Grounds for Change

The role of the Calgary Zoo

The Grounds for Change program aims to:

promote awareness of the benefits realized through the naturalization of school grounds
promote and facilitate responsible, planned development of natural schoolyard habitats
develop productive relationships with school communities, school boards, funding agencies, sponsors and other organizations involved with naturalization, habitat restoration and community gardens
present models and guidelines for schoolyard restoration based on professional landscape design and ecological gardening principles
encourage the use of naturalized sites to meet curriculum goals

Resources and Services

'Grounds for Change - A User's Guide to Schoolyard Naturalization'
This 100 page manual outlines our proven step by step process for successful naturalization. To see the table of contents click here or to purchase a copy please Contact Us

'Grounds for Change' Video
This 15 minute video is the perfect tool for introducing the concept of schoolyard naturalization to new audiences. An examination of the benefits and the process is provided using footage of Calgary-area schools, students and stakeholders. To view a clip click here and to purchase a copy please Contact Us.

Grounds for Change public workshop series
Workshops covering all steps of the planning process, how to use the naturalization site as a teaching tool and subsequent stewardship of the project are available to the public. All workshops take place at the Calgary Zoo but may be delivered off-site, or available in electronic format. For more details on all our workshops see the Calgary Zoo website or download Workshop Outlines. If you are interested in any of our workshops please Contact Us.

Teacher Professional Development
Designed to train teachers in the use of a naturalized site to meet curriculum goals, our professional development services can be tailored to meet you needs. For details Contact Us or Download an information sheet.

Library
Our resource library is located at the Calgary Zoo. It contains close to 200 volumes on topics such as wildlife enrichment, native plants, curriculum activities, donor information and current research. Download a complete listing in PDF format, or Contact Us for details on borrowing.

Support from the Project Leader

Phone and e-mail access for questions and advice
Site visits and consultations
Presentations to stakeholders including school board administration, parent council, teaching staff etc.
E-mail newsletter with curriculum suggestions, updates on funding, workshops and other events

Whether you are located in Calgary or not, the Grounds for Change program would like to hear from you. The project leader may be able to travel to you, provide support electronically, or put you in touch with local resources. (Alberta schools can see the Map for local information). We would also like to share your stories with others so please provide us with feedback!!