PAY IT FORWARD
FOR THE PLANET | A SUBSIDY PROGRAM SUPPORTING CONSERVATION
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The Pay it Forward Educator Newsletter
You’re shaping the next generation, and we want to support that mission!
Sign up for our Pay It Forward educator newsletter to receive updates about the program, project highlights, conservation initiative ideas, and ways to bring real-world conservation impact into your classrooms!
This list is exclusively for teachers and educators. We won’t send you our monthly newsletter or spam you with emails; only meaningful updates designed to support you and your students.
When you Pay It Forward in the classroom, the ripples last a lifetime.
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.
The Application
Submit a quick application to request funding support for your class field trip.
The Field Trip
Once approved, schedule your visit and prepare your class for the experience.
Get Project Ideas
Explore simple, meaningful ways your class can give back to the planet.
Past Projects
See how other classes have created real change through Pay It Forward projects.
We’ve made participating in the Pay It Forward Program easier than ever! Simply dream up a student-led conservation initiative, then fill out the application below. Once your application is approved, you can schedule your class field trip. After your visit, complete your Pay It Forward to the Planet project with your class and share what you accomplished!
Questions? Need help completing the application? Contact us at donate@buildingourzoo.com and we’d be happy to help!
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.
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.
NEED PROJECT INSPIRATION?
Check out our projects ideas by clicking below, or keep scrolling to see past projects and their impacts and to find extra teacher resources.
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
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.