Wildlife & Education: Adventures in Education

The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife offers leading edge educational programs that include science, social studies, mathematics, and recreational components. Students and teachers alike will have the unique opportunity to learn about British Columbia's indigenous species, interact with Wildlife Rangers and experience First Nations culture in a mountaintop location.

How it works
Select a grade specific curriculum session or one of the special programs from the list below. All sessions can be modified for individual class needs. Programs can be modified for alternate grade levels, special needs, ESL groups and French language groups. Upon booking a field trip experience, a curriculum-specific pre/post field trip package will be provided to you.

Curriculum Sessions

		Suggested Grade Level
	Comparing Local Plants & Animals This program explores the characteristics of plants and animals, what they need to survive and what distinguishes living from non-living things	K
	Bears of North America An interactive experience all about bears with bear artifacts, bear stories, and a meeting with two orphaned Grizzly Bears (spring/fall). Students will learn the similarities and differences between the three species of North American bears.	K-3
	Staying Alive - Plants and Animals Students will learn to distinguish living from non-living things, the needs of different plants and animals, and how those needs are met in their environment.	1
	Animals in Their Environment Local animals have developed a variety of fascinating characteristics that enable them to stay alive and reproduce. Students will identify some of BC's most interesting wildlife and discover how they meet the challenges they face.	2
	Plants are Important Too! Through interactive activities, students investigate different categories of plants and learn to distinguish their specific characteristics. Students will discover a variety of fascinating adaptations that enable these plants to stay alive.	3
	Living Organisms Using innovative activities to highlight the different plant and animal life found from Capilano Lake to Goat Mountain, students will learn about the delicate balance of various ecosystems and how our actions affect them.	4
	Risky Business - Endangered Species of BC Through interactive activities, students will identify the most common reasons why plants and animals are endangered. This program takes a close look at some of British Columbia’s most endangered species like the Vancouver Island Marmot and the Northern Spotted Owl while discussing the impacts and consequences of extinction.	5
	Adaptations Among the Kingdom Using our local animals and plants as ambassadors of the five kingdoms, students will uncover the vast variety of fascinating adaptations that enable these species to forage, defend themselves, co-exist, and reproduce.	6
	Survival Within the Ecosystem The sub-alpine ecosystem of Grouse Mountain is a complex web of interrelated species. Students will learn how these species interact and depend upon each other for survival. From producer to consumer, we'll look at what sustains a healthy ecosystem and how our actions affect them.	7
	Special Programs:
	Phyla of the Grouse Mountain Ecosystem This interactive program is ideal for Biology 11 students. Students will identify and classify diverse mountaintop flora and fauna in preparation for their guided nature walk. A GPS orienteering session will simulate the work of a field Biologist. This program furthers students' understanding of indigenous plants and animals.	11
	Tourism Sneak Peek In a city like Vancouver, the tourism industry is growing at a fast pace, opening countless opportunities for ambassadors of our great city. This specialized education program caters to the increasingly popular tourism curricula. With the aid of our very own tourism concierge, we will lead the group through a day behind the scenes at Grouse Mountain.
	Grouse Mountain - Sustainability in Motion Our Sustainability Curriculum gives students the opportunity to realize sustainability in progress, in their own backyards. Using our own Grouse Mountain ecosystem as an example, this program aims to bring awareness to today's youth about their environment, surrounding wildlife and the many small things they can do to sustain and support both.	5+

Sample Schedule:

9:30am Arrive at the Base of Grouse Mountain
9:45am – 10:15am Skyride to Alpine Station
10:30am – 11:15am Curriculum Session
11:30am – 12:15pm Interpretive Wildlife Habitat Session*
12:30pm – 1:00 pm Lunch break
1:15pm – 2:00pm hiwus First Nations Cultural Presentation
2:15pm Skyride to Base
2:30pm Depart from Grouse Mountain

*Activity dependent on season or program choice, during the winter months enjoy ice skating and snowshoeing.


Program Time:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Express schedule available

Program Pricing
All Grades $20 per student (includes GST)

Booking Information
During the school year, the Wildlife Education Program is available Monday - Friday, except during school holidays. We have the capacity to book up to 6 classes per day. Why not book with another class and save on travel costs?

In July and August, a modified Wildlife Education Program is available 7 days a week. Choose a 90 minute adventure or a 3 hour adventure.

To book your activity date:

1. Determine the number of students and accompanying adults in your group.
2. Contact us at 604.980.9311 or education@grousemountain.com.
3. Upon receipt of your booking, we will send you a Booking Confirmation by fax. Please review the booking information carefully, sign and return the fax to 604.984.6360 as soon as possible.
4. A non-refundable deposit of $125 is required to confirm the booking date. Cheques are payable to Grouse Mountain Resorts Ltd. Credit card payments are also accepted.
5. All forms must be completed and received by Grouse Mountain at least 14 days prior to the activity date.
6. To make changes to your booking contact us as soon as possible.
7. Please forward full payment for your field trip on or before your date of arrival.
8. Please also see our General Information.

Forms
Wildlife Payment Form (.xls)
Parent Information Sheet (.pdf)