In recent
years, issues like urban sprawl, motor vehicle collisions with animals,
hunting, and habitat damage have caused more and more animals to be admitted to
SPWC. In response to this, we are starting an elementary and secondary school
education program that allows the next generation of youth to learn about local
Ontario wildlife, and how to support and nurture our natural areas for the
future. The topics addressed will be animal welfare, stewardship, and habitat
sustainability. Our sessions create awareness of the many ways human activity
impacts wildlife and teaches youth how to make positive, practical changes to
support our wild neighbours.
Why is this type of education so important?
The benefits
of wildlife education are enormous in developing young Canadians' interest in
learning about their natural world, how their actions affect the sustainability
of life to our local natural areas, and how they can become responsible
citizens of the Earth. Without the interest and passion of the next generation,
ultimately we cannot hope to save the local natural world around us, which has
vast consequences for our own quality of life.
What’s involved?
Interactive
and age-specific programs are delivered directly to the classroom and other groups
(such as Scouts, Guides, and after school programs) for grades 1 through to 12 (ages 6 to 17). A typical session is 30
minutes to one hour long, involving exciting activities that can be customized
to a specific group. All topics covered in a session are tied to the Ontario
school curriculum. We’ve also created brightly coloured handouts to use as
follow-ups, for projects, quizzes, or more learning. Our facilitator is a
qualified educator who currently works at the Cataraqui Conservation Area, and
will bring her special knowledge and experience to the program.
We have been
in contact with local teachers, school boards, community members, and the
Teacher’s College at Queen’s University. No comparable program exists in this
region and it has been well-received so far.
Sample
handout
What will it cost?
The program is
offered free of charge to schools and other youth community organizations in
the Limestone District School Board, a region which includes 45 schools in the
areas of Greater Kingston, Napanee, Amherst and Wolfe Islands, and Central and
South Frontenac. We recognize the financial pressures placed on education
resources and we expect teachers will be receptive in having free access to
quality presentations that capture the attention of and expand the horizons of
their students. It is hoped that by the time youth graduate, they will have had
a presentation each year. 
Let’s begin!
- What type of activity or topic
- Age group
- Location or school
- Anything else you would like incorporated
We will do our best to customize each session!
