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Big Friendly Forest

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Discover how trees and plants provide clean air, food, and shelter for animals on a field trip led by a Metro Vancouver park interpreter.

Important dates​​

Registration for spring/summer field trips (March 15 to September 25, 2026) is now open.

Registration for fall/winter field trips (September 26, 2026 to March 14, 2027) opens on September 10, 2026 at 8:00 am​.​

Program details

  • Grade level: Kindergarten to Grade 1
  • Location: Outdoors, available at most regional parks
  • Timing: September to mid-November and March to June
  • Duration:
    • Kindergarten: 1.5 hours (park dependent)
    • Grade 1: Two hours
  • Number of participants per class​: 30 maximum, including students and adults
  • Cost: $170 per class

Request Big Friendly Forest

Program description

From seed to stump, trees have tough rooted lives. See how plants keep water clean, produce the air that we breathe, are food and homes to many animals — all while meeting their own needs. Marvel at the adaptations and features of local species through stories, sensory activities, and exploration.

Sample activities (may vary depending on the location, leader, grade level, or teacher request):

  • Feed a Tree: Collect ingredients from the forest floor that will become soil. Stir, and voila, you have forest soup! Pour it at the roots of a tree to give it a tasty snack.
  • Tree Story: Listen to a tall tale of a tree that shows how to identify it in a playful way.
  • Tree Condos: See if you can spot any of the birds, bugs, or fungi that live on dead or dying trees.

Payment

Once the program is booked, we will email you an invoice with instructions to pay by:

  • Credit card by calling 604-432-6430 (preferred), or
  • Cheque payable to "Metro Vancouver Regional District"

Payment needs to be made no later than two weeks after receiving your invoice.

Cancellation policy

Programs take place in all weather conditions, unless deemed unsafe by Metro Vancouver. A $25 administration fee is retained for all cancellations and date changes. No refund will be issued if you cancel less than two weeks before your program date.

Planning for your field trip

Curriculum connections

Programs meet grade-specific curriculum. Contact us to discuss options for other grade levels.

Related links​​​​​​


For visits to a regional park without a booked program

Conta​ct us​​​​​​


  • 604-432-6430​​​​​
  • Email
​​

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