Students Cultivate Native Prairie Knowledge in Saskatchewan Classrooms

In a classroom at Silverspring School in Saskatoon, sixth graders are engaged in an innovative program that teaches them about native prairie plants and their ecological significance. The students are meticulously cleaning seeds collected from local flora, including species such as Black-eyed Susans and goldenrod. This hands-on learning experience is part of the One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project, which connects students with local land partners to promote the restoration of native plants and the pollinators that rely on them.

Kastlepher-Teven Kershaw, an 11-year-old student, explains the seed sorting process: “Right now I’m sorting seeds and for this one all you have to do is crumble it with your fingers and the ones that turn into dust aren’t seeds, but the harder ones are seeds.” This tactile approach not only enhances their understanding of plant life but also instills a sense of connection to the environment.

Melanie Wilkinson, the students’ teacher, became involved with the project through a land-based learning initiative called Brightwater. She believes that immersing students in real-world experiences, such as seed collection and planting, fosters a deeper appreciation for nature. “I think they’re going to walk away and have a different perspective and realize that it’s not just connecting with nature; it’s like working with nature and bringing back what we need in nature,” Wilkinson stated.

The students’ activities include separating seeds from dirt and debris, with some describing the seeds as “really fuzzy” and “kind of sticky.” Dua Fatima, another sixth grader, recalls her excitement during a recent field trip: “We also found some ladybugs… It was just fun collecting the seeds.”

The One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project aims to build long-term partnerships between educators and landowners to facilitate community planting initiatives. Since its inception in 2018, the project has expanded from three pilot sites to 26 partnerships across Saskatchewan. According to executive director Elizabeth Bekolay, these collaborations have resulted in the planting of over 10,000 individual plants, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

Bekolay emphasizes the importance of ecological literacy in education, especially as biodiversity loss and climate change pose significant threats to local ecosystems. “I think we need to get into an era where ecological literacy is a very important part of our education system,” she remarked. Currently, Bekolay is the sole staff member of the project, coordinating various activities across the province. She expressed a need for additional funding to hire more staff to expand the program’s reach.

The seeds that students are working with are sourced from native plants, which have co-evolved with local pollinators, including approximately 325 recorded wild bee species in Saskatchewan. Cory Sheffield, curator of invertebrate zoology at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, notes the critical role these native species play in maintaining ecological balance. He points out that the decline of wildflowers is a major factor contributing to the decrease in bee populations.

“Basically, the theory is if you provide more of these plants or flowers to bees, especially the flowers that they will use, you do benefit them,” Sheffield explains. As urban development and agriculture encroach upon North America’s natural grasslands, projects like the One School One Farm Shelterbelt are vital for preserving these habitats and supporting biodiversity.

The integration of hands-on learning about native plants not only enriches students’ education but also contributes to broader environmental efforts in Saskatchewan. As they engage with nature, these young learners are helping to sow the seeds of ecological awareness and stewardship in their community.