From Classroom to Nature: Educational Programs Shaping Tomorrow’s Conservationists

By Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.

In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy to forget how deeply connected we are to the natural world that sustains us. Thanks to the incredible support from SaskTel, however, a powerful bridge is being built between technology and environmental education in Saskatoon and beyond. Through their sponsorship of the City Nature Challenge (CNC) YXE 2025, SaskTel is helping to shape the next generation of conservationists, community leaders, and environmental stewards.

This partnership is more than just a financial investment; it’s a commitment to the people of Saskatchewan and to the health of our environment. In a province where biodiversity is a critical asset, this collaboration is creating far-reaching effects, from the classroom to the heart of our natural spaces. Together, SaskTel and the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. are empowering communities to take action, document biodiversity, and protect the rich natural heritage that surrounds us.

Empowering Community Conservation through Technology

SaskTel’s support has enabled us to enhance our educational programs with cutting-edge Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as the iNaturalist app, which allows citizen scientists to document biodiversity in real time. As students, families, and community members track local species, this valuable data contributes to ecological assessments and scientific research. In the past year alone, the number of tree species documented in the afforestation areas has skyrocketed from 12 to 52, and the species of concern observed has increased from 6 to over 60. This surge of community-driven observations has a ripple effect, bolstering our understanding of the local ecosystems and strengthening the conservation efforts that help to protect them.

SaskTel’s partnership has taken the science of monitoring biodiversity to new heights, demonstrating that community-driven technology solutions can lead to real, impactful change. This platform provides not only the data needed for conservation but also an opportunity for everyone in the community to actively contribute to the effort. By providing the tools to document, track, and share observations, SaskTel is helping to nurture an informed and engaged public—one that is deeply invested in preserving our natural world.

Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In Saskatchewan, as in many places, environmental education has often been limited to certain demographic groups, leaving behind those from marginalized communities. SaskTel’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in their active support of CNC YXE 2025, which focuses on reaching out to women in non-traditional roles, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Indigenous people. Through this initiative, these groups are not only encouraged to connect with nature but are also invited to take an active role in documenting and conserving Saskatoon’s diverse ecosystems.

By fostering inclusivity, SaskTel is helping to ensure that conservation efforts reflect the voices and experiences of all community members. The project’s diverse participation fosters a stronger, more resilient network of people who care about the environment, ensuring that the leadership of tomorrow will come from all walks of life.

Engaging Youth in the Natural World

As the next generation of environmental stewards, today’s youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of conservation. Thanks to SaskTel’s generous support, the CNC YXE 2025 is providing students with firsthand experiences in nature. Through classroom field trips to the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, students explore, observe, and learn about the wonders of local biodiversity. These interactive activities—such as pond dipping and species identification—offer a tangible, hands-on approach to learning that sparks curiosity, promotes environmental awareness, and fosters a lifelong love for the natural world.

SaskTel’s sponsorship ensures that these educational programs are accessible to youth across Saskatoon and surrounding communities. By supporting youth engagement in conservation at this critical stage, SaskTel is contributing to the creation of a new generation of environmental advocates.

Connecting Rural Communities with Nature

One of the most significant aspects of the CNC YXE 2025 is its outreach to rural communities in the greater Saskatoon area. With SaskTel’s support, we are able to extend the educational opportunities available in the city to nearby towns and villages, ensuring that all community members, regardless of where they live, have access to environmental education and citizen science activities.

This inclusivity helps bridge the gap between urban and rural residents, creating a shared sense of responsibility for the stewardship of Saskatchewan’s natural resources. By connecting rural communities with nature, SaskTel’s sponsorship is fostering stronger bonds within the province and reinforcing the importance of collaborative conservation efforts.

Strengthening Environmental Sustainability

The future of our environment depends on informed and engaged communities, and SaskTel’s investment in the CNC YXE 2025 is helping to build a foundation of sustainable practices in Saskatoon and beyond. Through the initiative, participants—whether students, families, or community members—are trained to observe and document species, including those at risk. This data is vital in identifying invasive species, tracking the effects of climate change, and guiding the development of effective conservation strategies.

SaskTel’s sponsorship not only supports environmental sustainability by aiding in the detection and monitoring of local ecosystems but also strengthens the ability of communities to address pressing environmental challenges, ensuring that Saskatchewan’s natural resources remain protected for generations to come.

A Commitment to Building a Resilient Future

By engaging communities, particularly youth, in citizen science and environmental stewardship, SaskTel’s support of the CNC YXE 2025 is helping to create a culture of conservation throughout the province. Through its innovative use of technology and focus on community involvement, SaskTel is ensuring that Saskatoon and surrounding areas have the tools to adapt to climate change and other environmental challenges. The information gathered through this initiative will guide decision-making, inform conservation strategies, and foster resilience against future environmental shifts.

This focus on building resilience makes the work of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas and SaskTel not just a short-term effort, but a long-term investment in the health and sustainability of the entire province.

Conclusion: A Partnership for the Future

SaskTel’s support of the City Nature Challenge YXE 2025 has proven to be transformative for the Saskatoon area, strengthening environmental education, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a future of informed, responsible conservation. Their commitment to community and environmental sustainability echoes throughout the province, empowering citizens to take an active role in preserving the natural beauty of Saskatchewan.

As we continue to document, protect, and celebrate the biodiversity of our province, the partnership between SaskTel and the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas ensures that the work we are doing today will have a lasting impact for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support, and we look forward to the continued success of the City Nature Challenge and the environmental stewards it inspires.

Thank you, SaskTel, for helping us build a greener, more sustainable Saskatchewan.