Photo by Wayne Kaulbach, Keats Island

The Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative offers a wide range of opportunities for place-based learning – through case studies, research and monitoring initiatives, educational materials and field experiences for students and others.

UNESCO Biosphere Regions focus on connecting people and nature through place-based initiatives related to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and reconciliation.

With approximately 50,000 people living in the Howe Sound area located on the doorstep of a growing metropolis, the biosphere region provides a unique ‘learning lab’ situation that connects people and nature for place-based learning through partnerships related to its comprehensive land and marine use planning work. The place-based learning initiatives established with a diversity of partners will guide the future stewards of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound in their efforts to lead its sustainable management for generations to come.

Here, you will find links to educational facilities, institutions, and individuals in our Biosphere Region who connect youth to nature, provide outdoor learning, and educate for sustainable development.

For more information and/or questions about the opportunities, please Contact Us.

+ Overnight Facilities

  • Squamish Valley: Cheakamus Centre, Paradise Valley: Camp Summit, Evans Lake,
  • Howe Sound Islands: Gambier Island - Camp Fircom, Camp Artban, Camp Latona. Keats Island: Camp Barnabas, Keats Camp. Anvil Island: Daybreak Camp.
  • West Howe Sound (Sunshine Coast) - YMCA Camp Elphinstone, Camp Potlach

+ Day Use Facilities and Nature programs

  • Squamish Area and north: Squamish River Watershed Society, Tenderfoot Hatchery
  • West Vancouver: Lighthouse Park, Pacific Science Enterprise Centre
  • Sunshine Coast, West Howe Sound: TidePools Aquarium

+ Secondary and Post Secondary Courses

  • Squamish area: School District 48, Capilano University Squamish Campus, Coast Mountain Academy
  • Howe Sound Islands: Bowen Island school
  • Howe Sound region: Institute for Environmental Learning

+ Course Materials for Howe Sound Region:

  • OceanWise: Oceanwatch Átl’ḵa7tsem - Txwnéwu7ts Howe Sound Education Kit
  • Victor Elderton: Lesson Plan – Discovering the Salish Sea, grades-2-3, Lesson Plan – Physical Literacy, grades 6-7, Lesson Plan - Trees and Leaves, grade 1

+ People

+ Teaching on Squamish Nation culture and Language

+ Other relevent programs and opportunities:

  • UNESCO Schools Network

+ Organizations offering educational partnerships & work opportunities

  • Squamish River Watershed Society - planting
  • Cheakamus Centre - Various

 
 

A variety of camps across the region are dedicated to getting youth out onto the land and closer to nature.