What a difference a decade makes

Columbia Basin Trust and Wildsight celebrate 10 Years of Education in the Wild

Columbia Basin, B.C. — Ten years ago, it was a challenge teaching kids in the Columbia Basin about ecosystems. There were no well-established environmental education programs for teachers to turn to when they wanted their students to learn first hand about wetlands, forests and other ecosystems.

But that all changed when Wildsight and Columbia Basin Trust forged a unique partnership that has become — 32,000 students and 1,150 field trips later — the most successful school-based ecosystem awareness program in southeastern B.C.: Education in the Wild.

“Good things happen when you work together,” said Monica Nissen, Wildsight’s Education in the Wild program manager. “And Columbia Basin Trust has been an exemplary partner. Thanks to its support, this program meets the needs of students at every grade level and in every corner of B.C.’s Columbia Basin.”  Education in the Wild is actually a series of three programs, which include ‘Winter Wonder’ for students in Kindergarten through grade 3, ‘Classroom with Outdoors’, for grades 4-7, and ‘Go Wild’ for high school students.

“Education in the Wild encourages young people to become stewards of the Basin as they grow up and become the members of the workforce and the decision-makers of our society,” Nissen said, “The program has short- and long-term benefits for all residents of the Columbia Basin.”

Throughout May and June, intermediate students have been participating in Classroom with Outdoors field trips.  “This program remains an excellent way for kids to have a fun field trip near the end of the school year, while still making connections to the science lessons they have been learning, Nissen says. “There’s nothing like hands-on learning when it comes to ecology and natural systems.”

Teachers looking for more information about the programs are encouraged to call Wildsight at 250.427.9325.

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About Wildsight • www.Wildsight.ca
Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada's Columbia and southern Rocky Mountain region.

Contact:
Monica Nissen, Program Manager, Education • 250.352.6346 • Monica@Wildsight.ca

About Columbia Basin Trust • www.cbt.org
Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Contact:
Rick Allen, Program Manager, Environment • 250.417.3665 • RAllen@cbt.org