School programs at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area are available for elementary and high school students.  Programming for preschool and post secondary students is available upon request.

 

Programs are educational, investigative and immersive in nature. Programs are outdoors and offer opportunities for hands-on exploration and learning.

 

If you are interested in a field trip to the wetland, please book now (details below on how to do that).  We usually fill up, so please get in touch early to book a program.

 

Please see below for program details.

Winter 2025

We are excited to bring winter programs to the Creston schools in 2025!

Winter programs are brought to your classroom (available in the Creston area only).  Program runs from January 13th to March 14, 2025.  Programs are for Grade K-7.

There are three program options:

1. Hibernation 101 (Revamped)

This program showcases how animals adapt to winter life  – from hibernation to migration to staying put, we will discuss the different ways animals adapt to the winter season.  There will be a presentation with lots of visuals, hands-on activities and close up look at furs, skulls and tracks.

Available for Grades K-3.  The program is 45 minutes long.

Cost for the program is $60 per class

 

2. The Science of Snow (New)

This programs focuses on the science of snow…understanding snow can help us to understand our climate. We will take a look at how snow forms, why snow is important and how snowpack affects the climate. There will be a presentation with visuals and some activities (indoor or outdoor – weather dependant).

Available for Grades Grade 4-7.   The program is 45 minutes long.

Cost for the program is $60 per class

 

3. All About Owls (Popular Classic!)

This programs focuses on the wonderful world of owls…specifically what species we have in Creston (how to identify them), life cycle, adaptations, hunting techniques and more. There will be a presentation with lots of visuals, hands-on activities and an owl pellet dissection.

Available for Grades 4-7.  The program is 1 hour long.

Cost: $80 per class (includes ~10 owl pellets per class)

 

To book a program, please go to the Program Booking Form.

 

Spring Programming 2025

Elementary Programs

Wetland Excursions!!

K/1: Wetland Explorers

Explore, observe and learn about the ever changing wetland and the plants and animals that live here in the wetland…

Cost: $4 per student  •  Duration: 2 hours

 

Gr. 2/3: Water Everywhere

Discover the water cycle and how the wetland plays a vital role in maintaining clean water

Cost: $4 per student  •  Duration: 2 hours

 

Gr. 4/5: Super Senses

We will showcase the amazing super senses that plants and animals have to survive and thrive!

Cost: $4 per student  •  Duration: 2 hours

 

Gr. 6/7: A Changing Climate

How is the climate changing and what are some of the effects…how can we learn from what is happening in the wetlands and waterways…

Cost: $4 per student  •  Duration: 2 hours

 

All programs include a guided walk with activities and dip netting component.  We will be adding new program components to each of the programs!

 

To book use our online form or email us with the following information: School, Grade, Class Size, 2 possible dates and preferred time of day.

 

Canoe Tours!!  For Grades 4 & up

Part the cattails to look for nests, taste some wetland treats and learn more about the plants and animals that live here.  Add this onto our other programs for a fun filled day!

Cost: $5 per student  •  Duration: 1 hour

 

High School Programs

Gr. 8-12: Stewardship Program

Perform hands-on habitat restoration activities such as removing invasive plant species and shoreline cleanups.

Cost: TBD (dependant on program chosen)  •  Duration: 2+ hours

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For high school students, we can work with the teacher on other programming options that compliment the learning objectives of the class subject.

 

Canoe Tours!!

Explore the wetland by paddling the ponds and channels, learning about wetland ecology, adaptations and the wildlife that call the wetland home.  Add this onto the stewardship program for a fun filled day!

Cost: $5 per student  •  Duration: 1 hour

 

How to Book

Phone: (250) 402 8661

Email: education@discovery-centre.ca

Online Program Booking Forms:

Spring Program Online Form

Please provide choice of 2 dates, class size & school/teacher contact info

Program Availability 2025: Winter – Offsite (January 13th to March 14th); Spring – Onsite (May 12th to June 25th)

For onsite programs, there is a $60 minimum charge for the Elementary Program and a $50 minimum charge for canoe tours.  Canoe tours not available in fall.