Spruce Meadows Education Programs

Education Program #1:

Eyes on the Wetlands

Spring (May - June) and Fall (September - October) Sessions

Since the program’s initial launch in June 2009, the Spruce Meadows ‘Eyes on The Wetlands’  initiative has facilitated over 63 classes in this exciting and highly interactive program. Spruce Meadows’ proximity to the city provides the perfect backdrop for this diverse blend of Alberta Education approved curricula.

The program, developed over a four year partnership with the Imperial Oil Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and the Parks Foundation Calgary undertook a complete site makeover to incorporate the addition of more constructed wetlands, plant transplants from Frank Lake, interpretive pathways, 11 curricula based storyboards, a floating dock for pond dipping, a viewing blind and a new interactive classroom.

This collaboration of community partners has allowed visitors from Calgary, rural communities and from around the world to learn the importance of water conservation, the value of wetlands in our ecosystems, the implications of the urban/rural interface and the social responsibility we all face in preserving Alberta’s wetlands.

“It’s an opportunity for families, children and visitors of all ages to learn. It’s good for the environment and for the future”, remarked Paul Smith, Imperial Oil’s Senior Vice-President of Finance, Administration and Treasurer.

The formal program begins with a visit from a Ducks Unlimited professional educator to your classroom. Leading the formal education program through their ‘Project Webfoot’ initiative they begin with an indoor classroom presentation, guide the class through an outdoor, interactive field study at Spruce Meadows and complete the program with a follow up session at your classroom. For all registered schools participating in the program there is ‘no cost’ and a partial subsidy will be provided for bussing costs.

The guided field trip of the Spruce Meadows Constructed and Natural wetland will include four key stations:

The Interactive Classroom: This classroom features a special display of animals native to the area in and around Spruce Meadows providing a very unique “outdoor” environment inside the classroom. The station deals with the circle of life, the wildlife in and around Spruce Meadows and the watershed of Spruce Meadows and Calgary. It is an introduction to the wetlands and a re-cap of the initial classroom visit.

The Observation Blind: On this constructed viewing blind the students will learn about the Urban/Rural interface,  how to observe wildlife and will have a hands-on experience using binoculars and spotting scopes to identify the wildlife at Spruce Meadows and the adjacent Radio Tower Creek Environmental Reserve.

The Marsh Walk: This station is an integral part of the wetland initiative and the Spruce Meadows environment provides a unique natural setting for this interactive experience. On this tour students will identify, observe and learn about plants and pond life with the assistance of interpretive signage around the ponds perimeter. These storyboards paint a detailed portrait of what a wetland is, how to identify the many types and what we can all do to preserve these natural wonders.

The Deep Water Platform: This exciting and always anticipated station allows the students to participate in a pond dipping activity for the capture, identification and release of aquatic invertebrates. Here the students learn how to identify which invertebrates live in the wetlands and the roles they play in the completion of this ecosystem.

These annual spring and fall classes are limited so it is important to apply early. An application form can be downloaded for program registration.

While the program is geared mainly towards students visiting Spruce Meadows in a more formal setting, the wetlands are for everyone to enjoy. The marsh walk, pond area and observation blind includes pathways which are enhanced by interpretive signage and are open year-round for all visitors to enjoy. A map can be downloaded for the pathway routes and storyboard locations.

The community partners involved are dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the surrounding natural and constructed wetlands and envision this program as a long term investment for students, our community and the environment.

Download the Application (to come)
 

Self Guided Tour Map (to come) 
 

Education Program #2:

AGRIUM Growing the Next Generation

School Tour Sessions from June 4-8, 2012 (National Tournament)
 

Spruce Meadows, in partnership with Agrium presents the GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION School Tours Education Program:  Highly interactive sessions that focus on agriculture, wetland ecosystems, watersheds, equine history and welfare and the sport of show jumping.

Since the initiation of the ‘School Tours’ program in the spring of 1976, tens of thousands of Calgary and surrounding area students have participated.

Spruce Meadows provides a unique representative environment of the growth and change of Alberta, its people and the School Tours program itself. Initiated in 1976 by Mrs.Southern herself the program has evolved over time and continues to incorporate Alberta based curriculum within its existing five stations. Set in an interactive venue to engage and challenge the students, our program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and consciousness to make informed decisions.

This guided field trip will include five key stations:

Station #1: “Eyes on The Wetlands”: Watershed & The Urban Rural Interface
		Here students will learn about the Spruce Meadows watershed and its role in the watersheds of Calgary and Alberta as well as the Urban/Rural Interface, what it is and the role we play.
Station #2: “Eyes on The Wetlands”: Aquatic Invertebrates
		This interactive station has students pond dipping for the catch, identification and release of aquatic invertebrates, while learning their rolls within the Spruce Meadows wetland ecosystem.
Station #3: Horse Care: Animal Welfare and Wellness
		Students break up into four smaller micro-stations to see and discuss a real mare and foal, feeding and waste management, dressing and grooming and the structure and form of the horse. Another highly interactive and exciting station.
Station #4: History of The Horse: War Horse to Sport Horse
		This station, with so much detail offers students a chance to learn what horses were used for in early times, throughout the ages and of course today. Discover the human relationship with the horse and the importance of the role it plays in Alberta.
Station #5: Seed Survivor: Soil, Nutrients, Water & Light
		Agrium sponsors this interactive station with computer games and a hands on ‘real planting’ session. Watch the students become enthralled as they tour through stations about farming, crops, water management, plant nutrients and taking care of the land around us.

Spruce Meadows has been approved by the Calgary Board of Education as an “A” Off-Site Activity.  

Applications and a brochure for this program can be downloaded and are based on a first come-first-served basis, space is limited so please apply early.                                                                                                           

Download the Application (to come)