After our visits this week, some people may be even more curious about other forms of education that take place in our community. I am familiar with a few, but most familiar with some local opportunities for environmental education.
I have been working as a Park Naturalist, Interpreter, and Environmental Educator since 2005. I have done this at quite a few parks around the southern island, but mostly I have been working at the Goldstream Provincial Park Nature House. If you haven't had an opportunity to get out there...do it! The hiking trails are amazing and the displays and programs that we have set up in the park really enrich the experience. Obviously, I am a firm believer in outdoor education and forging a connection to our natural environment. This is sadly absent in many children`s lives and is far too often overlooked by our school systems and government.
The free programs that are currently running at Goldstream Park are in the campground amphitheatre EVERY DAY until September 1st. They are funded by RLC Enterprize Ltd (park facility operator for Vancouver Island), BC Conservation Corps, and BC Nature. They are open to all members of the public, and are aimed at all ages. We run afternoon programs everyday (except Tues and Thurs) at 2:30pm, which are aimed more at children. In the evening, at 7:30pm, we have programs that are attended by all ages that run every single night.
I will be doing some of the programs this year, mostly on Wednesday evenings. The two I am focusing on this summer are Owls (``Who Gives a Hoot``) and Bats (``In Defense of Bats``).
I would also like to take this chance to encourage everyone to explore these environmental education opportunities as field trips when you are finally in a classroom! We have some amazing programs happening (Swan Lake and CRD do too) and the learning opportunities presented by environmental education extend far beyond the immediate subject matter.
Hope to see some of you in the park!
*The photo is from one of the marine biology programs I have run at Sidney Spit National Marine Reserve (part of the Gulf Islands National Park).
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