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 public and private K-12 systems, and at the university level in Special Education and Indigenous Education. Tirzah teaches Kindergarten and Grade 1 in rural Saskatchewan, where she facilitates daily, holistic outdoor learning. Her approach is rooted in student interest, curiosity, and connection to the land. This episode is perfect for recreation professionals, outdoor educators, and anyone passionate about meaningful learning in outdoor environments. Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

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 River Gardens One School One Farm Nature Journaling resource - Coming Soon! Royal SK Museum native plant sale This episode is proudly sponsored by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA). Thank you for supporting conversations that connect people to land, learning, and each other.

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 holds a BA in English (High Hons.) from the University of Regina, and a Certificate in Public Relations from the University of Regina, Centre for Continuing Education. When she is not advocating for a better quality of life through recreation and parks, Carolyn enjoys writing and performing spoken word poetry, spending time with her friends and chosen family, hunting for elusive vinyl records, and spending time outside in the sunshine. Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Contact Carolyn June is Parks & Rec Month - Connect on Common Ground - includes Invitation to Celebrate (used to be proclamation), posters, and links to sign up for webinars.  Ivy and Dean Consulting Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan  Framework for Recreation in Canada - Includes long and short survey links Canadian Inclusive Green Spaces Symposium in Saskatoon in June 11-13 SPRA Grants SPRA Careers page and volunteer opportunities page (coming soon) SPRA Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Linked in

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. Shelley also runs a parented program, guiding caregivers to embrace the benefits of outdoor play. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and is a certified Early Childhood Educator Level 2. She completed the Forest & Nature School Practitioner course through the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada and is a TimberNook Certified Teacher and Provider, specializing in outdoor play, sensory integration, and child development. Shelley is committed to promoting the importance of getting kids outside in all weather and all naturalized environments. Timbernook Saskatoon

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.com/xalishmedicines/ https://www.instagram.com/themedicinecircle https://www.instagram.com/herbalacademy/ https://www.instagram.com/shoporganicolivia https://www.instagram.com/wildrosecollege https://www.instagram.com/rosaleedelaforet/  

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 Network Mary Smilie Podcast Episode Network in Canadian History and Environment Jane's Walks

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 youth representative on the City of Regina Community Advisory Group. Sophia is now pursuing a career in environmental engineering to create sustainable and accessible futures.

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 Weather Makers book - Tim Flannery This Changes Everything book - Naomi Klein Solutions Board Game from the Outdoor Learning Store

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. Additionally, Maeghan encourages educators to cultivate new, inclusive habits, integrating inclusive play into the classroom environment. Learn more about Maeghan.  Resources PLaTO-Net - Play, Learn and Teach Outdoors Network Dr. Louise de Lannoy speaks about Outdoor Play Quality Participation on Playgrounds Blueprint A Blueprint for Building Quality Participation on Playgrounds for Children with Disabilities: Programmer Version Jump Start Training for Play Leaders Outdoor Play Canada Megan Zeni - UBC - online educator outdoor play tool Outside Play App Inclusive Play Leadership Certificate 

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, more convenient choice. This is something we need to figure out to actually affect change.

Leah and Mike connect with David Pratt to chat about Indigenous connection to land, treaty rights, and reconciliation. David is the first Vice-Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN). 

Kristine Levesque joins Mike and Leah to discuss her involvement with the DePave Paradise Project. Kristine shares about a successful project at Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon where they transformed a run-down tennis court into a space for outdoor learning and food education.

Join Mike and Leah as they chat with Skyler Haugan about respect, time, and adventures. Skyler runs an organization called The Moment Outdoors which focusses on encouraging people to put down their digital devices and explore Saskatchewan's landscape.