By Katie Borgfjord, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Grab your map, it’s time to unpack, Nature Discovery Backpack – your gateway to nature’s vast track!
Unleash your inner explorer and embark on a captivating journey with Nature Discovery Backpacks – where the wonders of the great outdoors meet the thrill of hands-on science and immersive nature-based learning.
About This Event
Our Nature Discovery Backpacks are specially curated to help you explore and learn about the wildlife and landscapes of Manitoba. Developed by Watersheds Canada and CPAWS Manitoba.
Each backpack contains:
- Manitoba field guides (birds, trees, tracks, and mammals)
- Water quality testing kit
- Binoculars
- Collection jars
- A take-home workbook
During the event, participants borrow a backpack for an hour and set off on an adventure through Assiniboine Park, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature while learning about the environment around them. Led by Environmental Educator Carly Gray.
Participants will also receive an extended learning workbook to take home and learn with all summer long.
Workbook activities include:
- Observing squirrel behaviour
- Learning about constellations
- Nature crossword puzzles
- Tree identification
- Leaf rubbing
- Birding
- Forest bathing and mindfulness
- The rock cycle
“Working with Carly on the CPAWS-MB team has been wonderful from the very start. CPAWS-MB is the first group outside of Ontario to deliver the Nature Discovery Backpacks and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner to work alongside!” says Monica Seidel.
This program is created by Watersheds Canada’s Monica Seidel, and adjusted to Manitoba environment by CPAWS Manitoba’s Carly Gray.
Monica Seidel works on the Watersheds Canada team as a lead communicator, fundraiser, and educator. She created and runs the Nature Discovery Programming and online Freshwater Stewardship Community to facilitate the connection of people of all ages with nature, wildlife, and each other.
About the Backpack Program:
The Nature Discovery Backpack program was launched in 2020 in response to the pandemic and the lack of in-person education programs Watersheds Canada was able to host. These backpacks have everything a family, classroom, or individual needs to get exploring in their own backyard or local nature area!
Each backpack is customized to the region, containing all necessary age-appropriate lessons and field equipment. The goals of the program are to increase student engagement and identification skills regarding local species, and to give them the tools they need to contribute to local environmental stewardship projects. The Nature Discovery Backpack program is currently being delivered in communities across Ontario and Manitoba in English and French.
Monica Seidel works on the Watersheds Canada team as a lead communicator, fundraiser, and educator. She created and runs the Nature Discovery Programming and online Freshwater Stewardship Community to facilitate the connection of people of all ages with nature, wildlife, and each other.
About Watersheds Canada:
Watersheds Canada is a registered Canadian charity committed to providing education programs in communities across the country to engage and help students, community groups, and organizations enhance and protect the health of lakes, rivers, and shorelines.
Watersheds Canada is involved in a variety of projects and programs at the local, provincial, and national scale. Since 2002, we have delivered education programming and workshops, freshwater stewardship programming including shoreline naturalizations and assessments, and communications grounded in science including natural heritage planning and resource development.
Their programs focus on shoreline plantings and assessments, fish habitat enhancements, stewardship resources and training, and education outreach. Watersheds Canada envisions people caring for their waters, resulting in clean, healthy lakes and rivers to support humans and wildlife for years to come.
Learn more: https://watersheds.ca
Watershed socials: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
–This Nature Discovery Backpack program is delivered in partnership with CPAWS Manitoba and Watersheds Canada, and is generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation–
About CPAWS Manitoba:
CPAWS Manitoba has been instrumental in establishing 22 new parks and protected areas in our province. That’s an area larger than Lake Winnipeg at nearly 26,000 square kilometres. Our goal is to protect half of Manitoba’s lands and waters.
About the CPAWS Manitoba Nature Club:
CPAWS Manitoba’s Nature Club is designed to help Manitobans get outside, make new friends and learn about the wonders of nature.
We’ve developed a wide range of programming and activities to help Manitobans of all ages and abilities enjoy the health and wellness benefits of nature.
Find out more at our website – www.cpawsmb.org – and be sure to subscribe to our events newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so you don’t miss out on upcoming events.
What’s in the backpacks:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtbvSBgJ7qW/