Parks school programs

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The City of Calgary’s nature explorations programs provide environmental education and nature experiences for students in grades 1 to 12.

Designed by our experienced educators with a focus on hands-on learning, our programs encourage students to explore and experience nature in a whole new way. We offer full-day sessions focused on specific areas of interest, or we can custom design a program to fit your educational needs. Programs are offered at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ralph Klein Park, Reader Rock Garden, or a location of your choice.

Whatever your needs or interests are, we will work with you to deliver a unique educational experience that will take your students on an exciting journey into the natural world.

Give your students an unforgettable nature experience! Our school programs include a classroom session, guided walk and unique outdoor activities designed to bring your curriculum to life.

Host your next education professional development day or school team-building workshop at one of our unique park locations.

To book a program for your school group, please email parksprograms@calgary.ca with your request and the following information:

Program
Name of school
Name of teacher
Teacher’s email address and phone number
Grade(s) of class
Number of students
Preferred dates/days of the week
Preferred program time

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Class size

Maximum class size is 25 for all programs at Reader Rock Garden, and 30 for all programs at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ralph Klein Park, Devonian Gardens, or a location of your choice.

Grades 1-6

Pollinator Power (Grades 1 - 3)

This hands-on program explores the amazing relationship between plants and pollinators, how the phenomenon of pollination occurs, and what we can do to help. Participants will dive into plant and insect interactions, games, and a nature walk that will inspire and encourage actions that benefit our native species.

Grades: 1 - 3
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255

Wetland Wigglers (Grades 1 - 3)

Participants will explore aquatic acrobats and strange swimmers, and learn what they can tell us about healthy wetlands. This program includes a pond study, craft and an introduction to the wetland ecosystem.

Grades: 1 - 3
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255

Growing Gardens Changing Cities (Grades 1 - 3)

This multisensory program takes students on an exploration of the plants, stories and history of Reader Rock Garden and Union Cemetery. Students will explore changes from small plant growth to Calgary’s city growth and discover how these changes have shaped our world.

Grades: 1 - 3
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Reader Rock Garden, 2425 9 Ave. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255
Only one class per day

Marsh Madness (Grades 4 - 6)

Explore a local wetland ecosystem and discover the diversity of life that lives below the surface. This hands-on program includes an introduction to the local watershed, on-site pond dipping and an exploration of the role students play in the sustainability of our wetlands. Program is seasonal (September to mid-October; May to June).

Grades: 4 - 6
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255

The Canopy and Me (Grades 4 - 6)

This multidisciplinary program explores different communities found in a forest and examines how they are interconnected. Through outdoor activities, students will investigate what makes an urban forest unique and how human actions influence its ecology.

Grades: 4 - 6
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255

Exploring Our Legacy (Grades 4 - 6)

This program takes students on an in-depth exploration of the biodiversity and cultural diversity represented in this unique Calgary park. Students will explore the legacies of past Calgarians and participate in observation, journaling and hands-on activities.

Grades: 4 - 6
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Reader Rock Garden, 325 25 Ave. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255

Grades 7 - 9

BioBlitz (Grades 7 - 9)

BioBlitz is a fast, fun and fantastic way to get your students excited about biodiversity! Students will learn how to identify local plant and animal species in a short amount of time using a variety of techniques. This program will explore how species diversity contributes to the health of an ecosystem.

Grades: 7 - 9
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255

H2Ohh! (Grades 7 - 9)

Catch the wave of water literacy with this interactive program that dives into the science of water quality and wetland ecology. Your group will learn about the story of stormwater and be empowered to create a sustainable water future. Students will participate in a hands-on pond study.

Grades: 7 - 9
Length: 5 hours
Offered at:
Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St. S.E.
Seasonal: September to mid-October; May to June
Cost: $255

Specialty programs

Nature Walks (Grades 1 - 12)

Grades: Grades 1 - 12
Length: 1 hour
Offered at:
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ralph Klein Park, Devonian Gardens and Reader Rock Garden*, or a park of your choosing.
Cost: $102

* Reader Rock Garden is seasonal: Sept. to mid-Oct.; May to June. Only one class per day.

Seasonal Nature Studies (Grades 1 - 6)

Study one park, greenspace, pathway or your schoolyard in three different seasons. An educator will guide your class through your favourite natural area in fall, winter and spring. Activities include nature walks, interactive games, flora and fauna identification, environmental actions and more!

Grades: 1 - 6
Length: 6 hours (3 sessions of 2 hours each)
Offered at: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Ralph Klein Park, or a location of your choice.
Cost: $400