Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards
Beach exploration ~ Alison Baumann
I learned that brackish water has a little salt and is found in estuaries where fresh and salt water meet.
What happens when students step out of the classroom and into a living ecosystem? In the Comox Valley, it sparks curiosity, builds connection, and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.
What is the Students Keeping It Living Program?
Project Watershed’s Students Keeping It Living Education Program is a hands-on, place-based learning initiative that connects students to the K’ómoks Estuary, local streams, and shorelines. Through a combination of classroom learning, field experiences, and reflection, students explore local ecosystems while contributing to real stewardship work.
The program has been running for several years and continues to grow in popularity across the Valley. It is designed to align with the BC curriculum and integrates science, social studies, and the arts, while also incorporating stewardship values and Indigenous knowledge. Learn more: https://projectwatershed.ca/k-to-12-education/.
What have we been up to recently?
Over the past year, the program engaged approximately 538 students and 83 parents & teachers and was supported by 14 field trip volunteers (50 hrs of volunteer time) and one intern student who helped deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Through these efforts, approximately 535 native plants were installed, 1,000 plants were mulched, and significant amounts of invasive species, including tansy and broom, were removed.
In addition to preparing for the upcoming spring session and scheduling participating classes, we are also developing a new summer camp program. This program will build on the goals and activities of our school program, offering similar hands-on, place-based environmental learning opportunities. We are aiming to launch this new initiative in summer 2026.
What’s happening next?
Looking ahead to Spring 2026, we already have 20 classes registered for the program, with field trips planned at Kus-kus-sum, the Courtenay Airpark and around Glen Urquhart Creek. Students will take part in activities such as water quality monitoring, mulching native species, removing invasive species and exploring estuary and stream habitats.
We are currently seeking volunteers to help lead and support upcoming field trips. Volunteers play a vital role in creating safe, engaging, and meaningful outdoor learning experiences for students.
If you are interested, please register for our Field Trip Volunteer Orientation on April 10th. If you are unable to attend but would still like to volunteer, you must register for the event so we can connect with you by email and provide the information needed for you to support the next generation of environmental stewards.
Planting salt marsh ~ Jennifer Yagger
My favourite part was planting sedges to help the fish hide and slow down the waves.
In the salt marsh ~ Pheobe May
I learned that sedges have edges, rushes are round and grasses have knees that bend to the ground.
Water testing ~ Jennifer Yagger
My favourite part was testing the water. I found it fun to test different things with different tools – especially looking through the refractometer.
What happens when students step out of the classroom and into a living ecosystem? In the Comox Valley, it sparks curiosity, builds connection, and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.
What is the Students Keeping It Living Program?
Project Watershed’s Students Keeping It Living Education Program is a hands-on, place-based learning initiative that connects students to the K’ómoks Estuary, local streams, and shorelines. Through a combination of classroom learning, field experiences, and reflection, students explore local ecosystems while contributing to real stewardship work.
The program has been running for several years and continues to grow in popularity across the Valley. It is designed to align with the BC curriculum and integrates science, social studies, and the arts, while also incorporating stewardship values and Indigenous knowledge. Learn more: https://projectwatershed.ca/k-to-12-education/.
What have we been up to recently?
Over the past year, the program engaged approximately 538 students and 83 parents & teachers and was supported by 14 field trip volunteers (50 hrs of volunteer time) and one intern student who helped deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Through these efforts, approximately 535 native plants were installed, 1,000 plants were mulched, and significant amounts of invasive species, including tansy and broom, were removed.
In addition to preparing for the upcoming spring session and scheduling participating classes, we are also developing a new summer camp program. This program will build on the goals and activities of our school program, offering similar hands-on, place-based environmental learning opportunities. We are aiming to launch this new initiative in summer 2026.
What’s happening next?
Looking ahead to Spring 2026, we already have 20 classes registered for the program, with field trips planned at Kus-kus-sum, the Courtenay Airpark and around Glen Urquhart Creek. Students will take part in activities such as water quality monitoring, mulching native species, removing invasive species and exploring estuary and stream habitats.
We are currently seeking volunteers to help lead and support upcoming field trips. Volunteers play a vital role in creating safe, engaging, and meaningful outdoor learning experiences for students.
If you are interested, please register for our Field Trip Volunteer Orientation on April 10th. If you are unable to attend but would still like to volunteer, you must register for the event so we can connect with you by email and provide the information needed for you to support the next generation of environmental stewards.
Get Involved
Students had a greater appreciation for the estuary and felt proud to be a part of the planting. This sense of stewardship of the land came from an excellent hands-on experience!
Removing invasives ~ Alison Baumann
I think they better understand the place that we live and how it is connected to them and the plants animals around them.
Sponsor & Partners
Meet the Education Team
Caila Holbrook
Manager of Education, Fundraising & Outreach – developed program, delivers presentations, field trips and reflections
Community Volunteers
Assist with field trips, share knowledge, and help create positive outdoor learning experiences for students.