Let’s Talk Outdoors

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Urbashi sits down with educator, author, and researcher Dr. Gillian Judson from Simon Fraser University. The conversation explores the core concepts of imaginative ecological education, why emotional and imaginative connection to nature is vital for learners of all ages, and how educators can move beyond traditional indoor boundaries to foster a deep, lifelong care for the natural world.

Resources & Links

imaginED

A Walking Curriculum by Dr. Gillian Judson  

How to Be Hopeful by Ellen Kelsey  

Join Leah and Mike as they sit down with Jory Vermette to explore climate challenges in Saskatchewan and the many ways youth and adults can take part in creating positive change. Jory shares insights from his work with Climate Justice Saskatoon, where he advocates around the province’s electricity systems and explores the social and political dimensions of climate justice. This conversation highlights both the realities of climate change and the opportunities for meaningful action at the community level. 

Climate Justice Saskatoon 

Bite Size Change

Lauren MacLean is a primary teacher, author, and outdoor learning consultant who helps children and educators build meaningful connections with nature. With a background in land-based education through Soaring Eagle Nature School, she brings a play-based, inclusive approach to outdoor learning. Lauren is the author of several children’s picture books (Me and My Sit Spot, Risky Play Gone Away) and the professional resource Sitting With Nature, and she hosts the Teach Outdoors podcast.

Risky Play Gone Away

Me and My Sit Spot

Sitting with Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots

Teach Outdoors Podcast

Dr. Rachel Tidd is passionate about using outdoor and place-based learning to enrich literacy and math instruction. She is the author of Wild Learning: Practical Ideas for Bringing Teaching Outdoors and the creator of the Wild Math and Wild Reading curricular resources. A former elementary and special education teacher, Rachel holds a doctorate in Sustainability Education with a focus on literacy from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Her research explored how sustainability can be integrated into upper-elementary English Language Arts instruction in Canadian classrooms.

Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to bring Teaching Outdoors

Wild Math

Wild Reading

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Leah chats with Monique Strachan, the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Camps Association (SCA).

They discuss the benefits of summer camp for children and people of all ages, how to choose a camp, and the resources available through the SCA to help families find the right camp and access financial support.

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Dr. Marcia McKenzie (PhD), Professor and Associate Dean of Sustainability in the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne, discusses quality climate education, the importance of action, and how early life outdoor experiences can inspire a career. She shares her experiences in outdoor education, critical pedagogy, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into education.

Join Leah and Justine on this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors as they chat with with Denise Skuce, an experienced educator for outdoor play, who shares her deep passion for connecting children with nature.

Drawing from her 30 years of experience, Denise highlights the benefits of outdoor and forest school play, emphasizing its role in fostering exploration, resilience, and a connection to the environment.

She discusses how educators can incorporate nature-based activities into their practice, the importance of risky play, and the value of being outside in all weather conditions. 

Denise also touches on the role of Indigenous ways of knowing and offers practical advice for overcoming barriers to outdoor education, including proper gear and the willingness to step outside comfort zones.

In this episode of Let's Talk Outdoors, Jennifer MacDonald, a non-Indigenous Canadian educator, discusses her journey into outdoor education. She shares her experiences from childhood to teaching, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the natural world and integrating treaty education into outdoor experiences. Jennifer also touches on narrative mapping and the challenges and successes she's encountered in her career.

Join Leah and Justine on this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors as they chat with Kristen Simonson, a passionate outdoor and environmental educator from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Kristen is the founder of Sage Creek Prairie School, where she brings land-based learning to life. She shares insights on bushcraft skills, reconciliation, and creating outdoor experiences for learners of all ages, while inspiring curiosity, connection to nature, and stewardship of the land.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Outdoors, Leah and Justine are joined by Denise Heppner and Tirzah Reilkoff to explore what outdoor learning looks like in practice—both in early years and through a professional development lens.

Denise is an Associate Director of Professional Learning with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. With over 20 years of experience in education, she’s taught in both public and private K-12 systems, and at the university level in Special Education and Indigenous Education.

Tirzah teaches Kindergarten and Grade 1 in rural Saskatchewan, where she facilitates daily, holistic outdoor learning. Her approach is rooted in student interest, curiosity, and connection to the land.

This episode is perfect for recreation professionals, outdoor educators, and anyone passionate about meaningful learning in outdoor environments.

Sponsored by: Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association