For several years now, I’ve had the privilege of being part of our school’s Eco Committee, working alongside passionate staff and students to make small but meaningful changes for our planet. This year, I had the opportunity to reflect on ‘why’ this work matters so deeply to me. I realized that my connection to nature has been a constant thread throughout my life — even as far back as grade 3, when I was proudly part of our school’s “Green Team.” Back then, we promoted recycling, reminded classmates to turn off the lights, and helped bring life back to our school courtyard. Looking back, it’s clear that this early spark for environmental stewardship has continued to guide me ever since.
Being an Eco Lead this year has been an inspiring journey of meaningful learning, connection, and discovery. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a professional development session hosted by Peel Eco Schools in partnership with Toronto Region Conservation. The experience was rich with practical strategies and heartfelt perspectives from the Outdoor Education Team and members of the Indigenous Education Team.
One of the resources shared was the book Treaty Words: As Long as the Rivers Flow by Amiee Craft, a powerful resource to incorporate Indigenous voices and histories into our eco work. It reminds us of the importance of our relationship to the land. A line that truly resonated with me from the book was, “she knew it was a privilege to be there”—on the land, witnessing the transitions of nature and understanding our role within those relationships.
Our afternoon was spent intentionally preparing for our outdoor space. We used materials like milk bags and newspapers to create our very own sit spots. Once we entered our outdoor space and found our quiet sit spots, we took time to reflect on our responsibility to the land. It made me think deeply about how we have a duty to care for it, to leave it as we found it, and to ensure that our presence honours the delicate balance of nature. This sense of responsibility is a living practice rooted in Indigenous teachings about respect, reciprocity, and renewal, a perspective beautifully shared through Treaty Words.
We settled into “sit spots”. Special places where we can pause, observe, and connect deeply with nature. As I sat in my spot, despite the busy sounds of traffic on Hurontario to my left and a construction truck repairing pavement to my right, I was amazed at how slowing down made me feel. I noticed the beauty in the grass, how a spider delicately moved from one leaf to the next using its web, and the countless ladybugs dotting the greenery like little jewels. After a quiet 10 minutes of connecting with the land, we were equipped with macro cameras that allowed us to zoom in on the tiniest details of life around us. The macro cameras took a simple, tiny flower that I might normally overlook and revealed stunning close-ups of vibrant colors, intricate textures, and miniature structures. A hidden world of wonder right at my feet! That tiny flower is now the wallpaper on my phone. A small reminder that even amongst the noise and hurry, there’s a world of hidden wonders waiting right at my feet.
Sit spots are more than just a quiet place outdoors. They are invitations to practice mindfulness and patience, encouraging us to observe the environment with all our senses, seeing, smelling, feeling, and even tasting where safe and appropriate. This kind of connection nurtures respect for living things and fosters a sense of belonging within the natural world.
I encourage every educator and student to find their own sit spot. Whether it’s a patch of grass at school, a local park, or a garden corner at home, taking time to slow down and really notice the smallest creatures and plants can bring unexpected joy and a renewed sense of care for the environment.
Let’s all continue to nurture our connection to nature, because when we look closely, listen deeply, and feel fully present, we discover that the world around us is alive with stories, beauty, and lessons waiting to be learned.
