With the recent snow fall in the Bow Valley, it is hard to imaging the Prairie Crocus (purple flower in photo) lying dormant under the snow.
Don’t be fooled! This harbinger of spring (actually a buttercup, not a crocus at all) is ready to flaunt its fuzzy coat and remind us of the warmth on the way.
Did you know? The Prairie Crocus has a specially evolved globe-shaped bloom with silvery reflective petals to capture and focus the sun’s warmth, raising the temperature in the centre of the flower up to 10°C warmer than the surrounding air temperature! This adaptation makes it the perfect B&B for early season pollinators.
Spring Programs
April 22nd: Earth Day, making seed paper for planting
As an Earth Day action project, I’m excited to share that K-7 students will be mulching up their classroom’s scrap paper, adding native wildflower seed approved by the Town of Canmore and allowing it to dry in paper screens. Watch this video for inspiration. Not only will we divert paper from the waste stream, we will be sending students home with seed paper to start their own wildflower gardens of yarrow, clover, vetch and more. To request this program, please email Heidi.
May 19th: Ways of the Bison program at Star 6 Ranch
This education program about the ecology and culture of the Bison is entering its 4th year. Grade 4 students from Nakoda Elementary School and École Notre-Dame des Monts will meet one another and share in a day of learning from Stoney Nakoda Elders, Parks Canada and one another.
The 2026 program at Star 6 Ranch is full. However, if you’d like to host a lesson about Bison or be involved in the 2027 program, please send me an email with your grade and the desired curriculum you’d like integrated (e.g. Grade 9 Biological Diversity).
May-June: Pollinator Garden at École Notre-Dame des Monts
Volunteers needed! If you’d like to help us with turning soil, watering and planting the small pollinator garden at NDM, please be in touch!
April-June: Wildlife Safety & Bear Spray Training
With Spring on its way, Bears will be emerging from hibernation and hungry for easy food, often in residential areas. Springtime also brings along calving for Elk and we can expect to see defensive behaviour, particularly from new mother cow Elk.
Our longstanding wildlife safety programs help prepare students to stay safe with helpful tips and practical bear spray training (Grade 7 and up). We also offer wildlife safety training for teachers and staff upon request.
The wildlife safety programs are delivered at low or no-cost to local schools in the Bow Valley with a $25 fee for each can of inert bear spray (typically works for 2-3 students per can). Email Heidi to request a wildlife safety program.
Every Thursday: Future Leaders Youth Council
Do you know a student in Grade 8-12 who is passionate about climate change, the environment and change? We have a group of passionate students who meet after school and are always keen for new members. Meetings in Canmore at the Biosphere Institute office are 4:30-6pm on the first and third Thursday of the month. Meetings in Banff at the Banff Public Library are 4:30-6pm on the first and third Thursday of the month. Email jackie@biosphereinstitute.org for more information.
Upcoming Events
World Day of the Glacier event information here
Register for a free spot at the Earth Talk here
Helpful Environmental Resources & Programs
Check out these amazing FREE webinars from Green Learning. They provide curriculum-connected resources and inspiration to bring Earth Month into your classroom!
Are you a lifelong learning looking to improve their practice? Check out these incredible Professional Development opportunities from the Outdoor Learning Store and their partners.