CLASSES FUNDED

STUDENTS INVOLVED

COMPLETED INITIATIVES

PAY IT FORWARD FOR THE PLANET

A program that has local companies and individuals adopt a class to come to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for a field trip, and the class pays it forward by taking on a conservation initiative that helps the planet!

At the Valley Zoo Development Society, we believe every child deserves the chance to connect with nature, explore wildlife up close, and discover the power of conservation. That’s why we created Pay It Forward for the Planet, a unique program that covers the cost of a fieldtrip to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for K–12 classrooms.

In exchange, participating classes complete their own classroom conservation project, giving students hands-on learning that brings their lessons to life — all while inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards!

Who Can Apply?

Pay It Forward for the Planet is open to all K–12 classrooms. Whether you’re a kindergarten teacher or working with high school students, we welcome your application. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way — from choosing a project to tailoring your field trip experience.

APPLY FOR A SUBSIDY

BECOME A SPONSOR

MAKE A DONATION

Pay it Forward for the Planet Interest Form

APPLY FOR A SUBSIDY!

It’s as easy as 1,2,3…4!

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1. Fill Out Our Quick & Easy Interest Form

Begin by clicking the button below, filling out, and submitting the pop-up form to tell us about your class and get started.

FILL OUT & SUBMIT FORM

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2. Receive Personalized Support

A member of our team will contact you to help with your application and assist in developing a conservation project if needed.

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3. Customize and Schedule Your Field Trip

Once accepted, you’ll need to pick a date and book your field trip through the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s School & Group Programs page. Before your visit, a member of the zoo’s education team will connect with you to customize your field trip experience to fit your class’s needs.

Field trips must take place between September and April.
Bookings should be made at least 6 weeks in advance.
A confirmation number is required to finalize your reservation.

Please note that the Pay it Forward subsidy does not cover Zoo School, Zoo Immersion, Virtual Outreach, Sleepovers, or Self-Guided Educational Kits.

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4. Complete Your Conservation Project and Share Your Impact

Engage your students in hands-on activities that connect learning to real-world conservation, then report back to inspire others and celebrate your class’s contribution.

Share photos or videos of your project and your students’ findings with us. These will be featured publicly to inspire other schools and showcase the positive impact your class is making for the planet.

Ready to bring your class to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for FREE? Apply now or contact us at donate@buildingourzoo.com

A. Blair McPherson School | March Madness

SPONSOR: MELTON FOUNDATION
PROJECT: MARCH MADNESS

It’s the 7th Annual March Animal Madness at A. Blair McPherson School! Follow along to see which animal the sudents choose as this years’ reigning champion.

READ MORE

Clymont | Playschool

SPONSOR: UNION 52 BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
PROJECT: LAND STEWARDSHIP

The children had a fantastic time and learned more about animals, adaptations and their habitats. Within our school, we work to teach the children how to be good stewards of the land.

READ MORE

H.W. Pickup School | Grade 7

SPONSOR: DOUG WARREN
PROJECT: REDUCING OUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

Our project goals and ideas came about from our Science 7 study of ‘Interactions and Ecosystems’, specifically the positive and negative impact humans have…

READ MORE

CHECK OUT OUR PROJECT IDEAS!

VIEW COMPLETED PROJECTS!

Pay it Forward for the Planet Photos + Videos (1)

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EXTRA: Teacher Resources

Here are a few resources to help inspire ideas, teach about conservation, and aid your students as they “Pay it Forward” for our planet.

SPONSOR A CLASS OR DONATE

Adopt a Class, Help the Planet!

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HOW TO BECOME A SPONSOR

For $250 a company or an individual can adopt a class and start the Pay It Forward process.

We approve a class who applied for a field trip and let them know your company made it possible. We mail the class a cheque and again let them know it came from your business. When we post our classes success stories online we also post that you or your company made it possible, and made the planet a better place!

Contact us to become a Pay It Forward For the Planet sponsor today.

CONTACT

High Park Grade 3-4 Split Project 2025: Students at the Zoo

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HOW TO BECOME A DONOR

Donate through CanadaHelps.org today and help Pay it Forward for the Planet!

HELP BUILD OUR ZOO!

It is through today’s zoos that future generations will come to a greater understanding of the human impact on the natural world and be motivated to preserve it and reverse the damage already done. Every donation, big or small, helps us revitalize our beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo! Thank you for caring for the animals, our children’s future and the planet!

DONATE!