Nature Quest


A series of whimsical artifacts designed to inspire children to engage with their natural surroundings through playful experiences.



Public Space
2024

Location
Vancouver, Canada

Team
Leticia Lozano
Gil Zárate

In collaboration with
Mariana Stoner
Luk Stoner
Rod Stoner
Fredy Mendoza

Strategic stakeholders
Vancouver City
Park Board Vancouver

Funded by
Downtown Van

Thanks to the support of the Public Vibrancy Grant by Downton Van we have designed three artifacts to discover, recognise and learn about the flora and fauna in Downtown Vancouver. The artifacts are accompanied by a map to engage families in a scavenger hunt activity to explore nature. The overall objective is to create core memories within Downtown and transform the way people perceive the area.

During fall 2024, the recognition artifact is on site at Emery Barnes Park. It aims to help children identify and appreciate the native fauna of Vancouver, specially the species that can be encountered in Downtown.

Bat
Bats enjoy many of the same kind of spaces that we do, including buildings and parks. Bats are important to the health of our city. Since they only eat bugs, they help control mosquitoes and other pests.

  • The Little Brown Bat is a common species in Vancouver and they can consume 600 insects in an hour.
  • Bats of this species are known to live up to 30 years.

Listen to it!

Swallow
Swallows are known for their fanciful aerobatics and ability to capture insects. They like to live near humans, they even like to build their nests above doors and buildings. Swallow migration is a symbol of spring and summer. 

  • It is disappearing in Metro Vancouver as a consequence of insecticides and pollution.
  • One of the most common species in Metro Vancouver.

Listen to it! 

Raccoon
The Raccoon's habitat expands throughout North and Central America. They are known for their intelligence, face mask and ringed tail. Their furry grayish coat helps them resist cold weather. They like to live in nature and in our cities.
  • In various North American native languages, their name refers to its manual skills.
  • They enjoy eating everything, from fruits to birds and reptile eggs, that's why you may find them eating from your trash can. 

Listen to it!

Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron spends its summers in North America, migrating as far south as the Caribbean during winter. There are several subspecies, varying in feather color and behavior based on their location. Adaptable to almost any wetland habitat, these herons nest in large colonies in tall trees near water. Both males and females share responsibilities for nesting and feeding.
  • In British Columbia, a unique non-migratory subspecies remains year-round, but it faces threats due to habitat loss and is considered at risk.
  • Stanley Park hosts a significant population of these herons.

Listen to it!