Aquatic Systems             Forest Systems             Food Systems             Eco Systems

Outdoor School  provides the opportunity to work in our 165 ha (420 acre) protected ecological reserve outdoor classroom, in Paradise Valley near Squamish. Every subject taught in regular classrooms comes alive when there is a living real life example to study.

Visiting teachers working together with expert on-site staff develop programs which take advantage of Outdoor School's forests, streams, ponds, teaching trails and special resource classrooms. Each of these provides the opportunity to become a learning centre for science, mathematics, language arts, fine arts and social studies.

An expert on-site staff also means food services; professionally trained accredited first aid staff and 24-hour supervision coverage. Accomodation is in log-style cabins that are electrically heated, with two indoor bathrooms that allow for comfortable year-round lodging.

Aquatic Systems

Explore the life cycle of the Coho and Chum salmon which use NVOS as a spawning ground. In the working hatchery, become a fisheries’ biologist: discover the intricacies of the aquatic habitat adjacent to the hatchery; monitor survival of millions of wild fry in the spawning channels. Perform vital tasks: fertilize eggs; feed; raise and release over 100,000 fry annually to join in the migratory odyssey of all salmon.

Forest Systems

Gain a reason to understand forest processes and the human role in influencing them by becoming a foster parent to tree seedlings at NVOS. As a forester, use microscopes and hands-on exhibits. Investigate interactions in a complex environment of virgin and successional forests. Meet the challenge to create resource management plans. Understand the need for wise forest use as imperative for a continued healthy way of life. Cherish tomorrow's inheritance in today's forests.

Food Systems

Discover the source of food: a central theme on the NVOS farm. As a student farmer, discover how pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens and bees are all part of the human food web. Help in birthing or hatching; husbandry, identifying useful animal traits, farm economics and management. Through direct experiences, examine land use and humane care of animals, focusing attention on agricultural issues and alternatives.

Eco Systems

As a student zoologist, observe winter Bald Eagles. Since eagles, other birds and wildlife at NVOS are often seasonal and migratory; consider environmental influences far beyond Paradise Valley. In this proposed centre, take part in a variety of activities to enhance understanding of habitats, physical adaptations, and physiology. Focusing attention on the diversity just outside our centre; build a concern that is global.