Watersheds Canada, in partnership with YAK Youth Services and Friends of the Tay Watershed, launched a Nature Discovery Backpack library in 2021. Thirty Ontario-curriculum linked Backpacks were available for students in grades 7-12. Each Backpack included all necessary activities and field equipment, such as a Water Rangers tiny test kit, aquatic dip net, field notebook, binoculars, and identification guides. The contents helped increase student engagement and identification skills regarding local species, and contributed to local environmental sustainability knowledge and action.
Don’t live in the Perth area but still want to get outside and exploring your local nature areas? Use our handy Nature Discovery Backpack checklist to see what you might want to bring with you on your next outdoor adventure. You can also download the Nature Discovery Backpack workbook for free and get started on outdoor adventures in your own community! You can also conduct your own water quality testing using a Water Rangers tiny test kit and this activity handout.
Project partners and supporters:
