Learning
Opportunities
Explore Nature's Classroom
The Assiniboine Food Forest is available to students, educators, residents, and community groups as an outdoor classroom. All ages are welcome to learn by doing at the Food Forest!
We regularly host educational events, provide custom programs tailored to specific curriculum and learning outcomes, and partner with various groups to host project based learning events!
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Continue reading to discover how you can access the Food Forest as Nature's Classroom!
Learning at AFFI
Reinforce Classroom Learning
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K-12 Field Trips
We offer interpretive programs that are tailored to align with specific classroom curriculum and learning outcomes put forward by request from teachers.
Post-Secondary
We offer interpretive tours and project partnership opportunities that are ​applicable to post secondary departments such as Natural Resources Management, Horticulture and Food, General Sciences, Geography, Food Systems, and many others!
Online Resources
Under Construction
This page is currently under construction, and is being developed as a resource to learn more about the ecosystem that exists on the AFFI parcel, and general information about wild and plant life present here.
Stay tuned for the launch of this page.
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Guided Tours
Community Group Tours
Community groups of all kinds
book interpretive tours and activities at AFFI. Afterwards, groups may gather round the bonfire under the ancient oaks to share a meal or sacred circle, in a unique and beautiful setting. Families are also invited to celebrate a special day by booking their own private tour.
No matter what your group's age level or purpose, AFFI has enough beautiful natural landscape to make you feel at home as you make connections. Our interpreters will help you to see the world through new eyes.
Annual Guided Tours
Winter Nature Walks with Dave
Naturalist Dave Barnes leads guided nature walks on the food forest trail system that last 60 to 90‑minutes. With over 20 km of trail to choose from, participants get access to the natural wonders of Brandon’s east end, where huge tracts of river‑bottom
forest remain relatively untouched.
The Nature Walks depart from the neighbouring Crow’s General Store
(33 - 17th Street East) where plenty of parking can be found, and visitors can enjoy a hot beverage or an ice‑cream
afterwards! No admission.
Donations are kindly accepted!
Maple Syrup Tours
Visit Brandon’s only working sugar shack, go on a guided tour of the sugar bush, and learn first‑hand how this traditional Canadian delicacy is produced!
Following a one‑hour tour, participants are invited to stay and roast hotdogs around the bonfire and enjoy pancakes with fresh‑made Treesblood Farm maple syrup! Pre‑book for this tour in March by keeping up with the Food Forest online!
Self Guided Tours
Connecting with the Food Forest
The Assiniboine Food Forest is home to a Self Guiding Interpretive Trail System that offers visitors a chance to "connect with the natural elements and history of the space as they explore". Park at Crow's General Store to access the trail head. Printed guide brochures are available at Crow's General Store, or downloadable PDF copies are available below.
Download Brochure
Off-Site Guided Tours
Purple Martin Tours
at Brandon Riverbank
Join local naturalist Dave Barnes at the Riverbank Discovery Centre for a tour of
the Purple Martin Sanctuary! Every week, the Sanctuary Management team lowers the housing to conduct scientific checks, giving participants of all ages a special glimpse inside! Don’t miss the Purple Martin Cam broadcasting inside the Discovery Centre all summer long! No admission. Donations are kindly accepted!