2024 Field Experiences
Saturday, August 10, 2024
We are excited to offer these field experiences on Saturday, August 10. These excursions will leave from and return to Pearson College. They are included in the full conference registration fee at no extra cost. However, participation in some of the trips is limited. Other field experiences at Pearson College will be available on Saturday for those who are unable to participate in these limited-capacity trips.
Marine Ecological Stand-Up Paddleboarding Tour + Kelp Float
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join Gina of Mer Tales Ocean Journeys and Brian of South Island SUP for a stand-up paddleboarding experience exploring the nearshore marine environment. We’ll begin with a half-hour walk from campus to Weir’s Beach, where Gina, a professional marine biologist, will lead the 1.5-hour SUP tour and share her knowledge of the local area marine ecosystems while encouraging everyone to share their marine knowledge and inspire great conversations while together. We’ll take time to rest and enjoy a “kelp float” – nestled within the kelp forest, relax and quiet the mind, allowing nature to come alive even more as we tune in and connect with it in a deeper and meaningful way. Whether you’re standing, kneeling or sitting, exploring the ocean by paddleboard is magical and a source of continual learning through endless opportunities to observe marine life in action – with eagles flying overhead, harbour seals popping up, and being able to gaze down through the water column to observe schools of Pacific herring, egg-yolk and moon jellies, kelp crabs on bull kelp stipes and more! After the tour, enjoy your boxed lunch on the beach before walking back to campus.
Never paddleboarded before? We have you covered. Gina and Brian are Paddle Canada certified stand-up paddleboard instructors and can help you get on the water safely and with confidence. High-end paddleboards, paddles and safety gear will be provided.
The field trip includes a boxed lunch from Pearson College. Participants will leave Pearson College at 9:00 am and return at approximately 1:00 pm. If you are not staying on campus on Friday night, please ensure that you arrive at Pearson by 8:30 am, in order to pick up your lunch and meet the group.
What to Wear/Bring: Wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and water activity (layers are a good idea, avoid cotton). Bring a towel, change of clothes (just in case). Use a strap for your prescription glasses or sunglasses. Leave your phone “on shore” or place in a dry bag. Bring water and a snack. A vehicle will be at the beach where participants can leave their belongings (e.g. change of clothes, towel, phone etc.).
Accessibility Requirements: The beach is accessed via an easy 2-km walk along the entrance road to Pearson College that takes a half hour at a leisurely rate. Any person with accessibility issues is welcome to drive/carpool to the beach site, although there is limited parking along Sandgate Road. Participants must be able to get on and off a stand-up paddleboard, and sit, kneel or stand while paddling. Assistance will be provided as needed. Minimal experience, average fitness level required for this tour.
Maximum Number of Participants: 12
Experience the Wonders of SṈIDȻEȽ, The Place of the Blue Grouse [FULL]
8:30 am – 3:30 pm
[This experience is currently full. Spots may open up at the conference, so please see the registration desk at check-in if you’re interested.]
SṈIDȻEȽ (known also as Tod Inlet, a BC Provincial Park) has been a very special place to the SENCOTEN speaking People since time immemorial. Some of the members of NAME have been working with the local First Nations over the last 25 years to restore and protect this highly valued ecological and cultural place. With the guidance of local knowledge-keepers, we will bear witness to the history, culture and ecology of this unique inlet and the surrounding Douglas Fir Forest.
This beautiful woodland and estuary provide a powerful outdoor classroom setting to work together for positive change. Join us in a “hands-on, feet-wet” approach as we explore the local watershed, learn about traditional uses of local plants and appreciate the power of storytelling and art in grounding our learning in place. The day will include many opportunities for experiential learning from both Indigenous and western ways of knowing and for sharing our collective knowledge and wisdom as we look to the future.
The field trip includes transportation and a boxed lunch from Pearson College. Buses will leave Pearson College at 8:30 am and return at approximately 3:30 pm. If you are not staying on campus on Friday night, please ensure that you arrive at Pearson by 8:00 am, in order to pick up your lunch and meet the bus.
Accessibility requirements: The estuary is accessed via an easy walk along a low grade, slightly rocky path that takes 15-20 minutes at a leisurely rate. Any person with accessibility issues will be accommodated with vehicle transport directly to the estuary site.
Maximum number of participants: 40
Weir’s Beach Marine Debris Field Survey [FULL]
[This experience is currently full. Spots may open up at the conference, so please see the registration desk at check-in if you’re interested.]
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Come join us for a half-hour walk from campus to Weir’s Beach, a dynamic outdoor classroom, where we will establish a new marine debris survey site, record the amount and types of debris on the shoreline, and discuss ways to solve marine debris mysteries. Your survey results will be published on a NOAA database used by scientists and educators worldwide who are passionately working to research and interrupt the process that leads to debris in our ocean. During the walk and lunch we can explore our surroundings, identify local species, and begin the conference with place based, experiential learning.
The NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project is a rigorous volunteer monitoring program that provides cross-curricular connections, hands-on opportunities for learning, and career skill development. After completing a survey, you will be able to confidently discuss with your students the issue of marine debris, identify as field surveyors, and gain an understanding of how there is no “away” when we throw something away.
Denise Harrington, Community Science and Education Specialist for Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, will lead this excursion. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Teacher at Sea Alumni Fellow, educator, field surveyor, and ocean kayaker, she loves to share ideas of integrating place and project based learning into all we do.
The field trip includes a boxed lunch from Pearson College. Participants will leave Pearson College at 9:00 am and return at approximately 1:00 pm. If you are not staying on campus on Friday night, please ensure that you arrive at Pearson by 8:30 am, in order to pick up your lunch and meet the group.
Dress in layers, bring a backpack to carry your lunch, and be prepared to walk a mile round trip.
Accessibility Requirements: The beach is accessed via an easy 2-km walk along the entrance road to Pearson College that takes a half hour at a leisurely rate. Any person with accessibility issues is welcome to drive/carpool to the beach site, although there is limited parking along Sandgate Road.
Maximum number of participants: 20
Explore Pedder Bay and Pearson College Trails
We will be exploring the beautiful trails around Pearson College and Pedder Bay. This field trip includes a boxed lunch from Pearson College. More information and details will be posted as they are finalized.
