Let’s Talk Outdoors

Holistic Outdoor Learning with Denise Heppner and Tirzah Reilkoff

In this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors, Leah and Justine are joined by Denise Heppner and Tirzah Reilkoff to explore what outdoor learning looks like in practice—both in early years and through a professional development lens.

Denise is an Associate Director of Professional Learning with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. With over 20 years of experience in education, she’s taught in both public and private K-12 systems, and at the university level in Special Education and Indigenous Education.

Tirzah teaches Kindergarten and Grade 1 in rural Saskatchewan, where she facilitates daily, holistic outdoor learning. Her approach is rooted in student interest, curiosity, and connection to the land.

This episode is perfect for recreation professionals, outdoor educators, and anyone passionate about meaningful learning in outdoor environments.

Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

Creating Outside: Art, Play and Learning with Merrissa Karmark

In this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors, Leah and Justine chat with Merrissa Karmark, an outdoor education, art, and English teacher at Englefeld School. Merrissa shares her journey into outdoor learning, and how outdoor spaces can meaningfully support the curriculum.

Tune in for practical tips, inspiration, and real talk about the challenges and rewards of teaching outside the classroom.

• Prairie River Gardens
• One School One Farm Nature Journaling resource - Coming Soon!
• Royal SK Museum native plant sale

This episode is proudly sponsored by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA). Thank you for supporting conversations that connect people to land, learning, and each other.

June is Recreation and Parks Month with Carolyn Bates-Hardy

Carolyn Bates-Hardy (she/her) is a neuroqueer, non-binary transgender woman living in the place traditionally known as oskana kâ-asastêki (Regina, SK) in Treaty 4 territory and on the Homeland of the Métis. She is a Communications Consultant with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, and has more than 14 years' experience in non-profit communications and public relations. Carolyn holds a BA in English (High Hons.) from the University of Regina, and a Certificate in Public Relations from the University of Regina, Centre for Continuing Education. When she is not advocating for a better quality of life through recreation and parks, Carolyn enjoys writing and performing spoken word poetry, spending time with her friends and chosen family, hunting for elusive vinyl records, and spending time outside in the sunshine.

Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association

Contact Carolyn

June is Parks & Rec Month - Connect on Common Ground - includes Invitation to Celebrate (used to be proclamation), posters, and links to sign up for webinars. 

Ivy and Dean Consulting

Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan 

Framework for Recreation in Canada - Includes long and short survey links

Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium in Saskatoon in June 11-13

SPRA Grants

SPRA Careers page and volunteer opportunities page (coming soon)

SPRA Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Linked in

Jacqui Sneazwell and why Playing in Dirt Builds Grit

Justine talks with Jacqui Sneazwell, a BC-based educator with a passion for outdoor play and learning. With experience as a kindergarten principal on North Vancouver Island, Jacqui now explores nature with her students in Chilliwack. In her workshop Playing in Dirt Builds Grit, she shares why play matters at every age and how it can build curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature.

Nurturing Curiosity Through Outdoor Learning with Shelley Bettker

Shelley Bettker is an outdoor play expert, advocate for child-led learning, and founder of Explorer’s Forest School and TimberNook Saskatoon. She works with children aged 1 to 13 on a prairie oasis east of Saskatoon, fostering curiosity and wonder through hands-on, nature-based experiences. Often found alongside children in the dirt and trees, Shelley fosters curiosity and a deep sense of wonder. Shelley also runs a parented program, guiding caregivers to embrace the benefits of outdoor play. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and is a certified Early Childhood Educator Level 2. She completed the Forest & Nature School Practitioner course through the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada and is a TimberNook Certified Teacher and Provider, specializing in outdoor play, sensory integration, and child development. Shelley is committed to promoting the importance of getting kids outside in all weather and all naturalized environments.

Timbernook Saskatoon

Connecting with Plant Medicine with Kelsie Lorenz

Leah and Derek talk with Kelsie Lorenz about how we can build a connection with plants, their lessons, and shares some ideas for including them in out daily life. She also builds shares about importance of plant connection, using nature connection with students, and shares stories of her experiences with plants and culture. 

Links to Instagram profiles that Kelsie references:

https://www.instagram.com/xalishmedicines/

https://www.instagram.com/themedicinecircle

https://www.instagram.com/herbalacademy/

https://www.instagram.com/shoporganicolivia

https://www.instagram.com/wildrosecollege

https://www.instagram.com/rosaleedelaforet/

 

Always Another River with Daryl Sexsmith

Leah and Derek sit down with Daryl Sexsmith to talk canoeing. Daryl shares stories from his book, Always Another River. 

Always Another River

Star Phoenix - Paddler Daryl Sexsmith tells Saskatchewan stories from a canoe's-eye view

Gardening and Outdoor Learning with Maxine Panchuk

Join Leah and Derek as they sit down with Maxine Panchuk as she discusses teaching kindergarten, gardening and outdoor learning! Maxine in an avid gardener and teaches kindergarten at Buena Vista outdoor school in Saskatoon. 

First Book Canada Marketplace 

Saskatoon Horticultural Society 

Saskatoon Compost Coaches

Connect on Instagram

Biodiversity and Birding with Greg Fenty

Join Derek and Leah as they talk with Greg Fenty about his 30+ years of experience working with various species of birds, bird research and bird banding in Saskatchewan. Greg also discusses the Bluebird Trail and his passion for Saskatoon's Young Naturalists Program. 

Saskatoon Young Naturalists Program

Bluebird Trail

Historic Walks with Hugh & Aditi

Join Derek & Leah as they connect with Hugh Henry and Aditi Garg. Hugh and Aditi talk about Historic Walks and The Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society. They discuss the connections between these walks and education and potential collaborative efforts.

 

Resources

somethinggrand.ca

Geography of Blood - Candace Savage

The Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society

Treaty Land Sharing Network

Mary Smilie Podcast Episode

Network in Canadian History and Environment

Jane's Walks