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 highli...

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...

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...

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 perspec...

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 envir...

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'...

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...

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 R...

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 publ...

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 hol...

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. ...

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...

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 Networ...

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 y...

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 Weat...

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. Additi...

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...