School Programs
All community facilities are closed until further notice.
See Affected City Services & Facilities for more information.
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 students across Metro Vancouver.
School programs offer a unique outdoor exploration of the park while providing the community a chance to see the plants and animals that call Richmond Nature Park home.
Grade appropriate programs reflect Big Ideas, Curricular Competencies and Content. When making a reservation, staff are available to discuss field trip objectives.
Fall programs are offered October through December and Spring programs April through June. Programs are 90 minutes in length for Kindergarten to Grade 7 and one hour long for preschoolers. Programs include a guided exploration of the park and time in the Nature House. Click the link below to submit a booking request.
Spring 2020 program bookings begin on Monday, February 3 for programs running March 31 to June 5.
For general inquiries, call the Nature House at 604-238-6188 or email nature@richmond.ca.
Richmond Nature Park Spring 2020 - Preschool Program
Richmond Nature Park Spring 2020 - School Programs
Spring School Program Themes
Hello Spring (Preschool)
Focus on the changes noticeable in the park that include nesting birds, flowering plants, busy bees and pond life in this program that includes songs and activities.
*Bees in the Bog (Preschool-Grade 3)
Explore the life of honeybees with an explanation of why bees are highly important. *Inquire for program availability.
All About Spring (Grades K-3)
Explore and look for seasonal changes that can include life cycles, nests and habitats, returning migratory animals and weather patterns.
Invertebrates (Grades K-7)
Learn about the fascinating world of mini-beasts, 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)
Learn all the bird basics including life cycle, anatomy, behaviour and adaptations in this fun, interactive program that includes various games and activities.
Ponds (Grades 2-4)
Discover biodiversity in the park's bog and ponds and explore aquatic animal life cycles, characteristics and interdependence with pond dipping and a visit to the bog.
People & the Bog (Grades 3-7)
Learn how to identify plants found in the bog that were traditionally used by the First Peoples and how these plants were harvested and used throughout the seasons.
Optional extra half hour for special hands-on activities: tea and twining. Call for pricing.Grade 7 teachers are invited to discuss program goals and objectives.
Ecosystems & Food Chains (Grades 3-7)
Visit the pond, bog and forest ecosystems and try hands-on activities and games that 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. The following program fees are based on one instructor per program:Preschool
$70.00 per class – up to 20 students (1 hour program)
Elementary School
$85.00 per class - up to 22 students (1.5 hour program)
Two instructors are recommended for optimal program quality.
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.
- Snacks are not allowed during a program except for medical reasons. The picnic shelter behind the Nature House is available for use before or after the program.
- Electronic devices are intrusive and are not to be used during 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 Tour
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
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 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 from November through February, and includes a one-hour interactive, activity-based program presented by experienced educators. Instructors 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 free of charge.
To book a storm drain kit, call 604-238-6188. Kits must be booked in advance.