On May 5th, 2024, a sunny day in Vanderhoof, SD91 teachers along with Barry Booth and Parisa Khodadadi from Koh-Learning gathered to experience birding and learn about its educational benefits. Barry Booth kicked off the workshop at Redmond by inviting participants to share their favorite bird and their level of birding experience. This set a personal and engaging tone for the day.

We continued by learning how to use binoculars, with a handy guide provided to get everyone started. The participants' curiosity grew as they spotted various birds and enjoyed the activity. They learned about the different bird species in the area, including interesting facts like their songs, nesting habits, and how some birds create nests for others.

The day concluded with fun activities near Clear Creek. A highlight for the Koh-Learning team was Casey Litton's speech about the history of Clear Creek/Richard Marten outdoor education. He acknowledged Dr. Parkes and Koh-Learning's contributions to building outdoor education classrooms. It was a touching moment for us.

Reflecting on the day, David Peterson remarked that the workshop highlighted how birding is accessible to everyone and beneficial for the soul. He also emphasized that, regardless of what Koh-Learning evolves into, SD91 teachers value the shared learning experiences developed in partnership with UNBC. His statement, "We are a team!" perfectly captured the spirit of the day and was the best way to conclude the event.

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