QuadReal Property Group announced today that it is deepening its partnership with BC Parks Foundation by supporting Learning by Nature, a new province-wide program that empowers students to transform their schoolgrounds with Nature Parks and biodiversity enhancement projects. This initiative reflects QuadReal’s commitment to sustainability, community vibrancy, and thoughtful development that delivers long-term social and environmental value.
“Incorporating green spaces into our planned communities is a core part of our development approach,” said Toby Wu, Executive Vice President of Development, QuadReal Property Group. “This partnership reflects our belief that thriving communities depend on more than just the built environment. They also need access to nature, education, and shared spaces that bring people together.”
The Learning by Nature program aims to strengthen biodiversity, improve youth connection to nature, support individual health and well-being, and create land-based learning opportunities by creating Nature Parks on school grounds throughout British Columbia. Each Nature Park will transform part of a schoolyard with native trees and shrubs, wildlife habitats, and opportunities for vibrant, living, and year-round outdoor learning. By connecting students to nature where they learn, the program fosters a deeper understanding of conservation, climate resilience, and the connection between nature and human health.
Since 2020, QuadReal has partnered with the BC Parks Foundation to advance environmental stewardship. This next phase of collaboration builds on that commitment, helping to scale Learning by Nature through early support and shared values.
“QuadReal’s commitment to students across BC is truly inspiring,” says Jennie McCaffrey, VP, Health & Education for BC Parks Foundation. “The student-led Nature Parks they are supporting will improve the health of students, increase biodiversity on school grounds, and link each school to a sister park or protected area, bringing local conservation examples to life, and helping youth see the real and impactful role they can play in shaping a bright future.”
The program aims to establish Nature Parks at every school in British Columbia by 2030, reaching an estimated 650,000 students across 1,500 schools. As the program expands, schools in communities where QuadReal invests will benefit alongside others, reinforcing the company’s belief that vibrant communities are built through thoughtful investment in people, places, and partnerships.
“Our development approach centers on how people experience and connect with the spaces we create,” said Toby Wu, Executive Vice President of Development, QuadReal Property Group. “Access to nature and quality green spaces is fundamental to building communities where people can thrive.”
With support from federal, provincial and private partners, Learning by Nature reflects a collaborative approach to advancing sustainability, biodiversity and decarbonization in schools and surrounding communities.
