This year, students in the Grade 12 Environmental Science course embarked on an immersive field trip to the Cedar Coast Art & Ecology Centre on Vargas Island, an area rich in biodiversity and ecological wonder. This experience offered students a first-hand look at the balance between humans and nature, fostering connections with the West Coast ecosystem.
"Cedar Coast stood out because of the hands-on educational programs they offer," said Tiffany Webber, who led the trip. "It aligned so well with our focus on climate change and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. This trip is not just about seeing the beauty of the West Coast but about understanding how our actions impact these environments and what we can do to help."
Stepping into Nature’s Classroom
Students participated in a wide range of hands-on activities and lessons that deepened their connection to nature. From a sauna and cold dip experience to taking in the glow of bioluminescence, each moment brought new insight. Students tracked local wildlife, studied ecosystems and engaged in labs both on land and on water, examining their discoveries up close through microscopes.
The adventure also included a rugged backcountry hike to Ahous Bay where they navigated a unique coastal bog ecosystem before arriving at a beach with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
For Ms. Webber, understanding the relationship between organisms, humans, and the planet is central to her curriculum.
"By exploring real-world examples like ocean pollution, climate change and species preservation, students learn not only how ecosystems function but also how human activities affect them," she said.
The Cedar Coast trip is part of a larger learning framework. Prior to the trip, students created public service announcements addressing ocean pollution, tackling issues such as the environmental impact of consumer choices. In the classroom, students conduct experiments on ocean acidification, studying how changes in pH levels and temperature affect the mass of seashells.
The Environmental Science course explores the broader impacts of human activity on the environment, including fishing methods, pollution and the connection of salmon to Indigenous communities. This holistic approach reinforces the practical lessons from the trip and ties them back to the curriculum.
Fostering Hope in the Face of Climate Anxiety
"These kids grow up knowing about climate change and often feel overwhelmed by it," added Webber, acknowledging supporting students overcoming the sense of futility when it comes to climate change. "The challenge is to get them to feel empowered to act, even in small ways."
She encourages students to focus on taking small, manageable steps—like using reusable bags or cutting down on meat consumption—that can collectively make a significant difference.
"It's about lightening your footprint. You don't have to change everything, but just start somewhere. Those small steps often lead to bigger changes," she added.
"These are the types of kids that want to do something. They're excited about trying new things. If we can get them to take just one small step, often that leads to more. That's what this trip is all about."
Through hands-on learning at Cedar Coast, Ms. Webber hopes to empower her students to become mindful, active stewards of the environment—ready to take on the challenges of a changing world. Whether they’re inspired by wolves, salmon, or the ocean, each student will return with a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and their role in protecting it.
