By: Jessica Farquharson
In a world where electronics and technology have an ever-growing presence in our lives, maintaining and, in many cases, re-establishing a connection to nature is increasingly important for our general health and well-being. For nine years, the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA) has hired a student to deliver programming to students in the spring as well as run summer programs to educate them about nature in hopes of developing this connection.
Talia Fawcett, this year’s student, is here for a second time, having filled the position last year as well. Talia is going into her fourth year of school at the University of Regina, pursuing a degree in Education. Her services have been well received by teachers and students alike, as she displays her creativity and natural teaching ability in each class she visits. She has worked with many schools in the area as well as visiting care homes.
The goal of the program is to inspire people to take an active role in the preservation of the environment by educating them and increasing their awareness of the world around them. Talia focuses on plants and animals native to Saskatchewn and our area, hoping to facilitate an appreciation of the local environment by providing knowledge about it.
Talia’s belief is that “true stewardship comes from appreciating and feeling attached to the land”. She sees her job as not only educating people on the environment but through this education developing people’s connection to it, which will in turn encourage people to do their part in taking care of it. She also recognizes that this relationship works two ways as being connected to the land not only allows for us to keep the environment healthy, but also helps with improving our own health.
Talia loves educating children about the outdoors and believes that getting them excited about nature is important in developing habits that will set them up for a healthy and happy life.
This year many changes had to be made to the method of delivering the program to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of making in-person visits to classrooms, Talia attended many Zoom lessons with teachers and their classes. While she missed seeing the kids in person, she did appreciate being able to reach more students across Saskatchewan and even managed to reach some in Manitoba. She found that the best way to keep students engaged was to keep her lessons interactive by playing games as well as developing a relationship with the students.
With summer now upon us, people will be looking for ways to keep their children (and themselves) outside and active. Talia will be posting weekly activities to be enjoyed by all ages on the YFBTA blog as well as the YFBTA Facebook page. She will also be posting information about local trails and nature sites that provide enjoyment outdoors for the whole family. Throughout the summer, Talia will also be visiting daycares, seniors’ homes, and community groups either in-person or virtually, depending on government mandated restrictions as well as the preference of the group.
Even though this year looks different from previous ones, Talia looks forward to a busy summer full of activities that are “fun and interactive while following physical distancing regulations and safe hygienic practices.”
If you want to be involved in Talia’s summer programing, visit the YFBTA blog (www.yfbta.wordpress.com) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadflyaway.birdingtrail).