Students Transform Classrooms into Native Prairie Plant Labs

In a vibrant classroom at Silverspring School in Saskatoon, students are engaging in hands-on learning about native prairie plants. As part of the One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project, sixth graders are sorting and cleaning seeds collected from local flora, deepening their understanding of ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. The initiative connects students with land partners, allowing them to play a role in restoring native plant species and supporting local pollinators.

The students, led by their teacher, Melanie Wilkinson, are meticulously sorting seeds from various native flowers, including Black-eyed Susans and goldenrod. “Right now I’m sorting seeds and for this one all you have to do is crumble it with your fingers,” explained 11-year-old Kastlepher-Teven Kershaw. His hands work gently, distinguishing seeds from debris, a task that fosters both learning and connection with nature.

This educational experience began earlier in the fall when students collected seeds from a nearby land partner’s acreage. “I think they’re going to walk away with a different perspective,” Wilkinson noted. “It’s not just connecting with nature; it’s working with it and understanding what we need to preserve.”

The project is part of a larger effort to create ecological literacy in classrooms across Saskatchewan. Elizabeth Bekolay, executive director of the One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project, emphasized the significance of these partnerships, stating, “We have partners that have acreages, First Nations farmers, and conservation organizations.” The initiative has expanded from three pilot sites in 2018 to 26 partnerships today, resulting in the planting of over 10,000 individual plants across the province.

The students’ efforts extend beyond seed sorting. They also learn about local wildlife, including ladybugs and bees. “There were a lot of bees when we went to the farm because the guy there had a beehive,” shared student Marget Ruth Vanthuyne. These encounters enhance their appreciation of the delicate balance within ecosystems.

Despite the program’s success, Bekolay highlighted the need for increased funding. Currently, she is the only staff member, managing everything from seed collection to planting days. “I need to be multiplied,” she said, as she aims to extend the project’s impact further into communities like Regina and Prince Albert.

As biodiversity loss and climate change threaten natural habitats, initiatives like the One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project become increasingly vital. Cory Sheffield, curator of invertebrate zoology at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, noted that approximately 325 wild bee species are native to the region, many of which rely on specific plants for survival. He emphasized that providing a greater variety of native plants can significantly benefit these pollinators.

The initiative not only teaches students about environmental stewardship but also cultivates a sense of responsibility toward their local ecosystems. By actively participating in the restoration of native plants, students are gaining valuable insights that transcend traditional classroom learning, equipping them to contribute positively to their communities and the environment.