"GroundWorks" is a year round training and support program offered through the Grounds for Change program at the Calgary Zoo. It is designed to encourage teachers to make the best use of the naturalized areas on their school grounds using hands-on curriculum focused activities.
The program works to provide support and resources to teachers, students and other community members to help design, construct and maintain the schools' natural areas. Groundworks helps to cultivate the natural area on school grounds, integrating curriculum expectations and inviting students to participate in the planning and decision-making of the final garden design. Furthermore, the program assists and mentors teachers and students as they plant suggested drought-tolerant plants, grasses and shrubs that are native to Alberta and specific to the eco-region. Assistance is provided yearly for spring and fall maintenance and any necessary pruning of small bushes, shrubs and plants.
Barriers/Challenges To Success
Teachers are discovering the benefits of outdoor classrooms. Naturalized areas provide the opportunity for tactile learning and cross-curricular activities. New changes to the Alberta curriculum have a strong environmental and practical science focus. With increased awareness and these new curriculum changes, the Ground Works program has been experiencing more interest in the area of teacher training workshops and modeling sessions. Without the proper infrastructure and funding in place, more schools will be turned away from the Ground Works program.
With the creation of each new naturalized area comes the need for maintenance and proper utilization of the space. The Grounds for Change program acts as a liaison and support network for teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders to come to for practical advice. With school staff turnover and student advancement, the Grounds For Change program offers a unique opportunity for schools to ensure the naturalized areas remain integrated with school programming. Without adequate field staff working directly with schools, more schools will continue to fall through the cracks.
Contact
Ms. Kathleen Hewitt
Education Fund Raising
Calgary Zoo
