MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation (MJWF) wrapped up its annual “Classrooms on Ice” program recently, providing local students with hands-on lessons in ice fishing, aquatic ecology, and environmental conservation.
Designed for elementary school students, the program ran for two weeks on Buffalo Pound Lake.
“We stage (the classroom event) out of Loney’s Point (at Buffalo Pound), and it’s targeted at Grades 5 and 6,” said Todd Smith, president of the MJWF.
With each intake, the first lesson focused on fish physiology and introduced students to the various species found in Buffalo Pound Lake. Smith explained that students learned about fish behaviour, food chains, and evolutionary adaptations.
Next, students participated in water quality testing and benthic sampling — a hands-on exploration of lake ecology. Armed with water testing kits and sediment samplers, students examined the chemical composition of the lake and identified macroinvertebrates living in the mud.
“They take a mud sample from the bottom of the lake, and they talk about the macroinvertebrates that roam in the mud and how they fit into the food chain, what their goals are, and how different species survive in the winter,” Smith explained.
Each day concluded with the most anticipated element of the program: ice fishing.
Under the supervision of experienced mentors, students learned how to set up their fishing gear, drill holes in the ice, and practice the principles of catch-and-release fishing.
“They are on the lake, and they’re taught about the different gear for ice fishing,” Smith said. “We talk about catch-and-release, the importance of catch-and-release fishing practices, and how we manage our fishery resources. (Students) then go out fishing and try to catch some fish for the day.”
While the event is primarily intended for schools, its popularity means spaces fill quickly each year.
“Every year, there’s always a waiting list. It books up usually right around December, and this year it was booked solid,” Smith said. “We try and get as many classes from Moose Jaw as we can, and we give priority to Moose Jaw schools. If we do have any openings that aren’t filled, we will open it up to schools from outside Moose Jaw.”
This year’s program saw 10 classes participate over two weeks, along with a special one-day weekend session for 33 scouts and their parents with the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Scouting group, bringing the total to 11 days of programming.
The “Classrooms on Ice” initiative has earned national and international recognition for its innovative approach to environmental education. Originating in Moose Jaw, the program has inspired other Wildlife Federation branches across Saskatchewan to launch similar initiatives.
“(The classroom project) originated with the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation,” Smith confirmed, adding that he is “super happy” to receive the honour of this recognition.
While “Classrooms on Ice” has concluded for the year, the MJWF has plenty more educational projects in store. Planning is already underway , which teaches students about . The federation will also host its annual fundraising dinner in May, with proceeds going to support educational programs like these.
Reflecting on the success of this year’s ice fishing experience, Smith hopes more teachers and community members will get involved in the future.
“If people would like to get involved, whether it be a teacher looking to book a class or (someone willing) to volunteer, they can contact us through our website or through our Facebook page,” he said.
For more information about the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation and its conservation efforts, visit “” on Facebook or its website at .
