CapU becomes first university in B.C. recognized as WWF-Canada Living Campus

Release date: October 16, 2026

Tag(s): News & Announcements

News release: CapU becomes first university in B.C. recognized as WWF-Canada Living Campus (PDF)

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. Oct. 16, 2026 — Capilano University (CapU) has been named a World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) Living Campus for the 2025-2026 academic year, becoming the first university in British Columbia to receive the designation. The certification recognizes post-secondary institutions that demonstrate leadership in conservation, sustainability and environmental engagement.

CapU earned the certification through a range of sustainability and conservation initiatives led by the EarthWorks, an environmental education program at CapU co-cordinated by Nancy van Groll, instructor from the School of Education & Childhood Studies and Caroline Dingle, instructor from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. A key project was Communities of Co-Existence on Capilano University Campus: Bear-Responsive Knowledge Mobilization, which helped students and employees learn how to safely and respectfully share the landscape with local wildlife.

"We're excited to help establish WWF-Canada's presence on west coast campuses and bring attention to issues that are deeply local to us," said van Groll. "The Communities of Co-Existence project, which connects habitat restoration, public education and creative place-based learning to help our campus community coexist with the black bears who share this landscape.”

Supported through a WWF-Canada Go Wild Grant, the project combined habitat restoration, wildlife education and experiential learning opportunities for students. Activities included restoring wildlife habitat through native plantings, engaging the campus community in stewardship activities and developing educational resources that promote understanding of bear behaviour and human-wildlife coexistence.

“The partnership gave our students hands-on restoration experience, direct access to wildlife experts, and a real sense of what coexistence looks like on a campus at the edge of the North Shore mountains,” said van Groll.

The recognition highlights CapU’s commitment to place-based learning and environmental stewardship, creating opportunities for students to contribute to local conservation efforts. It also strengthens collaboration among students, faculty and community partners through applied research and hands-on learning that address real-world challenges in biodiversity and sustainability.

Submitted by: Communications & Government Relations