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Ashley H., Spirit Bear Roaming, age fourteen.

Oliver Eberle

The Get to Know program was established in 2000 to inspire and empower a generation of passionate environmental stewards.

Contestants are encouraged to illustrate an experience with nature, whether that experience is spotting a tree frog on the way to school or the beauty of a flower in their own backyard. We encourage participants to consider all aspects of nature, including flora and fauna. We also ask contestants to share what inspired them to create their work of art, and many of them include a personal connection with nature or wildlife in their community.

The Get to Know program integrates three core educational competencies: communication, thinking, and personal and social abilities. Our program supports environmental learning, place-based learning, indigenous ways of knowing, personal awareness and social responsibility, and art.

The Get to Know program was established in 2000 by world-renowned artist and naturalist Robert Bateman “to inspire and empower a generation of passionate environmental stewards and to facilitate peace, harmony, and respect for nature.” It is now more important than ever that youth get outside, stay active, and learn the names of their wild neighbours. Bateman points out that youth can instantly recognize the logos of countless commercial organizations while many cannot identify local wildlife species in their own community.

The Get to Know program hopes to inspire youth to become more familiar with wildlife species in their community so they can help champion conservation efforts and become better stewards of the environment.

Multiple studies show that spending time outdoors increases children’s creativity, develops concentration skills, builds confidence, increases attention span, improves problem-solving abilities, gives a sense of belonging, and relieves stress. The Get to Know program engages youth in healthy outdoor activities to boost their mental, physical, and social well-being.

The Get to Know program is also an opportunity for youth to participate in a positive activity with healthy outcomes for their community and their environment. Youth bring a fresh perspective, energy, and an appreciation for what could be possible. Get to Know gives youth this opportunity, support, a voice, and an importance to their creativity, concerns, and their opinions.

We are honored to have the endorsement from several dignitaries, including Robert Bateman (Canadian naturalist, educator, and painter), Margaret Atwood (Canadian poet, novelist, teacher, and environmental activist), and Les Stroud (“Survivorman,” survival expert, filmmaker, musician, and writer/author). Since the program’s inception, we have received support from hundreds of teachers across North America.

Visit our website at gettoknow.ca for more information about the contest, and check out our educational resources page for fun-filled activities.

Oliver Eberle is programs manager with Get to Know Your Wild Neighbours.  oliver@gettoknow.ca