Designed with diversity in mind

LARA invites Grade 4–6 classrooms to step outdoors and explore one of our living learning spaces through the Living Edge 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.

In 2026, LARA continued to invest in this outdoor learning space, making improvements to enhance both the student experience and the shelterbelt itself. Cenovus Energy donated $3,500, Strathcona Resources contributed $1,000, the Bonnyville Forest Nursery donated 100 trees, and Great White Mulching provided $5,000 worth of mulching services. These generous contributions have helped us upgrade and beautify the site, add educational signage, replace some of the trees that didn’t survive, and create an even better environment for students to explore.

Cost & Eligibility

Thanks to generous support from our municipal partners—the MD of Bonnyville and County of St. Paul—the Living Edge Shelterbelts Program is FREE for all schools within our area.

Book your class for the Living Edge Shelterbelts Program today!