Robin Lokken and Rachael Groat of the Conservation Learning Centre proudly display their award. (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Award for Conservation

Conservation Learning Centre honored at RCE awards

May 3, 2023 | 1:00 PM

A Prince Albert organization received provincial recognition from their peers and Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty. At a ceremony at the EA Rawlinson Centre, the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE Saskatchewan) presented Prince Albert’s Conservation Learning Centre with the award for excellence in education for sustainable development in the community.

The EA Rawlinson Centre hosted the 15^th annual Awards for Achievement in Education for Sustainable Development today. There were 34 Saskatchewan projects were honored, including work by the Conservation Learning Centre.

“We are very thankful to receive such an award,” said Robin Lokken, general manager of the Conservation Learning Centre. “Just listening to the criteria of who would qualify for such an award, I’m super proud of what we’ve accomplished and everyone who’s been involved.”

In addition to school programs, working in the spring and fall with elementary school kids all the way to high schools, the Conservation Learning Centre does a lot of work with local farmers.

“For 30 years now, we’ve been conducting agricultural research, doing research that emphasizes sustainable practices,” said Lokken. “That research is of direct interest to local producers, with the goal of getting them to adopt these sustainable practices and technologies.”

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

17m ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

40m ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

1h ago

The event was not only a chance to meet with like-minded people, but a chance to bring them to Prince Albert to show off the work they do. Getting that work out to the public and hosting an event like this could help put the centre on the map.

“I hear often of people driving by and seeing our signs and not really knowing what goes on there,” Lokken said. “It’s great to have an opportunity to be able to share a little bit about us and get our name out there.”

“I’ve always been excited to visit (the Conservation Learning Centre) and I’ll try and visit tomorrow if I can,” said Roger Petry, co-coordinator of RCE Saskatchewan. “To be talking to agricultural producers about what sustainable agriculture can be, to have that greenhouse idea where they’re providing space for local groups, all of that is exciting.”

The presence of the Lieutenant Governor and so many people with similar passions and areas of expertise in what spot gave the conference exactly the atmosphere Petry was hoping for.

“This is our 15^th year doing it, and we wanted it to be a celebratory, special year,” Petry said. “Everybody has stepped up to the plate.”

RCE Saskatchewan has presented more than 300 awards since it started in 2007.

—-

rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP