🌿 Looking Back: A Year of Wild Learning

This school year, WILD Education newsletters supported learning across the seasons:

Fall: Trees and Seeds, Nocturnal Wildlife and Migration
Winter: Adaptation and Hibernation and Brumation
Spring: Thaw and Pollinators and Plants

Each theme encouraged outdoor learning, inquiry and stewardship — helping students understand that nature is not something “out there,” but something we are part of.

🎉 Celebrating Educators & Students

“What if I told you that by being in the outdoors, we can not only change landscapes, but people too? That’s my mission, because through getting people involved in the outdoors, I believe we can change the world.” – Nate Wilbourne, 14 years old.

Whether you transformed a schoolyard, planted pollinator gardens, used Project WILD activities or simply took learning outdoors more often — your efforts matter. Research continues to show that time in nature supports student well-being, engagement and learning, and this year clearly demonstrated what’s possible when educators make space for nature.

We celebrate you for:

  • fostering curiosity and care
  • supporting student voice and action
  • bringing learning to life beyond classroom walls

WILD Education Workshops

There’s still time to continue your WILD learning journey! Join us for a WILD Education Workshop on June 27 in Mississauga, where educators will explore Project WILD activities and practical ways to bring nature-based learning into all seasons.

  1. Mississauga in-person workshop: June 27. Learn More
  2. Can’t attend? Join the workshop waitlist to be notified when future opportunities are available. Sign up for the waitlist.

🏕️ Summer Ideas for Students

This summer is a great time to discover CWF’s non-formal and informal education programs, designed for youth, families and lifelong learners:

Non-Formal Education Programs

  • WILD Outside — This program shows young people (ages 13 to 18) the joys of environmental stewardship, community service and connecting with nature.
  • Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC) — This program (for youth aged 18 to 30), inspires participants to develop their passion for conservation, awareness of their natural environment and a deeper appreciation for service to their community.
  • Love Your Lake — In partnership with Watersheds Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and landowners protect shoreline ecosystems and water health. Nominate a lake near you to be part of the program.
  • WILD Generations — This program encourages intergenerational knowledge sharing, social inclusion, civic engagement and service-learning through outdoor activities and conservation actions.

Informal Education Programs

  • Gardening for Wildlife — Every wildlife-friendly garden is a haven that can act as a stepping stone between other gardens, parks and larger areas of natural habitat. Start your garden today!
  • WILD Family Nature Club — Become a club member for free and gain access to a variety of outdoor resources. Earn badges by taking part in self-directed activities. Join a local club to take part in community events!
  • Nature Sketch — Learn how to sketch nature in a workshop. Email [email protected] for more information.
  • Hinterland Who’s Who — Continue learning about wildlife and habitats at your own speed at Hinterland Who’s Who. Download the WILD Gang app for even more fun.

These programs help nurture curiosity, stewardship and connection — at any age. Learn more on the Canadian Wildlife Federation Education website.

🌼 Wishing You a WILD Summer!

As the school year wraps up, we wish you time to rest, recharge and reconnect with nature. Whether that happens in a forest, garden, backyard or lakeshore, we hope summer brings moments of wonder and reflection.

Thank you for being part of the WILD Education community. We look forward to learning with you again in the fall!

🌿 Happy summer!

For more educational resources, sign up for our WILD Spaces newsletter, where you learn how to plant a pollinator garden in your schoolyard.