Designed with diversity in mind

LARA invites Grade 4–6 classrooms to step outdoors and explore one of our living learning spaces through the Forest-Inspired Shelterbelts Program. Set within LARA’s multi-species shelterbelt, students spend the day discovering how thoughtfully designed shelterbelts can function like natural forests—supporting farms, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems.

A Living Outdoor Classroom

Our shelterbelt is an outdoor classroom where students can experience the interconnected layers of a forest system:

Trees & Shrubs – Identify diverse species and learn how each contributes to soil health, habitat, and landscape resilience.

Wildlife Connections – Look for tracks, nests, insects, and other signs of life, exploring how shelterbelts provide food and protection for countless creatures.

Ecosystem Interactions – Observe how plants, animals, soil, and climate work together to create a thriving, self-sustaining environment.

Throughout the day, students investigate biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the benefits of forest-inspired shelterbelts in agriculture. They compare microclimates, examine soil types, and explore how multi-species plantings enhance resilience, reduce wind erosion, and support wildlife. By the end of the day, students gain a meaningful understanding of biodiversity, ecosystem health, and how innovative shelterbelt design can transform the land—while enjoying a fun, exploratory day outdoors.

Cost & Eligibility

Thanks to generous support from our municipal partners—the MD of Bonnyville, County of St. Paul, and Smoky Lake County—the Forest Inspired Shelterbelts Program is FREE for all schools within our area.

Book your class for the Forest Inspired Shelterbelts Program today!