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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 will continue to be offered at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park, as well as Reader Rock Garden and Devonian Gardens.

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.

Book a program

To book a program for your school group, please call 311 (or complete an online 311 Service Request) with 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

If you have any questions, please email parksprograms@calgary.ca.

Parks school programs can sometimes be fully booked. While we do hold waitlists, we also recommend learning about these non profit groups offering similar programs.

Programs


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 and Devonian Gardens. 

Classes over 30 students will be charged an additional $5 per student up to a maximum of 35 students.

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Programs


Grades 1-6

Winter Evidence and Investigation (Grades 1- 3)

Winter is the best time to become a nature detective! In this experiential program, students will learn about different clues that animals leave behind and how they can read those clues to tell a story. This program includes station-based activities, an evidence-focused guided walk, and a nature detective activity where students can put their learning into action.

Grades: 1 - 3
Length: 5 hours
Offered at: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave SE and Ralph Klein Park 12350 84 St SE
Seasonal: November – March
Cost: $260

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: $260

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: $260

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: $260
Only one class per day 

Winter Evidence and Investigation (Grades 4 – 6)

Winter is the best time to become a nature detective! How can we locate a body of water concealed beneath the snow? What can an animal’s skull tell us about its life? Whether identifying animal tracks in the snow or learning to orient themselves using natural clues, students will emerge with a newfound ability to read the signs and stories that nature provides us.

Grades: 1 - 3
Length: 5 hours
Offered at: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, 2425 9 Ave SE and Ralph Klein Park 12350 84 St SE
Seasonal: November - March
Cost: $260

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: $260

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: $260

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: $260

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: $260

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: $260

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: $104

* 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: $408

Campus Calgary/Open Minds

campuscalgary

City EcoAction School provides students and teachers with skills that contribute to a healthy and caring city by connecting to urban parks and natural areas. Environmental sustainability is promoted at a community level by encouraging the application of sustainable ‘eco-actions’. This program fosters engaged and informed citizens who can make eco-friendly choices for Calgary’s future.

Application deadline: Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 for the 2024/2025 school year.  Please click on the link above to learn more. 

Grades: 1 - 12
Length: 1 week
Offered at: Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St. S.E, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary 2425 9 Ave S.E and  Reader Rock Garden 325 25 Ave S.E
Cost: Check program website.

ConocoPhillips Mud between my toes (Grades 1 - 9)

This wetland exploration program, in partnership with ConocoPhillips Canada, includes an in-class session to introduce your students to the urban wetland, followed by a guided walk and pond study. Bus transportation is included. This program is seasonal.

Note: Register early as program space is limited.

Grades: 1 - 9
Length: 5 hrs
Offered at: Ralph Klein Park, 12350 84 St. S.E
Cost: Free

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