Education Programs Duck Mountain Provincial Park 2018 Programs Bring your class to our outdoor classroom! Guided school programs are offered during the spring in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Booking: Accepted year-round on a first come first served basis. Complete the attached booking form or phone (306) 542-5500. Cost: $1/student per program, park entry is FREE. No charge for teachers and chaperones. Program Dates: Monday to Friday, mid-may to June 29. Additional program dates and times may be accommodated. Park Quick Facts: Located 100km NE of Yorkton, 22km E of Kamsack Trans Canada trail winds through the park. Unique Calcareous Fen trail. Large picnic area with covered picnic shelter and barbeques. One of Canada s best beaches. Horseback riding at Madge Lake riding stables. In the Area: D.J. s Miniature Golf and Ice Cream. Madge Lake Golf Resort Madge Lake Bible Camp National Doukhobor Heritage Village at Verigin.
Programs Aquatic Explorers PreK K (1 hour) Discover underwater life in the lake by catching critters and taking a close-up look at the creepy, cool and sometimes slimy water bugs. Rubber boots required, spare socks recommended. Gr 1-3 (1 hour) Explore the lake. Discover the plants and animals that live above and below the water s surface. Slip on your rubber boots and discover the amazing adaptations of dragonflies, leeches and loons. Gr 4-7 (1 hour) Discover the diversity of life in the lake. Complete a hands-on study of aquatic organisms and shoreline plants to better understand the interrelationships that exist within the lake ecosystem. Rubber boots required. NSK.1 Grade 1 LT1.1, LT1.2, DS1.2 Grade 2 AN2.1, AW2.1, AW2.2 Grade 5 RW5.1 Grade 6 DL6.3 Outdoor survival Gr 5-9 (1hour) The theme of this program teaches students about basic survival skills in the forest. Students will learn to pack a survival kit, build a basic shelter using deadfall, use a knife safely, and build and handle a fire. Lifesaving education Geocaching Grades 5-12 (1hour) Geocaching is a fun, high-tech scavenger hunt using a GPS. Learn to navigate and find hidden caches filled with clues, questions and treasures. GPS units provided. Please wear running shoes or hiking boots. Grade 8 PE8.8 Grade 9 PE9.7 Fire Starting Gr 5-9 (1hour) The objective of this program is to ensure that students understand the importance of fire and how to safely build and handle a fire. Connections are discussed with wild fires and their importance to the forest ecology. Grade 5 MC5.2 Grade 6 USC6.6 Grade 7 HT7.1 Grade 8 & 9 No significant connection; lifesaving education
Boreal Basics Hike The forests of Duck Mountain Provincial Park are a southern representation of the vast boreal forest that stretches across three-quarters of Canada. A mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, the boreal forest takes on its own unique character in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. On this hike, students will learn about this old growth trembling aspen forest mix and explore the flora and fauna along the trail. Grade 1 LT1.1, LT1.2, SE1.1, SE1.2 Grade 6 DL6.1, DL6.4 Interpretive Centre Scavenger Hunt Students will learn about Duck Mountain Provincial Park through a fun scavenger hunt of the Interpretive Centre. History, ecosystems, flora and fauna are all investigated in an interactive activity. Calcareous Fen Hike The Calcareous Fen trail is a 600m boardwalk that takes you through the unique ecosystem of this marsh area. Learn about the various carnivorous plants, unique flora, and rare wildlife that inhabit this area. The trail is on the south end of the park, near the ski hill, so transportation is required to get there. Biodiversity at its Best Hike Grassland Ghosts Hike While predominantly forested, Duck Mountain Provincial Park harbors isolated pockets of native grassland. In Little Boggy Creek Valley in the south-east corner of the park, prairie remnants are colored in flowers and grasses that are becoming increasingly rare outside protected areas. The hot, dry conditions on the south-facing slopes of the valley discourage the growth of trees and the prairie community thrives. Controlled burning of this area keeps the aspen forests at bay and preserves an ecosystem that once dominated the prairie. (This hike is a good extension of the Calcareous Fen hike, due to its proximity.) Grade 1 LT1.1, LT1.2, SE1.1, SE1.2 Grade 6 DL6.1, DL6.4 The southern location of the park s boreal forest, combined with its location on the western edge of the Duck Mountain Uplands, results in a richness of plant and animal life that can only be appreciated by a visit to the park. Over 180 species of birds and 35 species of mammals make the park their home. Such a wealth of life is possible because of the variety of very different settings or ecosystems found within the park. In addition to old growth aspen forests and grassland remnants, there are forests of white spruce and balsam fir, calcareous fens, black spruce bogs, paper birch stands, and lake shorelines that extend for miles. Grade 1 LT1.1, LT1.2, DS1.2 Grade 2 AN2.1, AW2.1, AW2.2 Grade 5 RW5.1 Grade 6 DL6.3
Know Before You Go Be Prepared for the Weather: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, warm and water proof clothing. Take note, if rubber boots are required for your program. Teachers and Chaperones: Are required to participate in all programs. Cell Coverage: There is good cell service Cancellations: Programs are not usually cancelled due to weather unless requested by the school or in extreme/unsafe situations. Campfires: Are allowed in the park. Please bring matches, paper, roasting sticks and axe. Wood is provided free of charge. Please discuss campfire needs during your booking. In the case of a fire ban, campfires are prohibited. Running Water: There is potable water throughout the park. Safety: In case of medical or other emergencies, all groups must maintain their own transportation while visiting the park. In the Classroom: Discuss with students ways that they can reduce their impact reduce packaging on food items, recycle materials and respect the natural environment during your visit. Booking Information Program Times: To be discussed during the booking. Usual times are 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm. Times may be flexible to accommodate travel times. Group Size: Each program can accommodate 25-30 students. For larger groups, contact the Park Program Coordinator to discuss program options. Payment: Cash, cheque or credit card payment is accepted. Payment is due on the day of the program. A receipt will be issued. We cannot invoice for services at a later date. Group Camping: Group sites are available by contacting the park, (306) 542-5500. Cost is $12 non-refundable reservation fee, plus $1/person per night. This special rate only applies to school and youth groups during May/June and September/October. Further Information: Learn more about Duck Mountain Provincial Park at saskparks.com or call the Program Coordinator at 306-547-5652.
Duck Mountain Provincial Park Education Program Booking Form You will receive a response within 2-3 business days. Park Interpreters are hired in May and will contact you at that time to discuss details. Group camping must be booked separately, by contacting the park office at (306)542-5500 Today s Date: School Name: Phone: Mailing address: Email address: Fax: Contact person: Cell phone: Name(s) of other teachers who will be attending trip (if different than above): Grade(s): # of students: # of chaperones: Is your group camping overnight? Y N Preferred Program Date: 1 st Choice: Planned Arrival Time: 2 nd Choice: 3 rd Choice: Planned Departure Time: Select desired program(s): Aquatic Explorers (K-7) Calcareous Fen Hike (K-7) The Basics of Boreal (Gr 4-8) Grassland Ghosts (Gr4-8) Biodiversity at its Best (Gr 9-12) Fire Starting (Gr 5-9) Outdoor Survival (Gr 4-12) Geocaching (Gr 5-12) Interpretive Centre Scavenger Hunt Other Program Times: 9:30am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm Please list any other curriculum-based themes or inquiry-based learning questions that would help interpretive staff tailor the program to your group. Are there any special considerations that your interpreter should be aware of? (ie) mobility issues, special needs, allergies, etc. Y N In most cases, programs can be adapted to better suit your group. Please discuss any special needs with a Park Interpreter ahead of time. Return completed form to: Email: Duck.MountainInterpreters@gov.sk.ca (only monitored May-August) DuckMountainPP@gov.sk.ca Fax: 306-542-5512 Phone: 306-542-5500