Meewasin is the steward of the river valley in Saskatoon and area, which is upwards of 67 square kilometers of area. Our staff works hard year-round to conserve and monitor the natural spaces that provide habitat for wildlife, provide opportunities for outdoor learning, and offer engaging public experiences in the Meewasin Valley.
Guided School Programs
Meewasin’s Interpretive Team offers seasonal programming and land-based learning opportunities to students and teachers at sites such as the Northeast Swale, Beaver Creek Conservation Area (BCCA), and the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza.
Current Programs
In partnership with Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Divisions, Meewasin is currently offering Grade 3 Programming at the Northeast Swale, Grade 5 programming at Beaver Creek Conservation Area supported by SaskPower, and all grades programming at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza (skating season only).
Booking information for these programs will be distributed through the school divisions directly.
Program Descriptions
Grade 3 Ecology Programs – Northeast Swale
Explore Nature in the City! The Grade 3 Program at the Northeast Swale is a half-day of learning in a unique prairie wetland habitat. This program includes a nature hike in the ecological core of the Northeast Swale and features the exploration of ecosystem connections, identification of grassland plants and wildlife, nature mindfulness, and discussions of Indigenous Worldviews and treaty relationships as well as other place-based learnings.
These half-day programs (9:30 am – 11:30 am OR 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm) are offered in spring (May & June) and fall (September & October).
Learn more about the Northeast Swale
Grade 5 Ecology Programs – Beaver Creek Conservation Area
Beaver Creek Ecology programs include a full day of learning out in nature! You and your students will learn about and observe spring/fall migration, and mating and nesting behaviors of common birds at Beaver Creek with a special focus on the resident Black-capped Chickadee. This program also explores the impacts of weather systems on plants and animals, sustainable grassland management, medicinal plant uses, keystone species, predator-prey relationships, and the importance of citizen science.
These full-day programs (10:00 am – 2:30 pm) are offered each spring (April – June) and fall (September – November). We are grateful to SaskPower for their support of Meewasin’s educational programming.
Grade 5 Cross-Country Ski Program – Beaver Creek Conservation Area
In this full day program, students have an opportunity to feed the resident Black-capped Chickadees at Beaver Creek and to learn about winter adaptations, the importance of snow as habitat, and animal tracks on the open prairie. Students are introduced to cross-country skiing through a short lesson, followed by a 60 – 90 minute ski on the upland prairie with stunning views of the South Saskatchewan River Valley.
This ski trail is both fun and accessible for all skill levels! This full-day program (10:00 am – 2:30 pm) is offered in winter (January – March).
Learn more about Beaver Creek Conservation Area
All Grade Levels – Interpretive Programs at the Cameco-Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza
Join an interpreter at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza in downtown Saskatoon for an outdoor skate and a chance to learn more about Meewasin and the importance of the river valley corridor. There is no target age group for this program, it is open to any class that would like to participate.
This half-day program is offered during the outdoor skating season (January – March).
QUESTIONS? For questions related to programming/facilities please contact our Interpretive Team at 306-374-2474. Our staff are in office Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Resources for Educators
K-12 Digital Resources: Are you an educator interested in accessing resources to help you get started or find some new ideas for land-based learning?
Meewasin, in partnership with Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools have developed a series of award-winning K-12 resources to help educators to achieve curriculum outcomes in an outdoor environment.
These materials will help you prepare for and engage your students in outdoor learning, and include:
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- Getting Started (Setting up for Success & Excursion Checklist)
- An Interpretive Program Guide for the Meewasin Valley
- Grade-specific curriculum-linked lessons for K-12
- Quick Facts and more!
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We are very proud to share that these resources have been recognized by RCE Saskatchewan with the 2021 Lyle Benko Future Generations Award!
ACCESS THE RESOURCES: Educators can submit a request to access our K-12 educator resources by completing a short form at this link.
