In an incredibly dynamic time for the Columbia River watershed, we would like to invite educators to join us for a three-day, two night adventure that immerses you in the geography, history, ecology, hydrology, politics, economics and more of the Columbia River Basin! You’ll meet other educators interested in Columbia River Basin issues and together we’ll build a community of practice.
With Wildsight educators and canoe instructors as your guides, this field course brings you on a multi-day exploration of the Columbia River watershed while we put Wildsight’s Teach the Columbia curriculum into action. Learn new course material in a fun and welcoming environment alongside other educators interested in this amazing watershed we call home.
Note: We are currently in the process of updating all the Teach the Columbia lessons and adding new content and look forward to sharing these brand new and improved resources with you!
Dates: Exact details are pending but our 2025 course will run near Golden, from Saturday, September 13–Monday, September 15. We are now accepting wait list applications.
Cost: Early bird rate (apply by Monday June 23rd): $450. Late registration: $550.
Teach the Columbia curriculum and this field course are made possible by the generous support of our funders. To help cover a minor portion of trip costs, we ask that participants pay a course fee. All food, canoes, and specialized gear for the trip will be provided. Financial aid is available if necessary; please indicate interest in the application form.
Participants: Teach the Columbia curriculum is mostly geared towards high school teachers, but we welcome educators with other grades and roles, including non-formal educators in the Columbia Basin.
“The knowledge we gained about the Columbia Basin was extensive; we had amazing networking opportunities to discuss different lessons done by other teachers in their classrooms. This is hands down the best Pro D I have experienced.” – Rebecca Lewis, educator at ʔaq̓amnik̓ Elementary School
Please note that space is limited. Some spots will be reserved for educators already using the Teach the Columbia Curriculum to support ongoing growth. We may also select participants to ensure a diverse geographic spread as well as to include a range of grade levels/ages and subject areas. We will endeavour to let you know if there is a spot available for you as soon as we can and will aim to give all interested people adequate notice.
Apply for waitlist
Meet your instructors:
Monica Nissen:
A passion for the wilderness and a gift for teaching have drawn Monica into the field of environmental education where she has worked both inside and outside the classroom. With a background in outdoor leadership as an Outward Bound instructor and through hiking and ski guiding, she has spent the last 30 years developing and delivering educational programs that inspire the next generation of stewards of the Earth. As a certified BC teacher and the Education Director at Wildsight, Monica and her team of educators have delivered environmental education programs to over 100,000 students throughout the Columbia Basin. Monica has worked on curriculum development for the renewed BC Science curriculum, and serves as an instructor with UBC’s West Kootenay Teacher Education Program. She is committed to supporting educators in building place-conscious practice.
Graeme Lee Rowlands:
Graeme manages Wildsight’s Columbia River Field School and Youth Climate Corps programs. He is passionate about relationships,rivers and the climate. Graeme was born in Honduras, raised in California and has since lived across the Pacific Northwest. He first came to the upper Columbia watershed in 2017 while on a 35 day bike and kayak journey up the Columbia River from sea-to-source. He is now based in Golden but enjoys visiting familiar places and faces across the region. Graeme’s written work on the Columbia River Treaty, salmon restoration, colonization and Truth and Reconciliation, climate change, and related topics has appeared in over 50 publications. He has worked on the same with dozens of organizations across the international Columbia River Basin.
Any questions, contact Graeme or Monica today.
Background:
In 2022 and 2023, we hosted the first Teach the Columbia Field courses. Designed for educators, these multi-day courses took participants on a literal and figurative journey along different sections of the Columbia River. We workshopped Teach the Columbia curriculum resource, gathered valuable feedback to continue improving our offerings, and enjoyed sharing time together celebrating the Columbia River watershed. We’re excited to once again offer this field course for educators in 2025!
