Discovery Centre

Here are some of our favourite “in-house” and other environmental education resources…activities, games, organizations, wildlife identification and information, wetland fun, and then some….We hope you enjoy.  We will update and add things regularly…

 

These resources offer a variety of links that are great for parents (families, kids) and/or adults.  For specific resources for kids, please go to our Just for Kids page.

 

Featured Resource

February 2nd is World Wetlands Day!

Wetlands and human wellbeing is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2024. This year’s campaign spotlights how interconnected wetlands and human life are with people drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these productive ecosystems. Importantly, the theme for 2024 underscores how all aspects of human wellbeing are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands. It calls on each of us to value and steward our wetlands. Every wetland matters. Every effort counts.

If you want to learn more about wetlands, check out the Ramsar Site.

Try out the Fun colouring sheet below!

 

Discovery Centre Wetland Colouring Sheet (World Wetland Day)

 

KCDCS Resources

We created some Wildlife Checklist (wetland and backyard versions), Scavenger Hunts and Nature Quizzes.  We will add more resources, so check back regularly!  If you have any suggestions of what you would like see or comments on the available resources please contact us.

 

Wildlife Checklists

 

Backyard Wildlife Checklist

 

This Backyard Wildlife Checklist can be used to identify some common wildlife that you might see in your neighbourhood and various places in the Valley.

 

This is a robust list, but please try to find things that are not on this list and share it with us!!

 

Upload your findings to our Facebook page!

Discovery Centre Backyard Wildlife Checklist

 

 

Backyard Bird Checklist (Kid Friendly)

 

This Backyard Bird Checklist can be used to identify some common bird species you might see in your neighbourhood.  A kid friendly checklist!

 

Pictures help you to identify these 10 common species.

 

Upload your findings to our Facebook page!

Discovery Centre Backyard Bird Checklist (Kid Friendly)

 

 

Wetland Wildlife Checklist

 

This Wetland Wildlife Checklist can be used to identify some common wildlife that you might see in while exploring the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area in the spring and the fall

 

This is a robust list, but please try to find things that are not on this list and share it with us!!

 

Upload your findings to our Facebook page!

Discovery Centre Wetland Wildlife Checklist - Spring Discovery Centre Wetland Wildlife Checklist - Fall

 

 

Wetland Bird Checklist (Kid Friendly)

 

This Wetland Bird Checklist can be used to identify some common bird species you might see when you are exploring the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area in the spring.  A kid friendly checklist!

 

Pictures help you to identify these 10 common species.

 

Upload your findings to our Facebook page!

Discovery Centre Wetland Bird Checklist (Kid Friendly)

 

 

Scavenger Hunts

Wetland Scavenger Hunt

Bring along this fun scavenger hunt as you explore the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area wetland (or any wetland in your neighbourhood)!

Discovery Centre Wetland Scavenger Hunt

Winter Scavenger Hunt 

Bring this along wherever you roam this winter…

Discovery Centre Winter Scavenger Hunt

 

Nature Quizzes

We will feature a variety of quizzes about all kinds of nature related topics…

Check out the quizzes below!

 

Discovery Centre Turtle Quiz Discovery Centre Wonderful Wetlands Quiz Discovery Centre Osprey Quiz Discovery Centre Invasive Species Discovery Centre Fish Quiz Discovery Centre Winter Survival Quiz Discovery Centre Wetland Plants Quiz

 

Bird Identification and Reporting

 

eBird

eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. A collaborative enterprise with hundreds of partner organizations, thousands of regional experts, and hundreds of thousands of users, eBird is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

 

Cornell Lab of Ornithology – All About Birds

Bird Identification and Live Cameras!

 

Environmental Education (EE) Organizations

REGIONAL

Kootenay Boundary Environmental Education Initiatives (KBEE)

The goal of the KBEE to better support students’ understanding of their local environment and empowering thoughtful action, through learning that is outdoor, experiential, place-based and place-conscious.

 

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN)

CBEEN is the regional network for environmental education in the Columbia Basin.

Our organization supports a community of engaged and effective environmental educators by connecting them to resources, information, professional development, and networking opportunities.

 

PROVINCIAL

Environmental Educators Provincial Specialists Association (EEPSA)

EEPSA is a dynamic volunteer organization promoting networking, curriculum support, and leadership in environmental education supported by the BC Teachers’ Federation

 

Global Environment and Outdoor Education Council (GEOEC)

GEOEC is an interdisciplinary specialist council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Our mission is to provide resources and venues for dialogue and networking, as well as to promote quality professional development for Alberta teachers in the areas of global, environmental and outdoor education.

 

FEDERAL

Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM)

Canada’s only national, bilingual, and charitable network for environmental learning. EECOM works strategically and collaboratively to advance environmental learning. We strive to ensure Canadians are environmentally literate… which means we’re engaged in environmental stewardship and contributing to a healthy and sustainable future.

 

Interpretation Canada

Interpretation Canada is a community that supports, engages, and inspires those involved in the field of heritage interpretation in Canada.

 

INTERNATIONAL

North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)

As a force multiplier for environmental education, NAAEE is committed to promoting excellence in the field and expanding the reach and impact of our collective work. Through signature programs, advocacy, conferences, and other activities, NAAEE works with partners across North America and beyond, to advance our mission of accelerating environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more sustainable future.

 

National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)

NEEF‘s mission is to make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant, and connected to the daily lives of all Americans, and we abide by this commitment in our programs and culture.  Looking for fun and educational activities you and your family can do around the home? NEEF has gathered a list of activity guides and online resources to keep kids interested and engaged in environmental education during this difficult time.

 

Wetland Link International (WLI)

WLI is a support network for wetland education centres that deliver engagement activities on site. The project is led by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, UK, and has 350 members over 6 continents.

 

Useful Organizations

WildSafe BC

Invasive Species Council of BC

Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society

Canadian Wildlife Federation