High Prairie School Division proudly nominates the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation (BCBC) for the 2024 ASBA Friends of Education Award. Through their collaboration with the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory Society, Alberta Parks, and the Lesser Slave Lake Forest Education Society (LSFES), the BCBC provides exceptional educational experiences for students and communities. This partnership enables the Centre to pool resources, secure funding, and efficiently deliver programs, reaching thousands of students each year.
The BCBC actively incorporates Indigenous knowledge into its programming, working closely with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers to provide students with valuable in-person perspectives. Situated within Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, the Centre provides hands-on, immersive learning opportunities. Teachers have praised the Center's staff for their professionalism, flexibility, and commitment to environmental education, which deeply resonates with students.
With over 6,000 square feet of exhibits and a wide range of activities, including nature walks, ecology hikes, and bird observatory tours, the BCBC brings classroom concepts to life. The Centre's curriculum-based programming aligns with Alberta Education's standards, and students have the chance to interact directly with scientists. Nicole Krikun of the LSLBO emphasizes the importance of sparking a love for birds in youth to foster lifelong conservation awareness.
The BCBC reaches thousands of participants annually through its diverse programming. In the 2023/24 academic year alone, it delivered 105 curriculum-based programs to nearly 2,000 participants. Field trips and year-round programs, such as snowshoeing and outdoor survival training, further enrich students' understanding of environmental stewardship.
We are delighted to recognize the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation for its significant contributions to education, community enrichment, and land stewardship. Their dedication to fostering a deep appreciation for wildlife and environmental conservation among students makes them an outstanding candidate for the 2024 ASBA Friends of Education Award.
