Guardians of the Grasslands game teaches students about the role cattle play in protecting a key resource

The documentary "Guardians of the Grasslands" has now evolved into an online game for students in Grade 7 to 10.

Students in Alberta will be the first to experience the online grazing simulation game which focuses on the ecosystem services provided by raising cattle on grasslands.

Amie Peck, manager of public and stakeholder engagement with the Canadian Cattle Association says they had excellent uptake with the film in classrooms.

"We wanted to create a unique experience for students from every background to imagine themselves as land stewards and discover how different decisions result in changes to the ecosystem."

Through the game students will learn how cattle promote carbon sequestration and provide wildlife habitat through rotational grazing on native grasslands, by moving cattle at the right time, and leaving enough grass behind.

While the first version of the game is specific to Alberta, additional classroom versions are being planned for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Ontario for the fall of 2023.