Rockheights Middle School – Marine Investigations

Schools are officially coming back to Galiano to participate in the GCA’s amazing education programs! We were so happy to start the season off with Rockheights Middle School’s grade 6-7 classes. On April 20 and 21st we took these students to Sum’nuw (Montague Harbour Provincial park) for an afternoon of exploring, investigating and learning about this amazing place’s rich history and abundance of marine creatures. 

“I learned about Sea Life and the History of the land’’- 14 yr old Student

The tide was nice and low exposing a plethora of intertidal invertebrates. Shore Crabs were abundant, putting many smiles on kids’ faces.

“I enjoyed looking at the crabs and colourful shells’’- Grade 7 Student

Groups went to the dock to find, touch, learn and teach their peers about some of the sub-tidal creatures that are common in the Salish Sea. We tested out our new marine camera which gave a whole new view to the dockside biodiversity. It was the perfect kick off to our field trip season. Thank you, Rockheights!

Woodland Park – Quest for the Mountain Top

On Earth day, Friday April 22, the sun was shining as the Ferry arrived in Studies Bay with a group of Grade 6/7 students from Woodland Park Elementary School. The big yellow GCA bus loaded them up and delivered the group to the bottom of Mount Galiano. We formed a circle to introduce ourselves and mention what we were thankful or grateful for that day. Many students were thankful to be out and going on a field trip again. It was the first time on Galiano for all these students and even the first time on a ferry for some. It had been over 2 years since these kids were able to go on fieldtrips so they were so excited to get moving and climb Mt. Galiano! 

‘’I loved all the stunning scenery of the archipelago, and cutting the invasive scotch broom with shears. I also liked taking pictures’’- Madison 11

‘’I liked how we were able to learn about different trees and plants’’- Harveen 13

After a big hike up the mountain learning about native plants along the way, the students arrived at the summit. The breathtaking views and perfect weather allowed us to see all the way down to the San Juan Islands. We spent the afternoon learning about the Garry Oak Ecosystem’s importance and fragility.  The kids got working to help this landscape thrive by removing the invasive Scotch Broom plant. We sat in silence to draw what we heard and watched in awe as bald eagles soared and swooped above. What a magical day to be on Mt. Galiano. Thanks for coming to Woodland Park and we look forward to seeing you again!