History

In the spring of 2004, Val Marie and surrounding communities expressed concern regarding the declining rural school population and the reduction in educational and work experience opportunities for youth. The Val Marie school community and Grasslands National Park of Canada created a working group in April of 2004 to explore an educational initiative that would promote meaningful learning experiences through a rich connection to the natural and cultural wonders of our native prairie landscape.

In June 2005, Grasslands National Park of Canada (GNP) and Shaunavon School Division No. 71 (SSD No. 71) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that described the commitment and principles of this new educational partnership. Also, a half-time Program Manager was hired to initiate and develop the project. The Prairie Learning Centre represents the first provincial or federal effort to develop learning opportunities for students through a formal partnership with a school division and a national park of Canada.

The Prairie Learning Centre now represents a partnership between Grasslands National Park and the Chinook School Division. In April 2008, a full-time Program Manager/Outdoor Educator was hired to continue reaching out to students in the Chinook School Division and allowing youth to make connections to the native prairie of Grasslands National Park.

A contribution agreement was signed between Grasslands National Park and Chinook School Division for 2011 to 2014.