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Geography

Ecological design field school

Swan Lake
Swan Lake, photo by Tourism Victoria

Dates: May 7 to 15, 2026

Ecological design is “the art and science by which we would remake the human presence on Earth” (David Orr), a partial antidote to the meta-crisis.

In this field course, students will learn and apply a breadth of skills and knowledge drawing from climate impacts, resilience theory, community mapping, terrestrial, aquatic, and landscape ecology, hydrology, design thinking, and sustainability science. We will learn from community partners and Indigenous Elders in respectfully and contextually designing in “right relationship” with the Earth.

Activities include: land-based learning of designing with ecologies, learning from micro- and mesocosms, understanding ways of knowing/experiencing/relating with natural, social, cultural, and spiritual capital, multi-scale local and externalized impacts from the backyard to the landscape.

Course description

Course is worth 1.5 credits. 

Geography 491 A01 – Ecological Design for Climate Resilient Communities

Instructor: Kristian Dubrawski

Students will create an arts-based design of an ecological system that qualitatively illustrates stocks and flows of resources (e.g., water, energy), ecosystem services, and/or relationship dynamic. The course deliverable by the students will be an arts-based design of an ecological system that qualitatively illustrates stocks and flows of resources (e.g., water, energy), ecosystem services, and/or relationship dynamics.

Groundings Readings

Eligibility

There will be 20 positions available for this course. Accordingly, we list the following eligibility information:

  • Students may have second-fourth year standing, no prerequisites needed. The field school consists of both classroom and outdoor field-based activities.
  • At times this course may be physically demanding. Applicants must mention if they have any accessibility needs that may impact their ability to participate in these activities.
  • Must be a UVic student. Non-geography students are invited to apply. 

How to apply

Applications, deposists, and waivers are due by 4pm on February 12th, 2026- ideally submitted via email. 

  1. Application 
  2. Waiver  

Contact geography@uvic.ca or kdubrawski@uvic.ca if you have any questions.

Info Session

Infomation will be posted closer to the date, May 2026.

Fees

Students pay regular UVic tuition plus field school fees. Field school fees can be paid by cheque, money order or cash only. Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the University of Victoria.

Payment can be dropped off at the geography main office (David Turpin B203) or mailed (cheques and money orders only; do not mail cash).

Field school fees

  • $50 deposit due with application by 4pm on Febraury 12, 2026
  • $100 due by 4pm on March 26, 2026 (upon acceptance)

Field school fees include:

  • Transportation outside of Victoria
  • Workshop fees
  • Knowledge holder fees

Field school fees do not include:

  • Tuition
  • Transportation within Victoria
  • Lunches

The field school fees have been subsidized by the Faculty of Social Sciences. There may be additional funding through scholarships and financial aid or the International Centre for Students.