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Nature Park

School Programs

Spring School Programs 

Each year thousands of children are introduced to the wonders of nature through School Programs offered by the Richmond Nature Park Society. Programs are designed for both preschools and elementary schools, and are available to all teachers and their students across the lower mainland.

School programs introduce nature and the environment at the Richmond Nature Park. Your class will enjoy an outdoor exploration of the park while meeting the community of plants and animals that live here. 

Grade appropriate programs reflect Big Ideas, Curricular Competencies and Content – please discuss your field trip objectives with us when you make a reservation.

Spring programs run April through June, and are 1.5 hours in length for grades K to 7, and 1 hour in length for preschoolers.  Programs include a guided exploration of the park and time in the Nature House.  Several booking options are available – please ask for details

Booking Information
Registration opens in early February. Programs can be booked Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm, by calling the Richmond Nature Park at 604-718-6188 or emailing nature@richmond.ca.  

When booking a program, please have the following information ready: multiple date preferences, theme selection, class size and grade, school information, and method of transportation.

Spring Program Themes
ALL ABOUT SPRING (Grades K-3)
Children become explorers and look for seasonal changes that could include life cycles, nests and habitats, returning migratory animals and weather patterns. 

BEES IN THE BOG (Grades K-3)
A program dedicated to honeybees in the bog. Students will learn about their life cycle, the different types of honeybees and products made by bees. Children will also get the opportunity to observe the inside of an active bee hive.

INVERTEBRATES (Grades K-7)
Learn about the fascinating world of mini-beasts. This program allows students to explore the bog forest and search for different types of invertebrates while participating in games and activities that demonstrate the life cycle and anatomy of spiders, insects, slugs and other creepy crawlies.

BIRDS (Grades 2-7)
It’s all about birds in this fun, interactive program that includes various games and activities. Students will learn all the bird basics including life cycle, anatomy, behavior and adaptations.

PONDS (Grades 2-7)
Discover the life that lives in the Nature Park’s ponds. Explore aquatic animal life cycles and characteristics. Students will participate in a pond dipping activity.

PEOPLE AND THE BOG (Grades 3-7)
Students will learn how to identify plants, found in the bog, that were traditionally used by the First Peoples. They will also learn how these plants were harvested and used throughout the seasons. Optional extra half hour for special hands-on activities – tea and twining. Contact us for pricing.

HABITATS/ECOSYSTEMS
Your class will understand what makes a habitat, and learn about human and natural changes that impact an ecosystem. Games and activities will focus on interconnections within the bog-forest. This is offered for two age groups: 

  • Grades 4-6: Habitats & Food Chains - Visit different areas of the park to see distinct habitats for the creatures that call the park home.
  • Grade 7: Ecosystems & Food Webs - Interactions and energy transfer among flora and fauna in the bog/forest environments.

Field Trip Guidelines
Prepare for your visit:  

  • Make waterproof name tags for students.
  • Arrange transportation to arrive 15 minutes before your program start time.
    Inform staff of any special needs or allergies.
  • Appropriate attire is required. No sandals, high heels or dress shoes. Rainproof jackets with hoods, hats and boots are recommended for rainy days. No umbrellas. 
  • Snacks are not allowed during a program except for medical reasons.  You are invited to snack in our picnic shelter behind the Nature House before or after the program. 

On the day of your visit

  • Parents and teachers are expected to participate in programs by assisting with group management. Parents who do not wish to participate may leave the group and return at the end of the program.
  • Turn cell phones off during programs
  • Refrain from picking or collecting plants or animals in the park.
  • Do not feed the animals.
  • No pets, please.

Program Fees
School program fees vary according to group size and the number of instructors requested.  Spring 2018 program fees listed are based on one instructor per program:

Preschool
$70 per class – up to 20 students (1 hour program)

Elementary School
$85 per class - up to 22 students (1.5 hour program)

Two instructors are recommended for optimal program quality.

Self-guided Program
Looking for a low cost activity to do with your group or class?  Self-guided activity kits are available for teachers who don’t require a Nature Park instructor.  Kits include:

  • An easy to follow teaching guide
  • Detailed map of Richmond Nature Park
  • Nature Park Scavenger Hunt
  • Nature House Discovery Game
  • "Who Am I” activity cards
  • “Eye Spy” images
  • Hand Lenses

Self-guided programs need to be booked in advance by calling 604-718-6188.  Program kits can be rented for $1 per student.

Free Snow Goose Educational Program
Has your class noticed the large flocks of snow geese that migrate through Richmond in the winter months?  Thanks to the City of Richmond’s Community Service Department, a snow goose educational program is being offered free of charge this winter to all elementary school teachers in Richmond. 

The goal of this program is to develop an awareness and appreciation of Snow Geese in Richmond.  This program encourages students to respect Snow Geese as a part of Richmond’s community, and fosters an amicable coexistence between humans and geese. 

The Snow Goose classroom program will be offered November 2017 through to March 2018, and includes a one-hour interactive, activity based program presented by experienced educators.  Our instructors will bring along a full set of props and materials. 

Registrations for in-school Snow Goose programs begin in October.  Programs can be booked Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm, by calling the Richmond Nature Park at 604-718-6188 or emailing nature@richmond.ca. 

Storm Drain Kits
Help paint a yellow fish symbol beside local storm drains to remind residents that toxic substances dumped down drains may poison fish and wildlife in nearby streams and rivers.  Storm drain marking kits are available to book from the Richmond Nature Park.  They are provided by the Salmonid Enhancement Program of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and are available free of charge. 

To book a storm drain kit, please call 604-718-6188.  Kits must be booked in advance.

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