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, Fall programs run October through December. Programs are 1.5 hours for grades K to 7 and 1 hour for preschoolers. A guided exploration of the park and time in the Nature House is included.  

Booking Information 

We are now accepting bookings for Spring 2019. Programs are offered April 1 through June. For general inquiries, call the Nature House at 604-238-6188. Click below to fill out a booking request form:

SCHOOL PROGRAM REQUEST FORM

Spring School Program Themes
Spring 2019 School Program Brochure
Spring 2019 Pre-K Program Brochure

Hello Spring (Preschool)
Children become explorers and look for seasonal changes that can include life cycles, nests and habitats, returning migratory animals and weather patterns.  

All About Spring (Grades K-3)
Children become explorers and look for seasonal changes that can include life cycles, nests and habitats, returning migratory animals and weather patterns.  

Bees in the Bog (Preschool & Grades K-3)
This program is dedicated to honeybees in the bog with students learning about their life cycle, the different types of honeybees and products made by bees. Children also get the opportunity to observe the inside of an active bee hive. Please inquire for availability.  

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 learn all the bird basics including life cycle, anatomy, behaviour and adaptations. 

Ponds (Grades 2-4)
Discover biodiversity in the Nature Park's bog and ponds. Explore aquatic animal life cycles, characteristics, and interdependence in this program that includes pond dipping and a visit to the bog.  

People and the Bog (Grades 3-7)
Students learn how to identify plants found in the bog that were traditionally used by the First Peoples. They 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.

Grade 7 teachers are invited to discuss program goals and objectives.

Ecosystems and Food Chains/Webs (Grades 3-7)
Visit the pond, bog and forest ecosystems. Activities and games focus on interconnections within the bog-forest, interactions and energy transfer among flora and fauna and human and natural changes that impact an ecosystem. Grade 7 teachers are invited to discuss program goals and objectives.

Program Fees 
School program fees vary according to group size and the number of instructors requested.

Preschool
$70 per class - up to 20 students (1 hour program)
$140 for 21+ students (1 hour program - 2 instructors assigned) 

Elementary School
$85 per class - up to 22 students (1.5 hour program)
$170 for 23+ students (1 hour program - 2 instructors assigned)

• Field Trip Guidelines
  Prepare for your visit:
  Make waterproof name tags for students.
  Arrange to have at least two adult helpers per class.
  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. 
  Use of electronic devices must be arranged at the time of booking.
  Snacks are not allowed during a program except for medical reasons but  guests 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 allowed.

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 604-238-6188.  Program kits can be rented for $1 per student.

Snow Goose Educational Program
Free!
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 Parks Department and Richmond Nature Park Society, 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 is offered November through March 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 604-238-6188 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. Kits 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, call 604-238-6188. Kits must be booked in advance.