Vision

As a continuation of our Prairie Pollinator Corridor project launched in 2023/24, we have expanded our efforts by adding more local grasses and native plants to the corridor between the staff parking lot and the school playground. This initiative addresses the critical loss of wild prairie grasses and plants, which are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. As communities grow, natural habitats are often cleared for housing, businesses, and infrastructure, displacing native flora and fauna. This widespread loss of biodiversity has far-reaching consequences, particularly for pollinators such as bees, as well as birds and other insects. Inspired by the Cree concept of Wahkotowin, which speaks to the deep interconnectedness of all living beings, our project recognizes that the well-being of one element of the ecosystem affects the whole. Through the creation and growth of our pollinator corridor, we aim to restore biodiversity in our immediate environment—bringing life back to the land where we work and play, while honoring the natural world as both ancestor and teacher.

Action

In 2023/24, our grade 5-8 UNESCO team with the help of our Mini UNESCO members (Grade 1/2s) launched the Prairie Pollinator Corridor project, and this year we, with the assistance across grade levels K-8, are continuing the initiative by expanding the corridor with additional local grasses and native plants. This work focuses on the first half of the corridor between the staff parking lot and the school playground. Our action directly addresses the loss of wild prairie ecosystems—some of the most threatened in the world—due to ongoing development and land-use changes. By planting native species, we are helping to reintroduce biodiversity and create habitat for pollinators like bees, as well as other insects and birds. This corridor represents a step toward healing and/or improving the land where we learn, work, and play.

Reflection & Celebration

We are looking forward to watching the growth of this corridor for years to come. Our students enjoy putting in the work and look forward to their rotations in the garden. In caring for the land in which we reside and learn, and that which supports us, we hope our students will build upon the connections made and carry that respect and understating forward in all aspects of their lives!