EDUCATION AT AIWC

AIWC's Wildlife and Environmental Education Programs

"Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Through Rehabilitation, Education and Research"

For more information contact our staff at 946-2361. Or, click the link to the right to e-mail our education program at education@aiwc.ca.

A Commitment to Education

Wildlife rehabilitation is vital to both our community and our province. Care of Alberta's wildlife goes hand in hand with concern for the environment and the welfare of our fellow human beings. Understanding the lifecycles, behaviours and relationships of wildlife within our natural ecosystem provides us with a greater appreciation for these creatures and the environment.th a memorable learning experience.

Education ambassador, Blackjack

In the end, we value what we understand. Education is the most powerful tool there is in reducing human impact on wildlife. Many people are surprised to learn that 95% of the animals treated at AIWC have injuries from unnatural causes involving human impact on their habitat. Animals are hit by cars, electrocuted on power lines, attacked by domestic pets, injured in window collisions, tangled in barbed wire or fishing line, poisoned by chemicals or garbage, or displaced by well-meaning but misinformed humans. A developed appreciation for wildlife combined with knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions in our daily lives, ranging from helping animals in distress to making responsible development decisions and choosing habitat preservation. AIWC provides positive approaches to environmental issues, and serves the public by offering education programs to promote greater stewardship of the environment.

Our energetic and knowledgeable presenters will provide your students or group with a memorable learning experience. When class size allows, a live AIWC education ambassador will make the program all the more unforgettable! Blackjack, a Swainson's hawk, and Marigold, a striped skunk, are living examples of the hazards faced by wildlife.

AIWC offers fun and interactive education programs for all age groups from preschool to University and for school, community or corporate groups.

IN THE CLASSROOM...

AIWC offers education programs that enhance classroom themes and curriculum topics. In addition to the sample topics listed below, AIWC is able to provide custom presentations tailored to any topic or duration required.

Choose any topic relating to wildlife or local ecology and request an education ambassador as the opportunity to meet Blackjack or Marigold up close is second to none!

CENTRE VISITS

AIWC has an on-site classroom designed for "close encounters" of the best kind - hands-on workshops and dynamic interactive presentations! Here you can witness the inner workings of a Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital.

PRIVATE GROUPS AND CLUBS

Our programs are available to any interested group including groups, clubs, and families. Blackjack and Marigold have assisted many Girl Guides and Scouts in earning their badges and have taught many nature-minded friends about Alberta's wildlife and ecology.

CORPORATE LUNCH-BOX TALKS

We are pleased to provide informative and concise lunch hour sessions for corporate groups to enjoy while munching on lunch! AIWC admits more than 1500 wild animals annually. We recognize that working together with industry is a vital component in preventing wildlife injuries and to conservation as a whole. Learn more about how your company fits into the puzzle through our presentations and round-table discussions.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

You're sure to have a WILD party as Blackjack and Marigold join you and your friends to celebrate with games and activities.

JUST A TASTE OF OUR TOPICS

AIWC - Learn who we are and what we do through the heart-warming stories of our patients.Wildlife Rehabilitation - Why is it important to preserve native wildlife?Hazards Facing Wildlife - Dangers wild animals encounter in Alberta today and what YOU can do to help!Species at Risk - Which species are threatened in Alberta and why.Animals in Winter (grade 2) - Enrich your Temperature Unit by discovering how animals adapt to extremes of temperature.The Food Web - Discover the intricate relationships of predators and prey and the importance of animals large and small.Local Ecology - Various TopicsBirds of Prey - How do raptors hunt, migrate and compete with one anotherThe World of Owls - Learn about owls by investigating the clues they leave behind in their pellets.Bird Bones - Learn about the skeleton of birds, the similarities and differences between humans and our flying friends.

For more information on any of our programs, or to discuss your personalized presentation, contact our staff at (403) 946-2361, or e-mail:

Dianne with Blackjack visiting a classroom.