Creatures of Habitat
Creatures of Habitat is a full-day environmental stewardship experience that immerses students in the vital world of habitat restoration, in a natural area in their own community/watershed.
Students receive an in-class education session before the event, to learn about the native and invasive plants in their neighbourhood, and in the riparian zones of their nearest stream. Then, Peninsula Streams staff and volunteers lead the students (between 100-200 students per day) through a large-scale invasive plant removal in a nearby natural area. Activities like salmon fry releases, tree mulching, planting of native plants, and garbage pick-ups, are often part of this program as well.
Creatures of Habitat aims to inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental conservation. By actively involving students in habitat restoration, we empower them to make a positive impact on their community and the planet.
We deliver this program free-of-charge to participating public schools.
Bonus Activity: Salmon Fry Release
In partnership with the Stream to Sea education program by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), we offer streamside education and salmon fry release experiences.
Thousands of students across B.C. and the Yukon participate in Stream to Sea's Classroom Incubation Program, learning about salmon in a hands-on way with their very own classroom aquarium, stocked with salmonid eggs.
When the salmon fry are ready to leave their aquariums, we bring classrooms to their local creek for streamside education, and students and volunteers release the fry and send them on their way to their magical journey to the sea.
If your class is participating in the Classroom Incubation Program, and you'd like to pair your fry release with our Watershed and Salmon Life Cycle programs, please leave us a note on our Education Booking form.
Testimonials
"From my class, I can already see that the experience was really impactful. About a week later, my class was walking through the Colquitz River Trail to get to skating and a couple students commented that we should really get down there to "remove some crowns" because they saw lots of blackberry bushes. Another student who loves Minecraft told me that when he held the pickaxe-looking tool that it was like his dream of mining was coming true."
Skye Scott
Teacher, Colquitz Middle School
“My students who never talk are engaged. My students who never listen are engaged.”
Teacher
Royal Oak Middle School
"It continues to be a highlight of my year."
Volunteer, Creatures of Habitat
Have you participated in our programs? We'd love to hear from you!
Volunteering
The success of Creatures of Habitat relies on the support of volunteers, as each event requires anywhere from 15 to 25 volunteers to help with the outdoor activities.
We need enthusiastic and responsible adult volunteers to join us in supervising these outdoor activities. No restoration experience is necessary – we'll provide all the training you need. As a volunteer, you'll have the rewarding opportunity to work alongside youth, guiding them through hands-on restoration work and helping them develop a deeper appreciation for nature.
Volunteer shifts typically run from ~8:30am to 2:45pm, depending on the school's bell schedule. Whether you can spare a day or two, your contribution will make a difference in empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.
Sign up to volunteer today and be a part of the Creatures of Habitat journey!