Wildwood Ecoforest Pre-trip Information

Dear Educators,

We look forward to welcoming you and your class at Wildwood Ecoforest. Wildwood is a unique demonstration ecoforest within the traditional territories of the Stz’uminus, Snuneymuxw and Snaw-Naw-As Coast Salish First Nations. It is cared for by the Ecoforestry Institute (EIS), and the field trip will be offered by naturalists from EIS. Our programs support the BC curriculum.

Prepare for Your Visit

Before Your Field Trip

• Review the Field Trip Etiquette with your class.

• Share the Chaperone Letter and Field Trip Etiquette with all accompanying chaperones.

• Ensure guardians sign the Liability and Media Authorization Form. Please bring the physical copies with you on the day of your trip.

• Send an e-transfer with the cost indicated on your invoice (received within 48 hours of booking) to admin@ecoforestry.ca. If payment is not received within 14 days, your booking will be freed up for other classes.

The Day of Your Field Trip

• Ensure all students are wearing visible name tags.

• Remind the Education Team of any students who cannot be photographed.

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled booking time.

• Running early or late? Please text or call our Education Team if your arrival time changes.

Safety and Supervision

Supervision

Our Education Team is familiar with group management, but not with your students or your classroom routines. Please work with our team to manage your class. You are expected to intervene if students need behavioural support or individual attention.

First Aid

The Education Team is trained in basic first aid and has access to a first aid kit, but the teacher/school remains the primary responsible party for student First Aid.

What to Bring

Weather and Safety

Our programs are designed to be an immersive outdoor experience and will proceed in rain, snow, or cold weather. We ask that all students and chaperones come prepared and dressed for the elements. Our team is expert at keeping students engaged and active, regardless of the weather!

Clothing and Footwear

Students should dress in layers appropriate for the weather, including rain gear and warm, sturdy footwear suitable for walking and running outdoors. Hiking boots or running shoes are ideal. It is always a few degrees cooler in the forest than in the city. Please note that we will be outdoors for the entire field trip.

Water and Food

Students should bring a water bottle and a pocket snack, and lunches should be packed so that students can carry them in a backpack.

Note: There is no running water on site.

Our Facilities

Restrooms

There are two outhouses, including one that is wheelchair accessible.

Cellphone Service

Please note that there is very spotty cell service and no Wi-Fi on-site or in the surrounding area.

Accessibility

We want all students to be able to participate fully in our programs. Our program involves walking a 1km forest trail with two steep hills.

Please let us know in advance if there is anything we should be aware of to support your students. We have a TrailRider available for students who are unable to walk long distances. For more information, visit our our Accessibility page.

How to Get Here

Wildwood is located at 2929 Crane Rd, Ladysmith, BC.

Buses

Unload outside the gate in the pullover area. Buses can back up into our driveway to turn around. There is space outside the gates for buses to park if they are staying on site.

Private Vehicles

Drive through the entry gate and park in the small gravel parking area just inside the gate.

Questions?

Feel free to reach out at education@ecoforestry.ca. We are looking forward to working with you and your students!