Les Causeries | Playschool

Les Causeries | Playschool

RECYCLING

During January, February, and March, our class created four learning centers and four art activities using recyclable materials. We discussed how, instead of buying new toys and materials for our projects, we could reuse items we already have around our homes and classrooms. This creates less waste overall for the planet, which is good for animals and people.

We made a building center using recycled materials such as styrofoam, cardboard tubes, boxes, and yogurt containers.

We soaked dried-out markers in cups of water to create our own watercolor paints for art projects. The children were very interested in the process and happy to find a new use for our old markers.

We filled our sensory bin with styrofoam packing peanuts and styrofoam trays to explore building and breaking. We also set up a tabletop building center to create structures using styrofoam and toothpicks.

We used recycled plastic lids, packaging, and trays to explore white cloud dough made from old hair conditioners. The children used the materials to make monsters and birthday cakes.

We used various empty food containers glued to cardboard to create a 3D canvas for a class painting project. We also used empty Play-Doh containers as planters for our spring flowers - marigolds and zinnias.

During the four months, these are the materials we were able to reuse and recycle:

 

  • 15 plastic trays
  • 4 feet plastic cord
  • 60 plastic lids
  • 25 yogurt containers
  • 35 cardboard food containers
  • 10 tin cans
  • 4 sheets of bubble wrap
  • 2 large styrofoam packing pieces
  • 6 sq feet of foam sheets
  • 30 old markers
  • 15 cardboard tubes
  • 2 cubic feet of packing peanuts
  • 15 plastic food containers
  • 30 Play-Doh containers

THIS CONSERVATION PROJECT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY
DOUG WARREN.

Clymont | Playschool

Clymont | Playschool

EARTH STEWARDSHIP

The Clymont Playschool would like to extend a huge thank you to The Civic Service 52 Benevolent Society for allowing us to visit the zoo on October 30,2024 as a part of the Pay it Forward Program. The children had a fantastic time and learned more about animals, adaptations and their habitats.

Within our school, we work to teach the children how to be good stewards of the land. We recycle paper and plastic within the blue bags, use recycled craft supplies when possible, recycle bottles to the depot, and have a vermin posting(worm box) within the classroom. The box teaches about the red wiggler earthworms as well as about composting. The castings from the box are used in our playschool garden that is planted each spring.

We spend time year round in our Trail in the Woods, learning about the forest and its creatures. We feed the birds and squirrels, track footprints and watch as the seasons change. Families help tend to the trail with clean up days, and build bird houses and feeders together.

Once a year in the spring the children spend a day doing grounds clean up on the 26 acre property. We pick up the winters garbage and talk about keeping our Earth clean. This year the clean up will take place after Easter on Earth day and the following day.

Programs such as Pay it Forward give our community playschool children the opportunity to visit the greater community and learn and experience things they may not otherwise get to.

THIS CONSERVATION PROJECT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY
UNION 52 BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

A. Blair McPherson School | March Madness

A. Blair McPherson School | March Madness

ANIMAL CONSERVATION

Over 1000 students, teachers, parents, and zoo employees participated in A. Blair McPherson School's 7th Annual March Animal Madness! In this grade 9 student-led writing and research inquiry project, students supported their science and language arts class by selecting an animal, researching its adaptations, behaviour, and conservation status, and then writing about these using five different writing styles! Staff and students at A. Blair McPherson and many schools across Edmonton (and outside of Edmonton) took part by reading about each animal and voting them through to the next round!

From the very first round—"Welcome to the Jungle"—to the intense "Roar of the Final Four," animals battled head-to-head in a bracket-style competition. The stakes? The Golden Moose Trophy and ultimate bragging rights! Even eliminated species got a shot at redemption in the thrilling Zombie Pick Round, where four lucky creatures clawed their way back into the competition!

But winning wasn’t just about votes—it was about science, storytelling, and strategy. During March, students campaigned for their animals with print ads, videos, and persuasive presentations, all while refining their research and writing skills. Every matchup was a test of who could communicate their animal’s strengths the best, and when ties happened, it was the quality of research that decided the victor.

After weeks of intense competition and school-wide debates, only one species could claim the championship. 

So, who won?!?!

THE RED PANDA!!!!!!!

THIS CONSERVATION PROJECT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MELTON FOUNDATION.

February Art Update

FEBRUARY ART UPDATE

MISCHIEF & TROUBLE.

Painting for Conservation in the Conservation Station are going along beautifully.

My main focus has been Mischief and Trouble, the two beautiful red foxes that call the Edmonton Valley Zoo home. Mischief is the furthest along and is about 65% complete. This last week I have been working on her little beans.

The first collection of paintings will be released on April 1, 2025, at 6 PM, with new releases every 1st of the month at 6 PM.

When you purchase a painting, you can choose from two options: 1) Pick it up after the Painting for Conservation Exhibition wraps up in early January 2026, or 2) Take it home now, but return it for the exhibition, which is expected to start in November (dates TBD). Either way, your painting will be recognized with a special placard for its generous loan during the show.

Best of all, 30% of every sale will support the Valley Zoo Development Society, helping to fund important conservation initiatives. Don’t miss the chance to own a beautiful painting and contribute to a meaningful cause!

March Book Club Read: Eight Bears

BOOK CLUB

The February 2025 read was The Sixth Extinction (10th Anniversary Edition): An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert.

February 23, 2025 was the first book club meeting and the hybrid option went really well (Zoom and in the Otter Room of the EdVenture Lodge).

 

HELP BUILD OUR ZOO!

It is through today’s zoos that future generations will come to a greater understanding of the human impact on the natural world and be motivated to preserve it and reverse the damage already done. Every donation, big or small, helps us revitalize our beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo! Thank you for caring for the animals, our children's future and the planet!

 

Friendly Faces

FRIENDLY FACES

NIGHTS

LOCAL ARTISTS

INSTALLATIONS

VISITORS

The ice Walker: The Design teams rendering of how they intend to build this sculpture.

FRIENDLY FACES

A SMILE FROM BELOW THE SURFACE.

‘Friendly Faces’ is a series of bright, playful domes with endangered animals’ faces vinyled on to them. The 2’ and 3’ diameter domes flash with a variety of fun colours, taking an open field and transforming it into an engaging space for viewers to interact with various creatures. This installation encourages the conservation of these friendly faces by showing them in a new light.

‘Friendly Faces’ contains multiple repurposed and reused elements, and keeps energy consumption to a minimum through the use of LED lights, timers, and programming. It is constructed of polypropylene domes.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

THIRDSPACEE DESIGN GROUP

Thirdspace Design Group is a multi-disciplinary design studio that designs, fabricates, and produces immersive art and design experiences with a team of creatives from across the design spectrum. The design team includes:

  • Founding Partner, Amos Kajner Nonnekes, who is an experienced designer, public artist, and urban planner with multiple commissioned installations for public and private clients across Edmonton.
  • Art Director, Vinny Lee, who is an illustrator with experience producing multiple installations for festivals across Alberta. He has a diploma in graphic design, as well as years of experience providing art direction for multiple clients.
  • Industrial Designer, Mickey LaForge, with a background in engineering. Her expertise in this field supports the organization’s efforts to design and build novel installations with emerging technologies and innovative practices.

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Grevy’s Glow

GREVY'S GLOW

NIGHTS

LOCAL ARTISTS

INSTALLATIONS

VISITORS

The ice Walker: The Design teams rendering of how they intend to build this sculpture.
The ice Walker: The Design teams rendering of how they intend to build this sculpture.

GREVY'S GLOW

PILLARS OF CONSERVATION.

"Grevy's Glow" is an art installation dedicated to illuminating the success story of conservation efforts at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, highlighted by the joyous birth of a baby Grevy's zebra on July 23, 2023. By showcasing this remarkable achievement, Anthony hopes to encourage a deeper understanding and commitment to conservation within our community and beyond.

The exhibit features two 8-foot tall, illuminated pillars made from three boxes stacked one on top of the other, symbolizing the union of two zebras, creating a third. With "Grevy's Glow," we celebrate the ongoing efforts to grow the Grevy's zebra population. This exhibit aims to bring awareness, inspire action, and highlight the importance of preserving endangered species.

The pillars and pannel cutouts will be crafted using reclaimed wood to highlight Anthony's commitment to sustainability. Inside the pillars, color-changing LED spotlights will be strategically placed to illuminate the intricate details of the cutouts. Visitors will be invited to stroll amongst the pillars and interact with the installation from various perspectives. Grevy's Glow will provide a memorable photo opportunity.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Ace Wood Co.

The artistic driving force behind this installation is Anthony Eslava of Ace Wood Co. Anthony is a carpenter and woodworker with a dual passion: a creative spirit and a deep love for nature. Anthony's enthusiasm lies in seamlessly merging artistic expression with the inherent beauty of natural materials. He was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta.

Ace Wood Co. helps people create their dream environment with unique, thoughtfully designed items. Anthony is excited to expand his portfolio, crafting public art pieces that unite people, illuminate spaces, and serve as an artistic voice to express a deeper message.

This is Anthony’s sedond year creating for Zoominescence. Don’t forget to check out his other 2024 installation “Stripes in the Shadows“ and his 2023 installation "Northern Spirits"!

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