Wells Gray Education and Research Centre TRU Faculty of Science
Bookings
Since 1994, Thompson Rivers University has owned and operated the Wells Gray Education and Research centre, located 25 km north of Clearwater, BC, on the Wells Gray Park Road.
The facility consists of the land and buildings associated with the former Upper Clearwater School, and the adjacent five-hectare lot of land donated by Trevor Goward and Helen Knight. Bordering the edge of the property lies 500 hectares of crown land officially designated for educational and research purposes.
About
Trails lead from the centre, through crown land, to the 550,000-hectare Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Wells Gray and vicinity are an ecologist's and naturalist's paradise. A geological past which includes volcanoes and glaciers as well as a recent history of fires and windstorms have created a mosaic of habitats supporting diverse ecological communities.
The centre has developed a network of survey trails and sampling sites for teaching the classification of ecosystems and the habitat requirements of wildlife. From old growth forests to pioneer communities, it's all within a few minutes of the centre's doorstep.
Annually, close to 1,200 user-days are logged at the centre, much of them by TRU's own faculty and students. For instance, in early summer students and instructors are in residence at the centre to participate in the course Field Methods in Terrestrial Ecology. Throughout the fall and winter semesters, the centre is also used by botany, forest ecology, and wildlife biology courses for weekend field trips.
Numerous researchers from TRU and other universities in the western provinces have also made use of the facilities to study the diverse pristine habitats nearby.
The Friends of Wells Gray Park have been instrumental in the development of the centre and use it for their weekend natural history courses throughout the summer.
Purpose and vision
The purpose of the Wells Gray Education and Research Centre is to facilitate academic and public education into the natural resources protected in Wells Gray Provincial Park and the lands that surround it.
By providing the facilities required by teachers and learners of all ages to spend various amounts of time in residence, the centre will promote a better understanding of how human activities affect the environment and the natural resources it holds.
Moreover, the centre will provide a location to support a better understanding of the place of nature in the indigenous worldview.
Mission
In order to achieve its purpose the the centre’s mission is to develop and sustain physical facilities (buildings as well as trails, etc.) that will allow individuals ready access to the natural environment (learning resources and courses) throughout the year.
Facilities
Schoolhouse Property at 5384 Clearwater Valley Rd.
On the Schoolhouse property, you have access to the schoolhouse classroom as well as several cabins for overnight use. The only washrooms are 2 outhouses.
Main Facility at 5364 Clearwater Valley Rd.
The main facility is a modern, comfortable facility with a full commercial kitchen, double ovens, a full sized fridge and freezer. There are 3 toilets, 2 showers, as well as a separate accessible bathroom with large shower. The main facility has 6 rooms that sleep 3 people each, plus a large common area that could be used as a classroom, dining hall or lounge space.
Out the back door is a partially covered deck with a fire pit and extensive lawns for activities.
The building has a state-of-the-art water treatment system, and EV charger, and the whole building is powered by 48 solar panels on the roof, with a battery back-up system that will keep essential loads operational for roughly 3 days in a power outage.
Trail network
TRU and Clearwater Valley locals are working to establish a trail network from the TRU site. Trails are in place, and we are in the process of installing signage and boardwalks. Please enjoy the beauty and respect the delicate ecosystem around the trails.
Contact
The centre is available for field courses, research, and for bookings by groups wishing to study the environment of Wells Gray Park and its environs. For more information or to make a booking, contact us by email.
Please send inquiries to wgerc@tru.ca
Located 25 km north of Clearwater on the Wells Gray Park Road at 51.89230019093326, -120.01283297800474.
