YOUTH EDUCATION - Waterton Biosphere Region

Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

The Waterton Biosphere Region believes that meaningful experiences in nature help foster lifelong stewardship. Through hands-on learning opportunities, students explore local ecosystems, wildlife, watersheds, and the people who care for them.

Since 2012, our youth education initiatives have connected thousands of students with the landscapes that make southwest Alberta unique. Working alongside schools, landowners, Indigenous partners, government agencies, educators, community organizations, and volunteers, we create opportunities for young people to learn outdoors, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.

Our Impact

More than 7,800 students engaged through flagship education programs.
Partnerships with schools, parks, local landowners, conservation organizations, and community experts.
Learning experiences focused on stewardship, wildlife, watersheds, biodiversity, and sustainable land use.

Learning Through Partnerships

Our youth education programs are successful because of the many organizations, educators, volunteers, landowners, Indigenous partners, presenters, and community members who generously share their knowledge, time, and experience. Together, we help young people build connections with the land and gain the knowledge needed to become future stewards of southwest Alberta’s landscapes and communities.

Wetland Field Day (2012 - Present)

Each autumn, approximately 100 Grade 5 students from Cardston Elementary School participate in Wetland Field Day at Police Outpost Provincial Park.

Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, students learn about wetlands, grasslands, biodiversity, water systems, and stewardship. The program connects classroom learning to real-world landscapes and demonstrates how people, wildlife, and natural systems are interconnected.

Topics include:

Wetland ecology
Wildlife habitat
Water quality and watershed function
Grassland ecosystems
Environmental stewardship

Thanks to Fran Salt, Jennifer Jenkins and Andy Hurly who graciously provided some of the photos below.

Bear Safety and Awareness

In addition to our flagship programs, the Waterton Biosphere Region supports a variety of educational opportunities throughout the year. WBR staff regularly deliver bear safety presentations for schools, Hutterite Colonies, and community groups. These sessions help students and residents understand:

Bear behaviour and ecology
Reducing human-bear conflicts
Attractant management
Safe recreation and working practices in bear country

Day on the Creek (2017-2026)

For a decade, Day on the Creek brought hundreds of students and community members together along Pincher Creek for a unique outdoor learning experience focused on watershed stewardship.

Students moved between interactive learning stations led by educators, scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, community organizations, historians, conservation practitioners, and volunteers. Activities highlighted the connections between healthy watersheds, thriving communities, wildlife habitat, and local history.

Students explored:

Watersheds and water stewardship
Riparian and aquatic ecosystems
Indigenous perspectives and connections to the land
Native plants and wildlife
Local geology, archaeology, and history
Human impacts on the environment

Although the program concluded in 2026, it remains an important part of our education legacy and demonstrates the power of community-based learning. Thank you to the many teachers, staff members, students, individuals, and organizations who made this event possible.

Over its lifetime, Day on the Creek engaged approximately 6,400 students and became one of southwest Alberta’s largest outdoor environmental education events. Please enjoy looking through the photos from over the years or watch the video created in 2018 about this event.