An exciting component of the Conservation in Action’s educational program is for students to experience local species at risk through field trips led by wildlife biologists. Field trips are a fun and memorable way for students to apply their knowledge and learn more about the natural world where they live.
Field trips are designed to provide a focused platform to support in-class teaching of our curriculum activities. Field trips also promote discussion on a variety of topics like scientific practice, native and invasive species, climate change implications and effects of agriculture and industry on the environment.
First steps
Teachers are encouraged to find opportunities in their communities to see species at risk and their habitats in person. Check the list of expert hosts below to research and arrange for a field trip led on a local site by a wildlife biologist or naturalist.
Discuss ahead of time with the local biologist or naturalist who will lead the field trip what might be the best time to visit a site and schedule the field trip. For example, amphibian-themed field trips may be scheduled during the amphibian breeding season in the late winter or in the spring: this will allow students to check traps, count egg masses, learn to identify different species in the field and observe how scientists study the world of amphibians in the field.
Schools are responsible for transportation to and from the field site. Depending on the class’ schedule, a field trip can be arranged as a half day session (three hours) or a full day session (six hours).
Expert hosts
Special amphibian field trips are available in the lower mainland through the Precious Frog project, focused on the recovery of the endangered Oregon Spotted Frog. Click here for Precious Frog field trip info.
Our friends across BC can help you set up a species at risk field trip with your class.
- Vancouver Island
- Swan Lake: email Renee Cenerini
- Comox Valley Naturalists: email Loys Maingon
- Central Westcoast Forest Society: email Emily Grubb or phone 250.726.2424
- Habitat Acquisition Trust: apply online
- Southern Interior BC
- Nicola Valley Naturalists: email Alan Burger or phone 250.378.2468
- Northern Okanagan Naturalists: email Harold Sellers
- Burrowing Owls in BC: email Lauren Meads
- Lower Mainland
- Fraser Valley Conservancy: email Joanne Neilson or phone 604.625.0066
- South Coast Conservation Program (cost may be involved): email Pamela Zevit or phone 604-939-0523
- Coastal Painted Turtle Project: email Andrea Gielens
- Central & Northern BC
- Prince George Naturalists' Club: email Dora Hunter
If you are interested in leading field trips on BC’s species at risk in your local area and have your information added on this website as expert host please contact us.
Prepare & pack
Teachers should work closely with the field biologist or naturalist to best prepare the students for their field experience. Some of the sites are not designed for public accessibility, and students must have the appropriate clothing to navigate these sites comfortably and safely. For example, depending on the type of site, students may need to bring boots to participate in activities in wetland.
Do not visit species at risk sites, set traps, or attempt to handle any species at risk (or their eggs) anywhere in the province without the appropriate permits and permissions.
If you are a biologist interested in leading a field trip for your area, ensure you have permits to handle wildlife; permission to access the site and permission to bring classes to the site.
Apply for transportation funding
Field trips are free of charge. Schools are responsible for transportation to and from the field site.
- Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation offers the Go Grant program & resources
- World Wildlife Foundation offers a Go Wild Grant program
- Canadian Wildlife Federation also has a Wild Grant program
