Programs at The Leaf
Assiniboine Park Conservancy education programs connect people with nature and inspire them to be environmental stewards.
Join us and find out how The Leaf helps learning grow and thrive!
We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of engaging and curriculum-linked experiences for students, catering to Pre-K through Grade 12. Our programs are carefully designed to captivate young minds and provide immersive learning experiences.
Truly interdisciplinary, our curriculum-based programs for Pre-K to Grade 12 blend science with arts, culture, language, social studies, and beyond. Learning is a multisensory adventure; we tap into the senses, different learning styles, and hands-on activities to help the stories of how plants and people interact. We firmly believe that learning should be a multisensory adventure. We encourage various styles of learning, incorporating hands-on activities, storytelling, presentations, tours, and teamwork. This diverse mix keeps students actively engaged, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them.
And here's the best part – our programs are available year-round, regardless of the weather! Whether it's raining, shining, or snowing, we're ready to provide an unforgettable experience. Join us at the Leaf, where learning comes to life in the most exciting and enriching ways!
Your Program Includes
Each program is facilitated by our skilled staff and volunteer interpreters. Programs will include a tour of the biomes, plus supporting activities both indoors and out.
Program Fees
Students and Registered Childcare: $10.50 +GST/child
Maximum group size: 45 students
Minimum program fee: $150.00 +GST
This fee includes admission into the biomes for the duration of your program only. Early entry or re-entry into the biomes after your program is not included in your program price. Please note: member admission and discounts do not apply to School & Group Programs.
Fees are subject to change. Programs are subject to a minimum program fee of $150.00 +GST. Prices and programs listed are valid until August 31, 2024. Bookings for the 2024/2025 school year will start September 3, 2024. To speed up processing times, requests for visits after January 1, 2025, will be processed starting October 21.
Fees and Payment Policies
To ensure a smooth experience, all program fees must be settled either before the scheduled field trip date or on the day of the visit. Failure to comply with this policy may lead to the cancellation of your program.
Accepted forms of payment include:
- Electric Funds Transfer: EFT’s must be sent at least two business days prior to your visit. Please include the following details:
- Booking Number
- School Name
- Date of Program
- Cheque: present cheque addressed to Assiniboine Park Conservancy at visitor services upon arrival for your program.
Please note: Assiniboine Park Conservancy is no longer able to issue refund cheques for changes in numbers less than two business days ahead of your visit. - Visa or Mastercard: please email education@assiniboinepark.ca to schedule a time for us to process your payment over the phone before your arrival. We no longer accept debit or cash for programmed visits. POs are not accepted.
Programs
A Tree For Every Season | Pre-K - Grade 1
Grades Pre-K – Grade 1 | 90 minutes
When we use our senses, we are fully engaged in nature rather than just passing through it. Our journey will take us through the Leaf and the outdoor gardens as we explore what makes trees so terrific! We’ll engage our entire bodies as we use dramatic play to understand the vital role trees play in our lives and in our environment and how they change throughout the seasons.
Subject areas: Science & Social Studies
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Connecting Our Roots | Grades 2 - 3
Grades 2 - 3 | 120 minutes
Have you ever thought of the role plants play in your family, community, and the world around you? Through stories from our local and global communities, we will recognize the ways people have connected with plants in the past, present and future. Together, we will understand the integral role plants play in our lives.
Subject areas: Social Studies
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Plant Pals | Grades 2 - 3
Grades 2 - 3 | 120 minutes
Students will learn all about the life cycles of flowering plants, from seed to flower. They will discover how plants use clever ways to make sure their lifecycles happen again and again. Seed dispersal, flowering times, pollination, and fruit growth will also be covered with fun interactive games.
Subject areas: Science
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Mashkiki Babaamose: Medicine Walk | Grades 4 - 6
Grade 4 - 6 | 120 minutes
Come explore in the Indigenous Peoples’ Garden where we learn about the four Sacred Medicines, and many other plants that are culturally significant to Indigenous peoples on these lands and how they have been used since time immemorial. We will also discuss the diversity that exists between different Indigenous cultures, and our collective responsibility to care for the land we live on, the water, and those we share it with (including plants!). Our indoor portion will explore the biomes to observe plants that are significant in other Indigenous cultures around the world and learn how the responsibility of stewardship is connected to protecting biodiversity globally.
Subject areas: Social Studies, Indigenous Languages and Cultures, Science
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Leaf Photography | Grade 3 - 7
Grades 3 – 7 | 90 minutes
Photography is a great way to connect with nature and take a closer look at the environment around you. Discover nature through the lens of a camera and learn basic techniques that will help you take great outdoor photographs. Cameras are provided.
Subject areas: Social Studies and Visual Art
Location: Inside and Outside The Leaf
Maximum students: 30
Available September - June
diverCity | Grades 6 - 7
Grades 6 - 7 | 120 minutes
Through science inquiries and art expression, students will develop a deep appreciation of how cultural diversity is rooted to biological diversity. Biodiversity provides culturally significant foods, art inspiration, languages, and a sense of self and community. Climate change has been linked with biodiversity, which has been declining at an alarming rate. Together, we will examine ways to support biodiversity so nature and culture can continue to thrive.
Subject areas: Science, Social Studies, and Education for Sustainable Development
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
S’no Problem – The Leaf in Winter (Snowshoe Science) | Grade 6 - 8
Grade 6 - 8 | 120 minutes
Winter is s’no problem for hardy animals, plants, and intrepid, inquiring explorers like your students!
For thousands of years, travel was made easy in the winter using snowshoes. This winter, give your students hands-on experience in ecology as we check out Assiniboine Park’s urban biodiversity. Explore and embrace the insulating power of snow, as we use snowshoes to check out riverside forests. We then warm up in the Biomes at the Leaf for a tour of the botanical world.
If you want to get science out of the classroom and into the woods on snowshoes, this is the perfect opportunity!
Subject areas: Science and Physical Education
Location: Outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Maximum students: 40
Available January 16, 2025 – March 14, 2025
Bananas, Avocados, and Chocolate, Oh My! | Grades 7 - 9
Grades 7 - 9 | 120 minutes
Not each food story is a happy one. This program will delve into the political, social, environmental, and economic implications of some very popular plant-based food items. Through a series of hands-on activities, we will focus on examining the production of bananas among other food crops, their environmental impacts, and the ramifications for global communities.
Subject areas: Science, Social Studies, Education for Sustainable Development
Location: Inside The Leaf
Book Your Program
When submitting a request for a program, please provide a minimum of three dates that work for you and your school schedule. Our Education & Programs team will reach out to confirm your program.
REQUEST A PROGRAM
Supervising Adults
- Chaperones must be responsible adults (i.e. teachers, volunteers, or parents).
- Chaperones provide safety and help guide your student’s educational experience at Assiniboine Park and should take an active role in supervision.
- Class and group behaviour is the responsibility of chaperones, NOT Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s Program Instructors.
- Chaperones who fall within the ratio of 1 adult per 10 students in grades Pre-K -12 are included free of charge.
- Extra chaperones will be charged $15.25 + GST each.
Policies for Schools and Groups
Booking Policies
- Space is limited and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure availability, please contact us at least 3 - 4 weeks in advance for non-peak months and 3-4 months in advance for the peak months of April, May, and June.
- All programs are subject to a minimum charge of $150 + GST, regardless of the number of participants.
- An invoice for the balance owing will be emailed before your visit date. The total amount is due upon arrival and can be paid by business cheque only. If paying by EFT, Visa, or Mastercard, it must be paid at least 2 business days prior to your arrival.
- All prices are subject to change.
Cancellation and Weather Policies
- If you need to cancel your program, please do so as soon as possible.
- 15+ days in advance = full refund
- All groups failing to show or cancel within 14 days will be charged 50% of the total fee
- We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any program. A full refund will be issued if the Education Department cancels your tour or program.
- All programs run rain, snow, or shine, with the exception of severe weather conditions (thunderstorms, high wind chills, unsafe travel conditions, and school closures). Depending on the severe weather situation, attempts may be made to reschedule your program.
Field Trip Tips
If a student is lost or injured, please notify any staff member or volunteer. They will immediately alert security.
- For guided programs led by our Education staff, please bring the confirmation sheet that has been emailed to you in advance of your visit.
- We strongly encourage all visitors to bring filled water bottles.
- We do not offer lockers or storage and are not responsible for visitors’ personal belongings.
Lunches
- Lunches are eaten outdoors in the Leaf, Park, and Zoo. During the winter months (November – April) accommodations may be made by advance request ONLY and are subject to availability.
- Outside food is not allowed in Gather. Food can be purchased in the restaurant and at various concessions located within the Zoo.
- Picnic tables can be found throughout the Park and Gardens at the Leaf. There is a covered eating space available at Nature Playground.
- It is recommended that groups bring a wagon for lunches as there is no secure place to refrigerate or store them during your visit.
After Your Program Has Been Booked
- A confirmation of the date and time will be given to the booking teacher within five business days.
- An invoice will be sent to the booking teacher, based on the numbers you have provided closer to your visit date.
- We understand that numbers can change. If you need to make adjustments, you can do so up to two business days prior to your visit.
- To adjust your numbers please contact us by email with your updated numbers along with your invoice number. Otherwise, you will be charged for the numbers on your original booking form.
Please note that any additional students and chaperones beyond your confirmed amount will incur extra charges. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee accommodation for extra participants in the guided program.
Assiniboine Park is a gathering place for all in our community and we want to ensure we are providing spaces and experiences that make everyone feel welcome, safe, and respected. To that end, please see our Safe Spaces for All statement here. This statement shares our values and the expectation that the creation of safe spaces in the Park is a responsibility shared by all Park users. The statement also outlines a behavioural code of conduct and some limitations on activities in the Park.
For more information please contact:
Phone: 204-927-6070
Email: education@assiniboinepark.ca
