Let’s Talk Outdoors

Join Leah and Mike as they sit down with Jory Vermette to explore climate challenges in Saskatchewan and the many ways youth and adults can take part in creating positive change. Jory shares insights from his work with Climate Justice Saskatoon, where he advocates around the province’s electricity systems and explores the social and political dimensions of climate justice. This conversation highlights both the realities of climate change and the opportunities for meaningful action at the community level.  Climate Justice Saskatoon  Bite Size Change

Lauren MacLean is a primary teacher, author, and outdoor learning consultant who helps children and educators build meaningful connections with nature. With a background in land-based education through Soaring Eagle Nature School, she brings a play-based, inclusive approach to outdoor learning. Lauren is the author of several children’s picture books (Me and My Sit Spot, Risky Play Gone Away) and the professional resource Sitting With Nature, and she hosts the Teach Outdoors podcast. Risky Play Gone Away Me and My Sit Spot Sitting with Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots Teach Outdoors Podcast  

Dr. Rachel Tidd is passionate about using outdoor and place-based learning to enrich literacy and math instruction. She is the author of Wild Learning: Practical Ideas for Bringing Teaching Outdoors and the creator of the Wild Math and Wild Reading curricular resources. A former elementary and special education teacher, Rachel holds a doctorate in Sustainability Education with a focus on literacy from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Her research explored how sustainability can be integrated into upper-elementary English Language Arts instruction in Canadian classrooms. Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to bring Teaching Outdoors Wild Math Wild Reading

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Leah chats with Monique Strachan, the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Camps Association (SCA). They discuss the benefits of summer camp for children and people of all ages, how to choose a camp, and the resources available through the SCA to help families find the right camp and access financial support.

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Dr. Marcia McKenzie (PhD), Professor and Associate Dean of Sustainability in the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, discusses quality climate education, the importance of action, and how early life outdoor experiences can inspire a career. She shares her experiences in outdoor education, critical pedagogy, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into education.

Join Leah and Justine on this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors as they chat with with Denise Skuce, an experienced educator for outdoor play, who shares her deep passion for connecting children with nature. Drawing from her 30 years of experience, Denise highlights the benefits of outdoor and forest school play, emphasizing its role in fostering exploration, resilience, and a connection to the environment. She discusses how educators can incorporate nature-based activities into their practice, the importance of risky play, and the value of being outside in all weather conditions.  Denise also touches on the role of Indigenous ways of knowing and offers practical advice for overcoming barriers to outdoor education, including proper gear and the willingness to step outside comfort zones.

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Jennifer MacDonald, a non-Indigenous Canadian educator, discusses her journey into outdoor education. She shares her experiences from childhood to teaching, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the natural world and integrating treaty education into outdoor experiences. Jennifer also touches on narrative mapping and the challenges and successes she's encountered in her career.

Join Leah and Justine on this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors as they chat with Kristen Simonson, a passionate outdoor and environmental educator from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Kristen is the founder of Sage Creek Prairie School, where she brings land-based learning to life. She shares insights on bushcraft skills, reconciliation, and creating outdoor experiences for learners of all ages, while inspiring curiosity, connection to nature, and stewardship of the land.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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/  

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

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

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

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

Join Derek & Leah as they connect with Sophia Young. Sophia is the 2023 recipient of the SaskOutdoors Cydney Weir Youth Award.  Listen in to hear about her remarkable contributions to her community.  Due to her passion for sustainability, equity, and the conservation of ecosystems, Sophia has founded and chaired the Miller4Nature Permaculture Club,  Sophia is a community builder, acting as a youth representative on the City of Regina Community Advisory Group. Sophia is now pursuing a career in environmental engineering to create sustainable and accessible futures.

Join Leah and Mike as they speak with Ben Oaken about Climate Education. Ben explores the reasons why some educators may hesitate to incorporate climate education into their teaching and offers strategies to overcome these obstacles. Climate Education is important in Saskatchewan - listen in to find out why! EcoSchools Canada EcoSchools How-to Webinar SaskOutdoors Climate Action Education The Weather Makers book - Tim Flannery This Changes Everything book - Naomi Klein Solutions Board Game from the Outdoor Learning Store

Join Leah, Justine, and Maeghan James as they delve into the topic of Inclusive Outdoor Play. Maeghan shares insights on how educators can craft inclusive and high-quality outdoor experiences for every child, addressing prevalent barriers to inclusive outdoor play. She emphasizes the importance of collaborating with a child's family or caregivers to facilitate enriching outdoor experiences. Additionally, Maeghan encourages educators to cultivate new, inclusive habits, integrating inclusive play into the classroom environment. Learn more about Maeghan.  Resources PLaTO-Net - Play, Learn and Teach Outdoors Network Dr. Louise de Lannoy speaks about Outdoor Play Quality Participation on Playgrounds Blueprint A Blueprint for Building Quality Participation on Playgrounds for Children with Disabilities: Programmer Version Jump Start Training for Play Leaders Outdoor Play Canada Megan Zeni - UBC - online educator outdoor play tool Outside Play App Inclusive Play Leadership Certificate 

Join Mike & Leah as they chat with Whitney Blaisdell about her non-profit, Play YQR. Whitney discusses how to prioritize and increase access to play for all ages. Listen in as Whitney talks about the importance of play!  For more information on Whitney, visit her University of Regina Student Spotlight.  Checkout Megan Zeni with Room to Play on Instagram for more outdoor play content. 

Join Mike & Leah as they chat with Megan Gurski, SaskOutdoors' former Outdoor Play Coordinator, teacher, and owner/operator of NW25 Outdoor Learning Co. Teachable moments outdoors, risks and hazards, and barriers to taking students outdoors are only a few of the topics touched on during their conversation. 

Join Mike & Leah as they chat with Kyle Harrison about winning the 2021 #ExploreSask Parks Road Trip. Be inspired by Kyle's storytelling; his stories may help you choose where to go camping and exploring in Saskatchewan throughout the year!

Join SaskOutdoors as they chat with Louise de Lannoy about Outdoor Play in Canada. Louise continued to ponder our conversation after recording and wanted to add to her response to "What one thing would you change about the world?": I think what really matters is making the outdoors the easy choice. Just like placing stairs in a more convenient location than the elevator: make the outdoors the easy, more convenient choice. This is something we need to figure out to actually affect change.

Leah and Mike connect with David Pratt to chat about Indigenous connection to land, treaty rights, and reconciliation. David is the first Vice-Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). 

Kristine Levesque joins Mike and Leah to discuss her involvement with the DePave Paradise Project. Kristine shares about a successful project at Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon where they transformed a run-down tennis court into a space for outdoor learning and food education.

Join Mike and Leah as they chat with Skyler Haugan about respect, time, and adventures. Skyler runs an organization called The Moment Outdoors which focusses on encouraging people to put down their digital devices and explore Saskatchewan's landscape. 

This episode, join Leah and Brooklyn as they chat with Annika Mang from Born to Be Adventurous. Topics covered include ideas for getting families outside on adventures, breastfeeding in the backcountry, wild life precautions, the TrailCollectiv app, food ideas, and her book, Hikes for Families. 

Mike and Leah connect with Zoe Arnold from Wildernook Fresh Air Learning. Zoe shares about risky play, using tools, and supporting both outdoor and garden education.

This week, Mike and Leah are joined by Mary Smillie. Mary is a farmer located near Davidson, Saskatchewan and is a leading member of the Treaty Land Sharing Network. Tune into the conversation as they chat about sustainable agriculture, reconciliation, and allyship.    For further information, check out the Globe and Mail's article about the importance of the Treaty Land Sharing Network and the Regina Leaderpost's article about Mary Smillie's discovery of the importance of what grows on her farm.

Join Mike and Leah as they talk with Ann Coxworth about her lifetime of work in the environmental sector, her early years and our place in the world.  Learn more about the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.

Join Mike and Leah as they talk with Samantha Gunn about her journey as an outdoor educator.  Samantha works at Brightwater Science, Environmental and Indigenous Learning Centre and leads the Climate Educator’s Network.  We talk about connection to the land, solo time, and shifts in educational programming. Also mentioned is the One School One Farm project.  You can listen back to our interview about One School One Farm with Elizabeth Bekolay.   You can reach Sam at [email protected].   We talk about connection to the land, solo time, and shifts in educational programming.

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.

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

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 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/

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

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.

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.

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/

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

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

If you have ever been to a bookstore in Saskatchewan, you have probably seen the travel books written by writers Robin and Arlene Karpan. They are the award-winning writers behind The Great Saskatchewan Bucket List. In this episode, Robin and Arlene talk about their lifelong work as travel writers, photographers, and book publishers, while focusing on their own Saskatchewan adventures and their love for the Athabasca Sand Dunes.

Join Leah & Derek as they chat with Land-Based Learning teacher and new musher Garrick Schmidt about what it's like running land-based programming during the pandemic. Garrick also shares advice about getting started, and talks about his experiences running dogs and how he got started with dog sledding! 

Ashlyn George is the award-winning adventurer and writer behind The Lost Girl's Guide to Finding the World blog. She is the go-to travel expert in Saskatchewan but is no stranger to trips abroad. Having travelled solo through more than 60 countries on all 7 continents, she's a passionate storyteller in pursuit of excitement, learning and discovery. When not on the road, you can find her adventuring in own her backyard as well as online @thelostgirlsguide. Join Heather and Mike as they talk about Ashlyn’s world travels, what brought her back to SK, and what kind of activities she recommends for this winter.

Leah & Derek sit down with Kevin Lewis about Land-Based Learning, stories from the boreal forest, making birch bark canoes, connections between Cree language and the land, and where and how you might look to get started for yourself. Kevin is both knowledgeable and entertaining as he weaves together teachings and stories in this episode. Check out some resources Kevin recommends in the episode for more information on Land-Based Learning: https://kaniyasihkculturecamps.com https://www.instagram.com/kaniyasihkculturecamps/ https://www.wicihowin.ca https://indigenouslanguage.ca https://www.ikwc.org https://sicc.sk.ca http://www.otc.ca

Heather and Derek catch up with Jeff Moore. Because of his own nature-immersed childhood, Jeff has a lot of recommendations for parents and families about getting outdoors and fostering a love for nature. Join us for ideas for getting started with getting outdoors, and some great words of wisdom from Jeff for all parents. 

Derek & Leah chat with Andrea Nelson about the Leave No Trace Seven Principles: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors Resources: https://www.leavenotrace.ca/home https://www.adventuresmart.ca/  

This week Heather and Derek sit down to chat with Chris Clark to talk about Outdoor Learning. Join us for a discussion about about research and how Outdoor Learning is different from Outdoor Ed, discussions on some barriers, and ultimately some great ideas for roads in to getting started with Outdoor Learning in your own classroom. Learn more about Chris here: https://engagedstudent.weebly.com/outdoor-learning