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.
Fall programs are offered from October to December and Spring programs from April to June. Programs are 1.5 hours in length for kindergarten to grade 7 and 1 hour in length 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 February 3.
SCHOOL BOOKING REQUEST FORM
For general inquiries please call the Nature House at 604-238-6188
or email nature@richmond.ca
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.
- Snacks are not allowed during a program except for medical reasons. You are invited to use our picnic shelter behind the Nature House before or after the program.
- Electronic devices are intrusive – Please do not use them 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.
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 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 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
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 from 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 on October 1, 2019. 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. 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 604-238-6188. Kits must be booked in advance.
