Introducing….
Biosphere Native Plants!
What our past participants have to say about our program
“It was life changing. Words have difficulty describing the experiences and learning that occurred.”
“We really did have an amazing experience.”
“I had a absolutely incredible time and I loved the program.”
“It was the highlight of my summer.”
“I feel like I was able to gain a deeper understanding for myself and my attributes that make me who I am. I loved that the program taught me about sustainability and wildlife conservation but it also taught me about myself in the process.”
“The small group size made the program enjoyable especially as I got to know the other participants really well. “
From a participant’s parent - “he said it was the best experience he had. He talked all the way home.”
Want to see photos of our past expedition? Click HERE to view them.
beautiful lake opinicon
The main building and dining hall
We’ll be staying at the Queen's University Biology Station (QUBS), near Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Located on Lake Opinicon, QUBS offers the full beauty and diversity of the region, surrounded by deciduous forest, rocky outcrops, and abundant wildlife. The field station has a number of cottages and cabins as accommodation, many hiking trails through forests and wetlands, and as a research station has research facilities, a library, and meeting rooms as well as their own herbarium. QUBS is an active research station and so research by graduate students and professors will be ongoing while we were staying there. QUBS has a large dining hall and provides 3 fabulous meals per day.
your expedition leader
Dr. Shelley Ball will be your expedition leader and teacher for the 14-day expedition. She’ll guide you through your adventure, she’ll show you incredible things about nature and the environment, and teach you how to turn all of it into a powerful story using photography and film making. She’ll not just teach you about leadership, she’ll get you practicing leadership throughout our 14 day program. And she’ll encourage you to nudge yourself outside your comfort zone and grow as a person.
About Shelley
Shelley is an easy-going yet passionate leader who loves nature, protecting the environment, adventure, and telling a good story with photos and film making. Her mission in life is to connect people to nature and to inspire them to care about it and protect it. She is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and a mentor with the Canadian Federation of University Women ( CFUW) National Mentoring Program and the winner of the 2018 CFUW National Mentoring Award. She is also currently Chair of the Environment Committee for the CFUW - Perth & District and in March 2018 represented CFUW at the United Nations 62nd Commission on the Status of Women. Shelley was also a member of the inaugural Homeward Bound Women In Science Leadership Expedition to Antarctica in December 2016. She is also a professional public speaker and author.
Here’s a snapshot of her fascinating life:
* She’s a TEDX Speaker: Shelley spoke at the Ottawa TEDX (click HERE to see her TEDx talk)
* She’s travelled to Antarctica as a member of the Homeward Bound Women In Science Leadership Expedition
* She’s a doctor! She’s got her Ph.D. in biology (evolutionary ecology and population genetics)
* Was one of the pioneers of DNA Barcoding, a DNA- based tool now used to inventory the diversity of life on earth
* She has nearly 30 years of teaching experience, having taught people of all ages, from kindergarten to graduate students
* She’s also a career mentor and life coach. Shelley loves to help people discover their true passion in life.
Shelley launched Biosphere Environmental Education in order to give people the opportunity to get close to nature and learn about the environment through adventure!
While she may be called a doctor, she’s a teacher at heart.
She’ll lead you through the expedition and share her expertise and knowledge in a fun setting that’ll change your life.
Ready to JOIN US?
The Expedition program At A Glance
Our adventure this year will take place on the Frontenac Arch, a very special place here in eastern Ontario (Canada), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a 'biodiversity hotspot' in Canada and is known for its rocky outcrops, beautiful forests, and thousands of lakes and wetlands.
Our sample itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive at Queen’s University Biology Station (QUBS), Orientation, evening camp fire
Day 2 - Introduction to Conservation/Environmental Storytelling, Forest hike, Introduction to Environmental Issues, recreation time, Evening Circle discussion
Day 3 - Photography 101, Introduction to National Geographic-style photography, nature photography in the field, afternoon swim, Leadership Learning Activities, Evening Circle discussion
Day 4 - Introduction to film-making techniques, visit to Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Story-building Session I, Evening Circle discussion
Day 5 - Zip-lining (optional) through the forest, Leadership Learning Activities, Story-building Session 2 (beginning to create our group video), night time forest walk
Day 6 - Guest speakers - professional conservation photographers talk about their experiences in the field
Day 7 - Story-building session 4, Geocache Challenge, afternoon swim, evening camp fire
Day 8 - Hiking/exploring Frontenac Provincial Park (including swimming/canoeing), Story-building session 3, Evening Circle discussion/camp fire
Day 9 - Story-building Session 4, canoeing/kayaking, Leadership Learning Activities, Evening Circle discussion/camp fire
Day 10 - Exploring Murphys Point Provincial Park, Story-building Session 5, Leadership Learning Activities, recreation time, Evening Circle discussion/camp fire
Day 11- Exploring Dunder Rock and Story-building Session 6 to finish the group video project.
Day 12 - Finish group video project
Day 13 - Forest hike, Leadership wrap-up, Farewell dinner and evening get-together/camp fire
Day 14 - Depart QUBS for home
*schedule subject to change
Evening Circle Discussions - these include learning and discussion about conservation and environmental issues and leadership development discussions and activities. Recreation time - this includes sports activities such as volleyball, soccer, self-directed activities, or time to just to rest and relax.
What's included:
When you sign up for our expedition, you’ll get access to:
All of your travel, accommodation and most meals during the 11 days of the program, once you arrive at QUBS
Entrance fees to national or provincial parks and all of our adventure activities and excursions (e.g. canoeing, kayaking, etc)
Our incredible Education Program, including instructional workshops in photography, videography, communication and leadership as well as lectures, discussions, team building exercises and more!
Pre-expedition support to help you prepare for your incredible adventure
Pre-expedition educational materials which will be sent out via email
Biosphere Environmental Education t-shirt and notebook
Post-expedition support for sharing your story with the world through the Biosphere website, Youtube channel and other means
The Details:
Date: 18 July - 1 August, 2020
Cost: $3295 CDN (there is no tax on this; cost includes ALL elements of the expedition including meals, accommodation, outdoor activities, education program, equipment use, park entrance fees, and guest lectures)
Maximum 8 participants. We keep our group sizes small because we want to ensure each participant gets the individual attention they need to support their learning and an outstanding experience.
