Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference 2026

Step outside and discover the world of birds through a hands-on, experiential birding adventure in Banff. Participants will learn simple strategies for getting started with birding, explore common birds they may encounter in late October, and try out accessible tools such as Merlin Bird ID and iNaturalist to help identify and document what they find.
Through a series of easy, engaging activities, participants will have time to observe, listen, record, ask questions and investigate independently before coming back together to share and compare their discoveries.
Throughout the experience, we’ll consider how a simple birding experience can become much more than a field trip—from creating inclusive entry points for diverse learners, to documenting and assessing learning, to building a school-wide culture of noticing, curiosity and inquiry.
No previous birding experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to slow down and notice what’s around you.