Every day, FortWhyte Alive creates opportunities for people to learn about nature in nature.
From every ecosystem and living thing, there is something to learn along every one of FortWhyte Alive’s trails but one of the best ways for Manitoba’s students to learn is at our Specialty Science Days, a series of themed educational days held in partnership with local environmental science experts.
On these days, students are invited to half or full days of workshops centred around different themes. The first of these days, Freshwater Day, was held on October 2 and welcomed students from grades 7-12.
Students took lake water samples and used chemistry kits to test oxygen, phosphorus, ammonia and pH.
They learned about how lakes layer (stratify) and how this affects water quality, and experimented with layering water of different temperatures.
They learned about IISD-Experimental Lakes Area research and experimented with the watershed concept, and did an experiment to figure out how topography affects the flow of water.
They shared tea made with Indigenous plants with Daija, an environmental science student who shared about the connection with her Anishinaabe culture and ceremony, and her experiences providing land-based programming in Indigenous communities.
They got into boots and waders and planted willows and cattails along an eroded shoreline.
They learned about protection for freshwater species at risk like bigmouth buffalo, and the risks of invasive species like zebra mussels and common carp.
Quotes from students:
- “I learned that the bigmouth buffalo can live to 127 years old!”
- “I learned about the importance of preserving water not just for usage but for the fish that live in it.”
- “If you hammer willow sticks into mud, it will grow again into a new tree, and help to hold together the shoreline.”
- “Wetlands are awesome, they take up carbon and help a lot with the environment.”
- “I learned how water samples and tests are taken during field work.”
- “I found water chemistry really interesting and definitely want to learn more about that and other ways to monitor lakes and rivers.”
Quotes from teachers:
- “Students had the opportunity to learn and experience Indigenous medicine through trying cedar and hyssop tea.”
- “I watched my students participate in hands-on activities, which kept them interested, and having them just being outside was a positive thing.”
Thanks to our educational partners!
FortWhyte Alive thanks the following organizations and experts for sharing their knowledge and inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists.
IISD Experimental Lakes Area
South Central Eco-Institute
University of Manitoba – Manitoba Great Lakes Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Aquatic Invasive Species and Aquatic Species at Risk
Daija Torres, U of M student for sharing teachings about plant medicines
Thanks to our funders!
Canada Water Agency through the Eco-Action Grant
