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About
Started in 1998 in response to teacher requests for environmental education materials, the goal of our Education Program is to develop a population that is aware of, concerned about, and connected with the environment. Through increased knowledge, skills, and environmentally positive attitudes, our Education Program fosters rich relationships with nature, which contributes to higher levels of well‐being and motivation for action.
Everything we do is based on four Guiding Principles:
- Connection with the Earth: We focus on the interconnection of systems–economic, social and environmental–and link the local to the global.
- Shared Knowledge: We recognize and respect individual knowledge, experiences, beliefs and abilities, including scientific, social and cultural perspectives on the environment.
- Empowerment: We stimulate critical thought and personal initiative, and support participants to engage in solutions‐based activities that reach beyond the classroom.
- Education by Doing: Our work is hands‐on and interactive, connecting people to the outdoors to derive a sense of place within their environment.
- Photo: Pharis Romero
Over the years, the Education Program has engaged more than 100,000 students and has grown into one of B.C.’s most effective environmental education providers. The team is made up of professional educators with diverse backgrounds in teaching, curriculum development, ecology, and youth engagement. Our ever‐evolving programs encourage fun, age‐appropriate action for the earth.
Our school programs are accredited with Scientists and Innovators in Schools and were GreenStreet (Canadian Teacher's Federation) approved during that organization’s duration.
In addition to our in-class programs, we facilitate student and teacher workshops, provide downloadable educational resources and send out regular Education e-newsletters.
