Cranberry Bog is Green Learning Space

Children can learn a lot from a bog, especially when it's on their school property.

For more than 10 years, students at St. Stephen's School in Halifax have used the cranberry bog at their school as a green learning space.

"This simple bog gives students hands-on learning experiences, so they can develop a deep appreciation and respect for our natural environment," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash, who toured the bog with students today, June 9.

"We owe it to our children to give them these experiences and to help make Nova Scotia a cleaner, healthier province for future generations," said Mr. Morash.

The students do walkabouts, collect soil and species samples, and plant trees to learn about the bog's ecosystem. Their learning experiences are directly tied to the science curriculum.

"The St. Stephen's bog project is an effort by students, parents, teachers and former teachers to provide educational, experimental and leisure activities that extend beyond the four walls of the classroom," said principal Amy Boutilier. "We were both honoured and excited when our efforts were recognized last year by the Tree Canada Foundation which named St. Stephen's the winner of the John Fisher Memorial Award."

Each year the award is presented to the Canadian school whose efforts to create green spaces for learning merit recognition. The award was created in memory of the first chairman of the Tree Canada board of directors, who died in 1997.

The bog is part of the school's naturalization program. Other projects include installing alternative play structures, planting trees to better protect the schoolyard from wind, and building a boardwalk to prevent foot traffic from disturbing the bog.

The bog at St. Stephen's School is one of many Nova Scotia success stories being celebrated during Environment Week, June 5 - 11. For more information on keeping Nova Scotia's environment clean, visit www.gov.ns.ca/enla/envirowk .