The Biodiversity Conservancy International education team is based in Ottawa, Ontario at the Pinhey Sand Dunes. We offer free in-person and virtual education sessions for all age groups and educational backgrounds. Our programming focuses on sand dune habitat, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
In Person Programming
In-person sessions are hosted at the Pinhey Sand Dunes in Ottawa, Ontario. Please be aware that there is no indoor space for groups, there is no running water, and there is a single outhouse at this location. It is important to dress for the weather when visiting.
Yellow bus transport may be available upon request.
As visiting groups are all unique we offer a variety of activities that can be combined to best suit group needs and interests.
Activities may include:
- Introduction to the Pinhey Sand Dunes presentation
- why the habitat is unique
- the biodiversity of the area
- what restoration has happened
- Tour of the Pinhey Sand Dunes and Sanctuary for Butterflies and Pollinators
- look for dune inhabitants
- learn about plant species
- Insect inspections
- learn how to carefully capture and observe dune organisms
- Hands-on restoration of the dunes
- weed wrangling
- perennial planting
- sand sifting
Virtual Programming
We provide virtual educational programming to accommodate as many people as we can. Similarly to the in-person programming, the activities offered are customizable to best suit the group, this includes evening sessions.
Activities may include:
- Virtual tour of the Pinhey Sand Dunes and/or Sanctuary of Butterflies and Pollinators
- question period
- interactive activities
- Presentation about insect survival strategies
- mimicry
- camouflage
- Presentation about insect ecosystem services
- Specialty presentation based on recent and current activities at the Pinhey Sand Dunes