Let’s Talk Outdoors

Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning with Jennifer Mason

Join Leah and Mike as they talk to Jen Mason about Forest Schools, child led learning, play, and the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. Jen shares what led her to becoming an outdoor educator and her philosophy of play and learning.

One School One Farm with Elizabeth Bekolay

Elizabeth Bekolay is the founder of One School One Farm Shelterbelt project. Her background is in biology and ecology and she specializes in outdoor education of all kinds. She works as an interpreter at the Brightwater Science, Environmental and Indigenous Learning Centre and has her hand in a plethora in environmental initiatives in Saskatchewan.

For more information about the One School One Farm Shelterbelt project, please visit their website www.oneschoolonefarm.com or email Elizabeth at oneschoolonefarm@gmail.com. 

Note: There were a few audio glitches during this episode that affect the quality, but bear with us, the learning is worth it!

Little Red River Park, Wildernook & Winter Adventures with Claire Miller

Mike and Leah connect with Claire Miller from Wildernook, as she shares with us why we all should visit Little Red River Park in Prince Albert. She also talks about the North East Swale in Saskatoon, and how we can connect with and take care of these areas. We also get a glimpse into Wildernook and why we should celebrate and enjoy winter rather than hibernate away from it. 

Claire shares ideas for integrating education in the outdoors as well as why it's a great location to visit. 

Learn more about Claire's work at:

https://www.wildernook.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wildernook/

https://www.instagram.com/wildernook/

https://punchbuggyexpress.com/

Find more information about Little Red River Park here:

https://www.citypa.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/little-red-river-park.aspx

The park includes 1200 acres of natural area is located north of the North Saskatchewan River. Little Red River Park is known for it's beauty and serenity, while still within the city limits. The park is open year round and provides trails for bikers, hikers and skiers, depending on the season. There are two areas, the Lower Plains on the banks of the Spruce River and the Upper Plains. Both have great trails, flowers and an incredible ecosystem including Jack Pine forest and boreal plains.

Joyce Belcher on Connecting to Nature

Joyce Belcher is a biologist, life coach, and writing teacher. She has spent a good portion of her life being inspired by “big skies, intact prairie grasslands and forest trails.”

Join Heather and Derek as they chat about Joyce’s time in the prairies and her way of connecting to nature.

If you'd like to connect with Joyce and learn more about her work, check out her website: https://www.joycebelcher.com/

Raea Gooding on hiking, canoeing, and getting outside

Leah and Mike caught up with Canadian Wildlife Federation's Wild Outside Youth Leadership Specialist, Raea Gooding, for this special summer episode. Join the conversation as Raea talks about environmental youth programming in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan while giving tips and helpful hints on where to hike and how to prepare for your next solo trek or group adventure in the outdoors. If you love paddling and enjoy listening to music, Raea just might have the perfect recommendation for a white water rapids music festival you need to put on your 2022 bucket list! 

 

If you are a youth, or if you have a youth interested in joining the Wild Outside Youth Leadership Program with Raea, check out her facebook page

 

Connect with Raea online via Instagram

Learn more about the WILD Outside program from the Canadian Wildlife Federation

A Conversation with Dr. Janet McVittie

Dr. Janet McVittie is a recently retired Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and a 2021 Bernie Melanson Award Winner for lifetime achievement in education. Join us as we discuss place-based education, Janet’s work with pre-service teachers, and Janet’s thoughts about what would make the world a better place.

Bonus Episode: Our Favourite Saskatchewan Parks

June is the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association's Parks and Rec Month. To celebrate outdoor enjoyment in our province, we asked our board and staff about their favourite memories from Saskatchewan parks. Younger family members got involved too and the result is a four season celebration of recreation in Saskatchewan. This special bonus episode contains stories about hiking, skiing, school trips, hidden fishing camps, and unicorns (!). We also talk about some of the outdoor mistakes we have made, proving that the best memories weren't always the smoothest in the moment.

Paddling Northern Saskatchewan with Ric Driediger

Today Heather & Mike chat with Ric Driediger. Ric is a canoe enthusiast who is an expert of the Churchill River. He is the owner and operator of Churchill River Canoe Outfitters, where paddlers from all around North America travel out of their way to tell stories around Ric’s campfire. Ric recently released a book: “Paddling Northern Saskatchewan: A Guide to 80 Canoe Routes.”

In this episode, we’re talking paddling, relationships, and why Kraft Dinner is not the ideal choice for your next long adventure.

Find out more about Ric at https://www.churchillrivercanoe.com/

48 Days Alone with Michelle Wohlberg

Heather and Derek join Saskatchewanian Michelle Wohlberg to talk about her experience as a contestant on season 6 of History Channel's, Alone. She shares her experience spending 48 days alone in the bush in the sub arctic. We dig into what it's really like to be alone that long, skills to survive, and the difference between what actually happened, and what ends up on TV, and how to get started getting outside.

Connect with Michelle on Instagram @michelleannewohlberg

Trip Preparedness with Rebecca Bassett

Join Leah and Derek as they chat with Rebecca Basset from Back40 Wilderness First Aid. We chat about advice for taking your family out adventuring, leading groups of students, and going out with friends. Gear and first aid ideas, along with lots of actionable advice on how to make sure you're prepared for what might come your way. 

Connect with Rebecca online:

https://www.back40training.com/

https://www.instagram.com/back40training/

https://www.facebook.com/back40training