This year, our theme is Action<\/strong>. Throughout the school year, we’ll explore ways students can make a difference for wildlife and their communities through different types of actions. Read our WILD Education blog<\/a> to learn more about the different types of actions.\u00a0 But before we jump into action, we need to start with something even more important: connection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The WILD Spaces journey goes through five phases:<\/p>\n Every meaningful action begins with understanding and appreciation. That’s why our first step is to connect with the outdoor spaces around us.<\/strong><\/p>\n When we think about wildlife, it’s easy to imagine forests, wetlands, or national parks. But wildlife exists everywhere. School grounds, parks, gardens, and even small patches of grass can provide habitat for wildlife.<\/p>\n In fact, the most important thing about a WILD Space isn’t its size. What matters is the role it plays in supporting the plants and animals that call it home.<\/p>\n Take your students outside and encourage them to explore with curiosity. Ask questions such as:<\/p>\n There are no set answers. The goal is simply to start paying attention.<\/p>\n We often move through outdoor spaces without really seeing them. Connection begins when we slow down.<\/p>\n Invite students to spend a few quiet minutes observing a single spot. They may notice:<\/p>\n Even spaces that seem ordinary can reveal extraordinary details when we take the time to look.<\/p>\n Consider having students record their observations through sketches, maps, or journal entries. These observations will become valuable as your WILD Space changes throughout the year.<\/p>\n One of the best ways to connect with nature is to return to the same place again and again.<\/p>\n As students revisit their WILD Space throughout the seasons, they begin to notice patterns and changes:<\/p>\n By returning regularly, students develop a stronger connection to the space and a greater sense of stewardship for the living things that depend on it.<\/p>\n Sit Spot Activity<\/strong> – Follow these links to learn about Sit Spots, where you use all five senses to quietly connect with your WILD Space. Sit Spot Webinar<\/a> , Sit spot resources<\/a><\/p>\n Wildlife Search<\/strong> – Look for evidence of wildlife, including tracks<\/a>, nests, feathers, insect activity, and animal homes. If you find any, upload photos to The Great Canadian Bioblitz<\/strong><\/a> (Sept 18 \u2013 27) on iNaturalist to help community science.<\/p>\n Nature Journal<\/strong><\/a> – Project Learning Tree has tips on how to teach nature journaling. Use this resource to create a record of observations, questions, sketches, and discoveries throughout the year.<\/p>\n This month, focus on getting to know your outdoor space. What wildlife is already there? What makes this place unique? What stories does it have to tell?<\/p>\n In the next blog, we’ll explore our second WILD Spaces theme: Learn<\/strong>, where we’ll provide more resources to help you learn about what is already in your WILD Space.<\/p>\n For now, head outside and start noticing. Sometimes the biggest actions begin with simply stopping, looking, and connecting.<\/p>\n\n
Every Space Is a WILD Space<\/h3>\n
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Slow Down and Observe<\/h3>\n
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Build a Sense of Place<\/h3>\n
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Try These Connection Activities<\/h3>\n
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Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n