Educational Programming

We offer a variety of ecological education programs for visiting school groups and guests.

Educational Programming

K-12/ UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

Cedar Coast offers a selection of programs for grade school and university groups throughout the fall and spring. For more information on bringing an education group to Cedar Coast contact info@thecedarcoast.ca.

K-12/University Program Details:

In-house Programming: Fostering Curiosity & Connection to Place

When visiting Cedar Coast, education groups have the opportunity to explore the meaning of ‘Connection to Place’ through a variety of hands-on activities and research methods.

Our educators identify the threats of marine debris and demonstrate how to monitor micro-plastics; share photographs and stories of coexistence with neighbouring coastal wolves; highlight the colourful and dynamic intertidal zone through marine invertebrate ID and the use of quadrat surveys; introduce the microscopic world of plankton; and discuss the many threats faced by wild juvenile salmon here in Clayoquot Sound, BC.

We hope that students visiting Cedar Coast will leave Vargas Island with a renewed ecological awareness and relationship to how they view “Nature,” recognizing their integral role within the whole ecological community.

Micro-Plastic Surveys &/or Beach Clean Up- Partnership with Surfrider Foundation

Following the same methodology as the Ucluelet Aquarium, we can monitor how micro-plastics are deposited in the marine environment. We have information on the ecological impacts of micro-plastics on the marine ecosystem but we do not yet know how ubiquitous micro-plastics are in coastal BC. Students will conduct a survey on a Vargas Island beach so we can learn how and which micro-plastics are being deposited on our beaches.

Where

Keltsmaht Beach (10 minute walk)

When

Year-Round

Group Size

5-30

Length of time

1/2 day (morning or afternoon)

Cost

$250

Core Competencies

Communication, Social Responsibility and Critical Thinking

Teacher Name

Marcie Callewaert

Hike to Ahous Bay & Local Plant ID

This hike is not for the faint -hearted! It is an unmaintained trail within the Vargas Island Provincial Park which navigates through a coastal bog ecosystem. Our educators will share knowledge about the stunted shore pines, edible berries, and carnivorous sun-dew plants found along the way!

Upon arrival of your destination, a long white sandy beach directly facing the wide Pacific Ocean awaits. Here, there are certain species of barnacles and seaweeds that only thrive in exposed coastline- not found near the field station. If the tide is right, walk north along the beach to a freshwater lagoon where eagles, osprey, wolf tracks and juvenile salmon are often spotted.

Where

Ahous Bay, 4km trail (one-way). Relatively flat terrain, bog, sections of unmaintained trail

When

May- September. (Trail prone to seasonal flooding)

Group Size

5-30

Length of time

1/2 day (morning or afternoon)

Cost

$250

Core Competencies

Communication, Critical Thinking, and Social Responsibility

Teacher Name

Marcie Callewaert

Plankton Tow and Microscope Analysis

Explore the marine environment by conducting a plankton tow! Plankton are collected when a fine, mesh net is dragged through the water column. Marine plankton are microscopic organisms that play a huge role in ocean health. Learn about the role of plankton in the environment, and view individual plankton using microscopes in the CCFS laboratory.

Where

Buckle Bay (from shore or boat), CCFS lab.

When

Year-Round

Group Size

5-10

Length of time

1/2 day (morning or afternoon)

Cost

$250

Core Competencies

Communication, Social Responsibility, Critical Thinking

Teacher Name

Marcie Callewaert

Coexisting with Coastal Wolves: Local Stories & Remote Camera Monitoring with Marcie Callewaert

Learn about local animal population monitoring through wildlife camera traps. Motion sensor cameras take photos of animals passing by and record the date, time, and temperature of the sighting. Reviewing the data helps us develop baseline data for the diversity and abundance of local animal populations. Wildlife cameras also help us monitor changes in diversity, abundance and animal behaviour over time. Encouraging students to set up a trail cam on their first day to Vargas Island provides an opportunity for students to learn from the land mammals we share this environment with.

Where

Cedar Coast property, walking distance

When

Year-Round

Group Size

5-30

Length of time

1-2hrs

Cost

$250

Core Competencies

Communication, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking

Teacher Name

Marcie Callewaert

Biodiversity Surveys

Explore the rocky intertidal or bog forest biomes through the lens of species abundance and diversity. Students will be introduced to quadrat sampling- a research technique used to gather data in the field about populations, zonation, and overall species health. Biodiversity surveys help to establish ecological baseline data so that we can monitor changes in local plant and animal populations over time. This program provides a perfect balance of unstructured time for exploration, and an educational opportunity for students of all ages to participate in ecological research.

Where

Intertidal Zone & Bog Forest, walking distance

When

April - October

Group Size

5-30

Length of time

1/2 day (morning or afternoon)

Cost

$250

Core Competencies

Communication, Critical Thinking, and Social Responsibility

Teacher Name

Marcie Callewaert

K-12/University Program Details:

Complimentary Programming

Beyond participatory research, Cedar Coast offers two complimentary programs for education groups to develop a well-rounded sense of ‘place’. Complimentary programs provide groups with a connection to the local culture and history, and an understanding of our off grid living systems and how they interact with the local ecosystem.

Cultural Speakers from the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations

CCAE is operating within the traditional territory of the Ahousaht First Nation. In collaboration with knowledge holders, we are offering the opportunity to connect visiting youth with local knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing. Speakers will share stories, cultural history, and discuss how language, culture, and place intersect.

Where

Cedar Coast property, Vargas Island

When

Year Round, upon availability

Group Size

Full class, all students

Length of time

Cost

In-kind presentation

Core Competencies

Communication, Positive Personal and Cultural Identity, Social Responsibility

Teacher Name

Sustainability: Living Off-Grid

Cedar Coast is proud to be an off-grid facility! We are taking steps to grow awareness of energy and water consumption, and educate on alternative living systems. In this activity, tour the systems that make it possible to live and work on Vargas Island! Solar energy, rainwater harvesting , heating, and food production all play an important role in off-grid life, and all have their own impacts on the environment. Learn more about these systems, and their pros -and cons- on a full tour with a CCAE staff member.

Where

Cedar Coast property, Vargas Island

When

Year-Round

Group Size

5-30

Length of time

45-60 minutes

Cost

In-kind presentation

Core Competencies

Communication, Critical Thinking and Positive Personal and Cultural Identity

Teacher Name

Marcie Callewaert

Partner Programming

Explore Clayoquot Sound with our Community Partners

There are many special inlets and coastlines around Clayoquot Sound that are worth venturing off Vargas Island for. Tofino is an internationally recognized coastal surf town known for its charm, long sandy beaches, wildlife and west coast swell. First Nation’s have been stewards of this land and sea for thousands of years. The beauty, vastness, and diversity of Clayoquot Sound that we all experience and enjoy is a reflection of their deep connection to, and protection of, this Place. Let us connect you with some of our local community partners so you can experience Clayoquot Sound in a way that best suits you!

Private Whale &/or Bear Watching Tour

Hop on board a 12 passenger covered boat, or open Zodiac for a west coast adventure! Local guides will tour you around the Sound pointing out wildlife and cultural sites along the way. Every tour is unique, and there is no guarantee of what you’ll see on any particular day…but that’s what keeps it interesting! Common sightings are feeding grey whales, sea otters, bald eagles, a diversity of sea birds, harbour porpoises, and sun-bathing sea lions.