SK PCAP announces investment from TC Energy for environmental education programs for youth in Saskatchewan

After a very successful year of providing FREE education programs in 2023 to Saskatchewan’s elementary students, the Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) has officially launched Taking Action for Prairie for 2024! With a recent investment from TC Energy, SK PCAP is pleased to be able to accommodate more classrooms than ever before.

SK PCAP’s Education Coordinator, Shirley Bartz, offers a FREE curriculum-supported, action-orientated environmental education program that brings the native prairie ecosystem to both urban and rural classrooms in Southern Saskatchewan. Spring is a popular time of year for environmental programming, motivating students to learn more and connect with their local ecosystems.

Taking Action for Prairie (TAFP) is an in-class program delivered to

6th, 7th and 8th grade students that teaches concepts of prairie ecology and conservation. Students in 6th grade learn about biodiversity and species at risk, while 7th graders investigate ecosystem interactions, human impact and sustainability, and 8th grade students work with concepts of water quality/conservation, ecological goods and services and stewardship. Each class develops an Action Plan that involves steps they will take to conserve native prairie species, water ways or landscapes.

One participating teacher noted that her students benefitted from participating in “hands on learning about prairie footprints, with meaningful conversations and lots for them to think of” (K. Louttit, Grade 7). Another teacher confirmed the ability to integrate TAFP topics into future learning, noting

“We will carry on with this knowledge into biodiversity” (J. Hackle, Grade 8).

TAFP is great for teachers who are trying to find new ways to bring exciting and interactive science activities to their students. Last year, Shirley brought TAFP to 12 classrooms. With the new investment and partnership from TC Energy, Shirley is ready to take requests for TAFP classroom visits.

“TC Energy is excited about the future,” said Trevence Mitchell, Manager, Social Impact at TC Energy. “We are committed to doing our part to build the diverse, innovative workforce of tomorrow – a workforce that will help us solve our greatest energy challenges.”

Contact SK PCAP’s Education Coordinator, Shirley Bartz to book a class visit. Please contact her soon, as spaces are limited! Email: pcap.education@ gmail.com