Search
Close this search box.

Education Programs

We have a shared responsibility to wildlife. For as long as there have been people, there have been dangers to wildlife. Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) believes that our responsibility to wildlife goes far beyond the walls of our clinic.

Education programs emphasizing the importance of environmental protection may be the most important investment we can offer Alberta’s youth.

We are accepting both in-person and virtual program bookings for 2023 and 2024! Click here to book your program today.

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us at 403-946-2361 if you have any questions about our programs or program safety.

Programs available

ABCs - Alberta bear care

“ABCs – Alberta Bear Care” introduces participants to the incredible lives of Alberta’s two bear species. From how they live in the wild, to what we humans can do to protect our bear neighbours, we’ll learn all about the bear necessities of life!
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9

Adaptation

The Adaptation program focuses on the fascinating physical and behavioural characteristics that help our local wildlife survive and thrive in their environments. Features such as feathers, fur, talons, whiskers, and nocturnal and migratory behaviours are discussed.
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9

Bat basics

Bat Basics introduces Alberta’s nine bat species and discusses their life histories, the major threats to them, and how having bats around directly benefits humans. Though no live bats are present during this program, bio-facts and mounts are used to illustrate the differences between bat species.
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9

Birds of prey

Our Birds of Prey program acquaints participants with the different birds of prey found in Alberta, including hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. As well as exploring the life histories of these birds, the program also features bio-facts such as wings and talons.
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9

Caring for Carnivores

Carnivores are a very important part of our ecosystems, and are often hugely misunderstood. During this presentation, we will go through what makes a carnivore, the common species of carnivore that call Alberta home, and what we can do to help protect these amazing animals!
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9

Creatures and Climate

Did you know that climate change is already having an impact on wildlife in Alberta? Join us to learn more about how some of our wildlife species respond to climate change, why climate change is so challenging for wild animals to adapt to, and what we humans can do to help.
AB curriculum links: Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9

Human-wildlife conflict

In this program for older learners, we delve into the common causes of human wildlife conflict and why it occurs. This program also covers the ways human activities can affect wildlife and why preserving wildlife species and biodiversity is important to our ecosystems.

AB Curriculum links: Grade 8-12

Supremely skunks

Learn all about one of Alberta’s most misunderstood creatures. During this program, skunk life histories and behaviour are discussed, and participants may discover that skunks actually make good neighbours!
AB curriculum links: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 6

Wetlands wildlife

Wetlands Wildlife introduces learners to wetland ecosystems, exploring topics such as the types of wetlands found in Alberta, the function of wetlands, and the animals that inhabit them.
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 3, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9

Who's in your backyard?

A highly interactive program focusing on the common wildlife of Alberta. Participants will learn about local wildlife and why they are sometimes in need of rescuing.
AB curriculum links: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3

Wildlife Rescue

Take a close look into the inner workings of a local wildlife rehabilitation centre, from field rescues to releases. During this program, participants will explore topics such as why animals are admitted to the clinic, what animals are currently there, and what to do if they find an injured wild animal.
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9



World of Owls

This program delves into the 11 species of owls found in Alberta. Participants will learn about the special adaptations of these nocturnal birds of prey and how to identify local owl species. An owl pellet dissection can be added on for a fee. *PLEASE REFER TO NOTE BELOW* Please contact our education team ([email protected]) at least one month ahead of your program date for costs and to request pellets.
AB curriculum links: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 9

Program Information

Presentations are approximately one hour long, with the exception of the World of Owls presentation, which includes dissecting owl pellets. The cost for adding owl pellets to a presentation is $4 per student in order to compensate for additional time and materials required. Please contact our education team at [email protected] to add pellets to your program!

All programs can be modified as per the audience’s age. Depending on the age-group and program, props, puppets, bio-facts, and PowerPoint slides are used in presentations. Are you interested in customizing a special presentation for your group? Get in touch with us at [email protected].

Program Cost

Virtual Education Program (All Locations): $90

Zone 1 (Calgary, Airdrie, Crossfield, Cochrane): $175

Zone 2 (Bragg Creek, Canmore, Okotoks, High River, Didsbury, Carstairs): $210

* In-person groups can expect an additional fee of $4.00 per person for over 35 attendees.
** Requests for in-person programs outside of zones 1 and 2 are considered on a case-by-case basis, please contact us directly at [email protected] for more information. These programs will be charged a travel fee of $0.63 per KM traveled.

Are you looking for something special for your class? Interested in a program for high school or adult classes? We are happy to deliver customized programs for learners of all ages and abilities. Please get in touch with us at [email protected] to discuss program specifics and cost options.