Description: Join Andrea Phillpotts (McMath Secondary) and Alli Ridley (Indigenous Teacher Consultant) for an afternoon walk around Terra Nova Park to explore Indigenous plants and their traditional uses and participate in reconcili-action through invasive plant removal. This activity is supported by the City of Richmond Partners for Beautification program and the Richmond Environmental Educators (REEd.) The information shared during this activity can be brought back to schools and classrooms for all ages of students. Participants will learn about local invasive species and Indigenous plants and their properties. This field experience is open to all Metro Vancouver educators, and we welcome the building of inter district connections! We encourage SD38 teachers to register on the SD38 District Events page, as well.

Date & Time: Oct 24th, 2025, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location Start: Red Barn - Terra Nova Sharing Garden 2771 Westminster Hwy - Richmond

Cost: Free (with virtual conference registration)

Presenters: Andrea Philpotts & Alli Ridley

Alli Ridley Bio: I am Cree-Mètis and I work at SD38 - Richmond, on the traditional and unceded territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples. I have worked in the primary years for 19 years where I was able to share my passion of place consciousness and outdoor learning. I am currently working as an Indigenous Pedagogy and Curriculum Teacher Consultant where I get the pleasure of working with teachers and students from K-12 and help them weave FPPL into their learning.

Andrea Phillpotts Bio: Is a secondary social studies, English, and outdoor education teacher, currently living and working as a settler in SD38 on Musqueam land. She is passionate about place-based learning, local history, and the power of the outdoor classroom on wellness and environmental connections. Currently, she teaches EFP12 and BCFP12 at R.A. McMath Secondary School. Her personal call to action is to learn the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ words for the plants that grow in her neighbourhood.

Description: This field experience, is designed to help participants build deeper relationships with each other and with the land through shared experiences in a local natural environment, and hopefully give you something to take back and try in your own community. Centered around a walk to and along a nearby river, this activity incorporates elements of ecological literacy, outdoor play, and reflective nature journaling. Throughout the experience, participants will take part in a guided nature walk, play a couple of outdoor games, and engage in a variety of nature journal activities.

Date & Time: Oct 24th, 2025, 1:30 pm-3:00 pm (MST)

Location Start: Frank J Mitchelle - Sparwood

Cost: Free (with virtual conference registration)

Presenter: Beth Rooney

Bio: Beth is a grade 2/3 teacher currently working in Sparwood. This will be her third year incorporating nature journals once a week over the school year. Brennan is a grade 4 teacher also in Sparwood who has also incorporated nature journals into her teaching practices.

Description: The goal of this annual event is to bring together educators to learn, share, connect, and collaborate with one another. These retreats are a great opportunity to network, exchange resources and stories, inspire one another, and have fun through dialogue and activity.

Date & Time: Oct 24th - Oct 26th, 2025, Begins Friday evening and goes until Sunday

Location Start: Blue Lake Camp - Williams Lake near Canal Flats

Registration Fee: $375

Presenter: Laura Jackman

Bio: Laura was born and raised in the Kootenays and currently lives in Rossland, BC on the unceded tmxʷúlaʔxʷ and traditional territories of the Sinixt peoples. Lands and Waters that were also cared for by the Syilx, Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Peoples. She is a teacher in the Kootenay Columbia School District with over 13 years of experience. Laura is the Vice President of the Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Association (EEPSA), the Network Manager for the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) and has recently begun instructing for the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program through UBC.

Description: Kamloops outdoor enthusiasts, we encourage you to join us for a fun, learning day at the McQueen Lake Overnight Center on October 24th.

We will meet at Norkam Secondary to hop on a bus that will take us to McQueen Lake. We will then watch the online C2C conference from 9-12.

Lunch will be provided, then a chance to continue your learning outdoors with us!

Learn more about the Outride program with Chris Martin (a local SD73 teacher) and learn the fundamentals of mountain biking. He will bring a bike and helmet for everyone registering to his session (20 max).

Nature walk with City of Kamloops Kirsten Wourms; identify local indigenous plants, learn about the different city parks that you can take your class in, for an easy hike. Kristi Gordon is planning a few activities on one of the trail booklets that relate directly to the grassland curriculum that she has helped develop.

Date & Time: Oct 24th, 2025, 8:15 am - 3:00 pm

Location Start: Meeting point is South Kamloops Secondary School

Cost: Free (with virtual conference registration)

Note: Refreshments and snacks will be provided; however, we kindly ask that you bring your own lunch

Presenter: Kristi Gordon

Bio: Kristi is a graduate of the Master of Environmental Science program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), where her research tested the efficacy of targeted cattle grazing to help control the invasive plant spotted knapweed within BC's grasslands. Kristi is now developing her skills as an environmental educator within TRU's Department of Natural Resource Sciences, where she instructs introductory science labs. Kristi is passionate about sharing knowledge and is working with a team of educators in partnership with BC Parks to develop an elementary-level grassland curriculum.

Accessibility Notes: The McQueen Lake Centre is wheelchair accessible. Please be aware that some sessions involve physical activities that may not be suitable for all participants. For example, the mountain biking session requires a high level of physical ability, and the plant identification walk with the City of Kamloops may take place on narrow forest trails that are not accessible for individuals using mobility aids.

Description: Participants will join with educators from Metro Parks and Langley School District at beautiful Campbell Valley Regional Park, a place rich in land-based educational opportunities. We will share the gifts that plants and trees offer as inspiration for nature crafts and games to build connections with your students and with the natural world. Attendees will take away an example of the craft and instructions for activities as well as having opportunities to connect with like-minded educators. At the end of the session, K-12 teachers should feel empowered to lead their class on an amazing field day in a local natural place. Lunch will be available to purchase through a food truck. Participants are also invited to watch the Online speakers in a heritage barn at the park from 9:00 AM-12:15 PM.

Date & Time: Oct 24th, 2025, 8:45 am-3:00 pm OR 12:45 pm - 3:00 pm

Note: The virtual portion of the conference will be projected, so you have the option to join your group and watch it together. Please note that for each section, there are three panel options, and your group will choose only one panel to attend.

Location Start: 710 204th Street, Langley in Campbell Valley Park

Cost: Free or $15 for lunch (optional if attending from 8:45 am)

Presenters: Marlee St Pierre, Angela Cowling, Vanessa Lee

Marlee St Pierre Bio : Marlee is a teacher with LEAP (Langley Environmental Awareness Program). She teaches Kindergarten in nature and community places through this unique K-7 choice program within the Langley School District. In her free time, Marlee loves to find ways to connect with other passionate eco-educators and keep active outside biking, running and swimming.

Angela Cowling Bio: Angela is the OACES (Outdoor Aboriginal Community and Environmental Studies) Exploration teacher at HD Stafford Middle School in Langley. This year she will have over 800 students that she helps connect with and learn from the land. In her free time she likes to camp, kayak, hike, do lengthy sit spots, and play with her grand-twins outside, watching and helping them explore the wonders of nature!

Vanessa Lee Bio: Vanessa is passionately involved with anything green, watery or mountainous! The love affair started decades ago with tracking snakes in Ontario Provincial Parks and continued in jobs as a Richmond classroom teacher, a Vancouver Aquarium interpreter to her current position as a Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Interpretation Specialist. Her dedication to the environment also showed in her volunteer work with the David Suzuki Foundation, NatureKids of BC, Interpretation Canada and EEPSA. Vanessa hopes to inspire care of place and wild things, and focused her Masters of Ecological Education on how to connect people to nature’s awe and wonder.

Accessibility Notes: The barn site is accessible, and the trails are mostly level, though some areas may have uneven ground.

Description: This interactive field experience will take place at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack where educators and community members are invited to join us as we explore the beautiful location. SFU professor David Zandvliet will share the latest research, including Indigenous perspectives and climate change issues addressed in the updated Environmental Learning and Experience Curriculum Guide. We will then get outside and engage in experiential activities that model inquiry and stimulate discussion about indigenous knowledge and environmental learning. Come take time to breathe as we find a “sit spot” and reflect on our connections to place and land and to each other.

Date & Time: Oct 24th, 2025, 12:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Location Start: Great Blue Heron Reserve (main building) - Chilliwack

Cost: Free (with virtual conference registration)

Note: Refreshments will be provided at no cost. To support our sustainability efforts, we kindly ask participants to bring their own reusable mugs. Thank you for helping us reduce waste!

Presenter: Donna Boucher and David Zandvliet SFU Professor

Bio: Donna Boucher - EEPSA executive member and SD33 educator

Description: Step into Fernie’s vibrant local food scene on this hands-on walking tour designed for educators! Begin at the EcoGarden’s outdoor classroom, where you’ll explore engaging ways to bring place-based learning to life in the garden. Then, peak into Evergreens Farm, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Local Store, and discover the ToolShare library’s collection of community-use food processing tools. We’ll wrap up back at the EcoGarden with a refreshing herbal sun tea and an introduction to Wildsight’s dynamic food education resources. You’ll explore tools like Beyond Recycling’s Food EcoChallenge, FutureMakers’ “community of the future” design activities, and other engaging food system learning materials. You’ll leave energized, inspired, and ready to spark food systems learning in your classroom. Come prepared to be outside: wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a water bottle, and dress for the weather. If walking the full route isn’t possible, you’re welcome to bike or drive between Prentice Park and downtown Fernie. We welcome all learning styles and abilities—please let us know how we can support your participation.

Date & Time: Oct. 24th, 2025, 12:30 pm

Location Start: Fernie Community EcoGarden - Fernie

Cost: Free (with virtual conference registration)

Presenter: Dawn Deydey

Bio: Dawn is a passionate changemaker with Wildsight Education, bringing nearly 20 years of environmental education experience. She founded Beyond Recycling and FutureMakers programs, and launched the Community EcoGarden, Mountain Market, Local Store, and Evergreens Farm—vibrant initiatives that blend sustainability, learning, and community spirit to inspire lasting change.

Description: Come explore the world of nature journaling outdoors! Nature journaling can act as a catalyst for observation, evoking curiosity and a sense of wonder in students of all ages. Nature journaling is interdisciplinary by nature and can be easily incorporated into regular classroom routines. Participants will gain insights into the art of nature journaling, be introduced to using watercolours outdoors, and build a colourful map-like representation of their surroundings. No art experience necessary and all materials provided.

Date & Time: Oct. 24th, 2025, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location Start: SD 27 - Williams Lake (in person)

Cost: Free (with virtual conference registration)

Presenters: Sonya Rokosh & Frances McCoubrey

Sonya Rokosh Bio: Sonya Rokosh splits her time working at a local horticultural therapy farm in Kamloops, substitute teaching, and engaging with both youth and educators in the grasslands. She has over 19 years of experience in the world of outdoor education & leadership. She sits on the board of directors for the Kamloops Food Policy Council and is a member of the EEPSA (Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Association) Executive. Sonya recently finished her Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication through Royal Roads University, her research focused on using nature journaling as a tool for conservation and connection. Her Masters work has evolved into the development of a place-based grasslands curriculum. She likes early mornings, long walks, and sharing food with friends.

David Norwell Bio: David Norwell is an author, illustrator, and philosopher dedicated to his community. He is the author of the bestselling illustrated travelogue-A Complex Coast: A Kayak Journey From Vancouver Island to Alaska. He holds a BSc in Geography from the University of Victoria, and has worked for ten seasons conducting biological and geological surveys In BC, Alberta, and the Yukon. His passion is communicating science and philosophy in a way that accesses the human heart. David has visited thirty-three countries, sailed across the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, trekked over the Himalayas with a kitten, and loves alternative forms of travel. He is dedicated to understanding the human experience and sharing his findings. When not working on books, he is volunteering at schools, Nature journaling, and studying Buddhism. David has been a keynote speaker for the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, The South Island Sea Kayak Association AGM, and the BC Marine Trails AGM. David has presented interactive workshops at schools around BC, and on Zoom. He was a TEDx speaker in Jan 2024. David has led book binding, journaling, and make your own children's book workshops with teachers.

Description: This workshop invites educators to explore outdoor learning through the lens of ecological restoration and place-based education. We’ll begin by reviewing the process behind starting a native plant garden along the Arbutus Greenway—how the project began, who our community partners are, and how this work may be adapted to other school communities. Participants will take part in hands-on restoration work, including removing invasive species and planting native flora. Educators will leave with increased confidence in identifying native plants, native seed packets to share with their students, and ideas for activities/projects that support environmental inquiry, Indigenous perspectives, and cross-curricular integration.

Date & Time: Oct. 24th, 2025, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location Start: Maple Grove Elementary School - 1924 W 45th Ave, Vancouver, BC

Cost: Free (with virtual conference registration)

Presenter: Elise Pearson

Bio: Elise Pearson is an environmental educator at Maple Grove Elementary in Vancouver, BC. She leads an Outdoor Education program focused on ecological restoration, native plants, and place-based learning, blending science, art, and Indigenous knowledge to foster stewardship and connection to the land.

Accessibility Notes: Accessibility Note: Participants will walk approximately two blocks along a paved sidewalk to reach the Greenway. Once there, the area adjacent to the garden is paved, and seating is available nearby. Please note that gardening activities will involve some physical demands, including bending, pulling, and digging. Participants should be prepared to spend about an hour outdoors and wear clothing suitable for getting dirty or potentially torn (invasive blackberry plants in the area are thorny). Weather and allergen exposure should also be considered, so please dress appropriately. If you have any mobility concerns or require additional accommodations, please reach out so we can support your participation.