As part of the Green Links program, we offer a variety of different educational workshops to school and community groups.
Click on the workshop subjects listed below or scroll down the page to find specific descriptions of each workshop. Unless otherwise noted, workshops are FREE and can be adapted for groups of all ages (including adults!). Contact us to arrange a workshop for your class, club, or group of friends today!
Learn about wildlife trees and their importance in providing habitat to over 90 species living here in British Columbia. The ?Who Am I? game will introduce some of these species, including black bears, owls, squirrels and ducks! Participants will discover how animals use these trees to survive and will fill a wildlife tree with creatures. (Grades 1-7)
Feathery Friends
Learn about birds of the Lower Mainland and the challenges they face trying to survive. A lively slide show will introduce some of our common birds and the calls they make. Discover how to provide them with suitable habitat, and make a nesting bag (Grade 1+) or build a bird box to take home. (Available grades 3+, cost is $3.00 per box)
Bats of British Columbia
Are bats really blind? Do they really drink blood? Learn the facts and fiction about these misunderstood creatures and find out what threatens their survival. Participants can complete the workshop by playing the ?Bat Survival Game? (all ages) or by building a bat box. (Available for grades 4+, cost is $6.00 per box).
Creatures of the Night
Do you know what owls, bats, coyotes and skunks all have in common? They?re nocturnal, and so are many other animals! Find out why some animals come out at night instead of the day. Play ?Nocturnal Concentration? to test your new knowledge. If possible, we?ll go for a short walk and see if we can find some of these night time animals. (Ages 5+)
It's a Hoot
Did you know that an owl's eyes don?t move? They have to turn their heads to see! Learn other fascinating facts about owls in British Columbia, and find out why some of these creatures are becoming endangered. Discover what kinds of things owls eat, and have a chance to see for yourself when you dissect an owl pellet! **There may be a small cost per pellet** (Grades 3+)
Life As a Creek
In this workshop we?ll construct a virtual creek ecosystem and discuss what makes it healthy. We?ll talk about the importance of having creeks and streams in our neighbourhoods, and discover what sorts of animals we might find there. Once our healthy creek is complete, we?ll add humans to our ecosystem and see what happens! (Grades 1-7)
Wild World of Wetlands
Different types of wetlands will be introduced, and the importance of these special areas will be discussed. The ?Wetland Wonder? game will help participants learn some of the animals and plants that live in wetlands, and the ?Mystery Marsh Bag? is a hands-on way of learning what services wetlands provide. (Grades 1-7)
Slimy Skin and Slithery Scales
Discover what makes amphibians and reptiles special, and find out that there?s more to these creatures than slimy, slithery skin! Learn about some of British Columbia?s reptiles and amphibians, why they?re in trouble and what you can do to help. Play ?Slimy, Slithery Jeopardy? and test your knowledge of your new friends. (Grades 1-7)
Native Plants And You?
Discover some of the incredible native plants growing all around you and learn how they provide habitat for wildlife. Determine the difference between native and alien plant species, and finish the workshop by creating leaf rubbings and playing ?Native Plant Jeopardy?. (Grades 1 ? 7)
Nature Walk
Join us for a walk through a natural area in your neighbourhood and discover the plants and animals that live just outside your doorstep. Put on your detective?s hat as we learn to identify common native plants and find clues telling us about local wildlife. You?ll be amazed by how many of your natural neighbours we meet!
Backyard Habitat
Now your backyard can be habitat for more than just your lawn chairs. Learn about different ways to make your yard wildlife friendly, even if your yard is only a balcony! We cover garden design principles, planning, maintenance, and backyard habitat challenges?everything you need to know to transform your backyard into a wildlife haven. (Recommended for community groups, clubs, and businesses).
Chemicals Begone: An Introduction To Organic Gardening
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of chemical-free gardening! We'll talk about alternatives to pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals as well as discussing why you might want to say goodbye to these chemicals in the first place. (Recommended for adults and older students).
Slide Shows
We also offer several slide shows: Natural History of the Lower Mainland
Learn about the geography, ecology, flora, and fauna of the Lower Mainland.
Green Links Project
Find out the answers to questions like: why was the Green Links Project started? What is the value of planting native plants along hydro corridors? What is connectivity and why should we care about it?
Nature's Services
Hear about the many ways that ecosystems maintain and enhance our quality of life.
Learn about wildlife trees and their importance in providing habitat to over 90 species living here in British Columbia. The ?Who Am I? game will introduce some of these species, including black bears, owls, squirrels and ducks! Participants will discover how animals use these trees to survive and will fill a wildlife tree with creatures. (Grades 1-7)
Learn about birds of the Lower Mainland and the challenges they face trying to survive. A lively slide show will introduce some of our common birds and the calls they make. Discover how to provide them with suitable habitat, and make a nesting bag (Grade 1+) or build a bird box to take home. (Available grades 3+, cost is $3.00 per box)
