How Merah Gasmo is using outdoor education to build healthier communities in Greater Victoria
Merah Gasmo believes good things grow outside.
She came to Victoria from Regina for school, and worried about how she would get to know her community. In second year, she took an exercise science and physical health education class with Jennifer Gruno that opened her eyes to nature-based physical activity.
She saw the benefits of nature literacy and community exercise programs with outdoor components: increased mental and physical health outcomes, environmental stewardship and, most importantly, greater community connections. Her passion for connecting people with the place around them has bloomed into graduate studies on nature-based learning.
We caught up with Merah to talk about what motivates her to give back to Vancouver Island.
What does community mean to you?
To me community is people and places. The people you know, see often, and the special people who hold you up. But also, the people you have yet to meet or don’t know as well. The people in your neighborhood that you may only see once or twice or the people in your workplace who you see many times, but haven’t connected with yet. All of these people make up your community. Community is also places. The places that you live. The places you work. The places you play. And most importantly the place you consider home.
How does spending time outdoors build stronger communities in Victoria?
My work improves daily life by helping people build stronger connections with one another and with the places they live. In a fast-paced society, technology often makes communication easier, yet it can also contribute to feelings of isolation. By creating opportunities for people to play, learn, and spend time together outdoors, my work helps bring people together in meaningful ways while also strengthening their relationship with the land. When people feel connected to each other and to place, communities become stronger, people feel a greater sense of belonging, and daily life becomes a little brighter!
What does the South Island’s natural environment teach us about resilience and stewardship?
My work is inspired by the plant beings of the South Island. Specifically, the many native species. I have been fortunate to spend time learning from local teachers about the many plant beings on the island. I have learned about the teachings they offer and their many medicines. These plant beings remind me of resilience, patience, and the importance of taking time to slow down and notice.
What happens when you give kids in Victoria their own garden to tend?
I was involved with the Hillcrest Elementary School garden project during my undergraduate degree, and I’ve continued in different capacities since receiving my teaching degree. One day, I spent a lunch break with the students in the gardening club. I was surprised to learn that when the club started, there were 60 students who signed up. Students would tend to the garden on lunch breaks by watering, pulling weeds, raking the ground and pulling invasive plants. The moment I realized how much this garden meant was when a student came up to me and shared that her grandfather used to be a farmer. She then shared that this garden was so special to her because now she was able to learn how to grow plants and food and be a “farmer” just like her grandpa.
What contribution are you most proud of, even if it felt small at the time?
Teaching students how to garden was my first experience teaching outdoors and with nature. Seeing how excited the students were to learn about the different plants and then be able to plant real plants in their garden was an amazing moment. I felt proud knowing that I was able to help those students build a connection with nature that will hopefully last throughout their lifetime.
Was there a moment when you felt truly appreciated by the young people you work with?
I receive letters, drawings, and messages of thanks from the students I work with, and those small gestures mean so much because they remind me that the experiences we share together have made an impact. Seeing students discover their confidence in nature, develop a connection to nature, or simply find joy in being outdoors is incredibly rewarding. The students are my greatest motivators. They inspire me every day and give me the energy and purpose to continue this work. Knowing that I have played even a small role in helping young people learn, grow, and feel connected to their community is one of the most meaningful forms of appreciation I could receive.
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