Our Shoots with Roots program offers place-based, curriculum-linked nature education to local elementary schools.
Milner Gardens & Woodland is located on the traditional lands of the Qualicum First Nation. The Shoots with Roots program recognizes the colonial nature of our site, and is committed to decolonizing our approach to education. We recognize the inherent value of Indigenous knowledge and the deep connection that the Qualicum people have to the Land to this day.
Five Visit Program
Through a series of five field trips, your class will explore the forest and garden, observe seasonal changes, become familiar with local plants and animals, consider their role as stewards of nature, and develop Core Competencies from the BC Science Curriculum for your grade.
Topics include decomposers and soil, tree identification, local signs of spring, pollination, and more. Participating classes complete a journal project as they progress through the year. Teachers are provided with a package of optional pre and post visit learning resources prior to each field trip.
Thanks to the Milner Gardens & Woodland Society and a number of generous donors, the Five Visit Program is offered free of charge.
Field Trips for Schools and Community Groups
Schools and community groups can experience the Shoots with Roots program by booking individual field trips.
We offer a variety of expert led, hands-on field trips through which your class or group can develop their nature observation skills, use their senses to explore the forest, learn about local plants and animals, or work together in our Children's Food Garden.
We are happy to adapt our programming to the interests and needs of your class.
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Garden Discovery Backpacks
Turn your family's visit to Milner Gardens & Woodland into a learning adventure with our Garden Discovery Backpacks!
Borrowing a backpack is included with your admission to the gardens. Each backpack includes journaling tools, identification cards for bugs and birds, two handheld magnifying glasses, and a free Plant Heroes journal for each child in your group to complete and take home! Recommended for children 5 and up and their families.
Garden Discovery Backpacks can be checked out from the Welcome Centre every open day until 3pm. Limit one backpack per family and one journal per child. Come discover Milner Gardens & Woodland with your family!