R.L. Beattie students take learning outdoors to restore local bog

Grade 6 students from R.L. Beattie Public School took their learning outdoors to participate in a bog restoration project within their school community.

“Students applied their learning in a real-world setting while contributing to the local environment,” said science teacher Emilia Corsi, who is the EcoSchools Lead at R.L. Beattie Public School.

Students studied the biodiversity of a nearby ecosystem and learned about the critical role bogs play in storing carbon and supporting wildlife.

As part of the restoration work, they transplanted native bog vegetation harvested from plant material from a healthy bog near Cartier.

Students worked alongside Dr. Pete Whittington, a peatland restoration scientist, and Colin Veevers, an Environmental Science teacher at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School.

Lo-Ellen Park students mentored the younger students in the field.

“Students are excited to continue monitoring the site to see how the transplanted hummocks establish and grow as the bog ecosystem recovers,” said Principal Stephen Winckel.

He added: “This is another way in which our students are demonstrating environmental stewardship.”

-30-

Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.