One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project

The One School One Farm Shelterbelt Project is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability and bridging the rural-urban divide through educational initiatives. Registered with the business number 785630278RR0001, it operates as a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency.

Mission and Objectives

The project aims to promote biodiversity, address climate change, and enhance ecological literacy within school systems. This is achieved by connecting urban schools with local land partners to develop and plant diverse habitats. These habitats support pollinators, sequester carbon, prevent erosion, and maintain the water cycle[2][3]. The organization strives to build healthy relationships between rural and urban communities, ensuring that students feel valued and connected to the natural world[2].

Activities and Impact

Key activities involve consulting on the design and species selection for eco-buffers, prairie strips, and other biodiversity-enhancing projects. By engaging teachers and land stewards in collaborative plantings, the project promotes long-term relationships between classrooms and landowners. This approach not only boosts ecological services but also educates students about the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship[5].

Founding and History

The concept for One School One Farm was conceived in August 2018 by Elizabeth Bekolay, who sought guidance on how to help the land and future generations[5]. The organization was formally registered as a federal non-profit in July 2019 and has since continued to grow, engaging diverse communities in its mission to combine environmental conservation with community development[5].

Vision and Goals

One School One Farm envisions a future where healthier land contributes to healthier people. It aims to address the extinction crisis and climate change by creating biodiverse habitats and increasing ecological literacy among students[2]. The organization operates with the understanding that certain ecosystems, such as the native prairie in the Canadian prairies, are particularly vulnerable and require urgent conservation efforts[2].