Nature Discovery Backpacks
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with different community groups across Canada, has been developing and delivering a Nature Discovery Backpack lending library program. See if there is a lending library near you!
Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Alberta
In partnership with Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Watersheds Canada launched a Nature Discovery Backpack lending library in 2024. Thirty backpacks were created under the guidance of local Elders and staff and were also Alberta-curriculum linked for K-12 students.
Carman, Manitoba
Watersheds Canada provided two freshwater-themed backpacks in 2023 to the Boyne Regional Library to add to the suite of nature-themed backpacks they have available to borrow. These freshwater-themed versions of the Nature Discovery Backpack are Manitoba-curriculum linked and encourage families to explore local freshwater bodies and the species that call these areas home.
Greater Madawaska, Ontario
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with Greater Madawaska Public Library and Learning Centre, launched a Nature Discovery Backpack lending library in 2023. Ontario-curriculum linked Backpacks and a new permanent book collection for the library are available for students in grades K-8 to borrow. Funding support was provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
Hastings Highlands, Ontario
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with Hastings Highlands Public Library and Lake St. Peter Property Owners Association, launched a Nature Discovery Backpack lending library in 2023. Fifteen Ontario-curriculum linked Backpacks are available for students in grades K-8 to borrow. Funding support was provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
Perth, Ontario
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with YAK Youth Services and Friends of the Tay Watershed, piloted a Nature Discovery Backpack library. Thirty Ontario-curriculum linked Backpacks were available for students in grades 7-12 in 2021. Funding support was provided by Peterborough K. M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with Girl Guides of Canada-Saskatchewan Council, launched a Nature Discovery Backpack lending library in 2024. Twenty Saskatchewan-curriculum linked Backpacks were available for students in grades K-10. Funding support was provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
N’Swakomok / Greater Sudbury, Ontario
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, and the Greater Sudbury Public Library, launched an English Nature Discovery Backpack lending library in 2022 and French library in 2023. Over 50 Ontario-curriculum linked Backpacks are available for students in grades 7-12 to borrow from public library branches and the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation library. Funding support was provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and Peterborough K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Watersheds Canada, in partnership with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) – Manitoba, launched a Nature Discovery Backpack lending library in 2023. Twenty-six Manitoba-curriculum linked Backpacks are available for students in grades K-8 to borrow from CPAWS-MB during their workshops. Funding support was provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.