Welcome Outdoors, a new SaskOutdoors initiative aimed at helping newcomers feel safe and connected in natural spaces, is inviting residents to take part in a series of free outdoor walks across the city as spring approaches.

While the first session was held Feb. 15, the next walk is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. Participants will meet at Crescent Park’s west entrance, near the intersection of Langdon Crescent and Cordova Street.

The program is being facilitated by community educator Karla Rasmussen, who will meet participants at the park entrance and can be spotted wearing what she described as a “wonderfully loud” 1980s parka.

Rasmussen said the goal is to offer a low-barrier, inclusive way for people to get outside, whether they are new to Saskatchewan or have lived in Moose Jaw for years.

“This is meant to be a really low-barrier opportunity to get folks out and hopefully make some connections — not only with parks and green spaces in our area, but also with other community members,” Rasmussen said.

Welcome Outdoors is designed primarily for newcomers, but Rasmussen emphasized that the program is open to everyone and intentionally encourages long-time residents to join in.

A major barrier for newcomers is a lack of familiarity with Saskatchewan’s environment, including winter conditions and local flora and fauna.

“We know folks come to Moose Jaw from all over the world, and that is just such a wonderful thing,” she said. “We also recognize that people come from countries that have different flora and fauna, as well as different seasons, and we have folks here in Moose Jaw who perhaps have not had a winter before.”

While she credited organizations like the Newcomer Welcome Centre and the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council for helping newcomers adjust to their new home, Rasmussen said Welcome Outdoors offers a chance to take that next step and explore local green spaces with support.

“I feel those two organizations have done a great job equipping newcomers with what to wear and how to be safe outside, and now that they have that knowledge, they can come out and explore,” she said.

The program will continue through May, giving participants a chance to experience Saskatchewan’s seasonal shift firsthand — from ice-covered ground to the return of spring greenery. While February’s sessions are both based in Crescent Park, Rasmussen said future walks are expected to expand to other green spaces across the city.

“We’ve chosen to start in Crescent Park, mainly because it’s central and fairly popular and well-known,” Rasmussen said. “So we wanted to start with a place that some newcomers and local people are already familiar with, and not push them too far out of their comfort zone to start things off.”

The first walk, titled Tracks, Trails & Tiny Clues, was held Feb. 15 and invited participants to look for footprints and other signs of wildlife activity in Crescent Park.

The next session, Winter Birds & Backyard Survivors, is scheduled for Feb. 22 and will focus on common winter birds, listening for bird calls, and learning how trees and plants can be identified even without leaves.

Rasmussen encouraged residents to bring someone along — especially someone who may be new to the community.

For more information, contact Rasmussen at WelcomeOutdoorsMJ@SaskOutdoors.org or call 306-690-9290.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express