please follow the emailed instructions and RSVP your intention to participate.

    VicPS now has 40 members, the largest membership in the history of VicPS!  

    Local April 2025 VicPS Events

    With no speaker scheduled for the April 9th meeting, our President will report out on recent activities – we did just host a Fossil Fair! – and catch us all up, as well as introduce new members to our Society. 

    The meeting link will be sent via separate email to paid members. 

    We are in the final stages of determining which workshop will take place on April 12th, and details of the April 20th fieldtrip will be circulated a week in advance. Look to your email for further details.

    A Season of Field Trips!

    Here are the dates of the proposed VicPS field trips. Members will have received details regarding the planned destinations. Feedback to our president on this topic is encouraged, and RSVP to the field trip leader is desired prior to each trip.

    DateTimeTrip Leader
    April 21, Sunday8:00 amJerri Wilkins
    May 5, Sunday8:00 amJohn Kitson
    May 19, SundayJerri Wilkins
    June 5 – 6, Wed. – Thurs.John Kitson
    June 16, SundayJerri Wilkins
    June 30, SundayJohn Kitson
    July 21, SundayJerri Wilkins
    July 28, SundayJohn Kitson
    August 18, SundayJerri Wilkins
    August 25, SundayJohn Kitson
    September 15, SundayJerri Wilkins
    September 29, SundayJohn Kitson
    October 20, SundayJerri Wilkins
    November 17, SundayJerri Wilkins

    VicPS field trip: Sunday, January 21, 2024: Possible changes due to weather

    The present snowy conditions at certain places up island may cause the field trip plan to change. Please ensure you check for emailed updates about the field trip before you set off to join us on Sunday morning.

    When:9 AM, Sunday, January 21st, 2024
    Travel:Meet at Helmcken Park & Ride at 9 AM to arrange carpooling.
    Where:Paid members will please check their email for more details.
    Equipment:Hammer large enough to break concretions, chisel, wrapping paper, masking tape, marker, GPS and notebook for recording details.

    Bring lunch, water, snacks, dress for changes in weather and wear
    shoes appropriate for gravel, rock and slopes.