Meet The Founder
Hello, and welcome! I'm Rabeya Shikdar Orpa, an environmental educator, conservation advocate, and graduate researcher based in British Columbia. I created Land and learning to inspire people of all ages to connect with nature through curiosity, education, and meaningful experiences outdoors. My journey into conservation began with a simple fascination for the natural world and a belief that education has the power to create lasting change. Over the years, that passion has grown into a career dedicated to ecological restoration, environmental outreach, and community engagement. I have had the opportunity to work with schools, conservation organizations, local governments, researchers, and community groups to help make environmental science more accessible and relevant to everyday life. I am passionate about environmental education and community outreach. Throughout my career, I have designed and delivered educational programs that help people better understand British Columbia's ecosystems, native species, and the environmental challenges facing our province. I have worked with students from elementary classrooms to university settings, as well as families, community organizations, and volunteers, creating opportunities for people to experience nature through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration.​
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been connecting young people with the environment. I have also been fortunate to collaborate with several organizations dedicated to conservation and environmental education, including the Grassland Conservation Council of British Columbia (GCC), Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC), Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD), and Thompson Rivers University. When I'm not teaching, researching, or organizing community events, you'll often find me hiking local trails, photographing wildflowers, identifying native plants, or simply enjoying the quiet moments that nature offers. I believe that spending time outdoors helps us develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and reminds us that conservation begins with connection. I created Land and Learning because I wanted to bring together science, education, storytelling, and community in one place. Thank you for visiting, and I hope you'll join me in celebrating and protecting the remarkable natural heritage of British Columbia.
My Mission
My Vision
My mission is to inspire environmental stewardship by making nature education engaging, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. Through science-based learning, community partnerships, and meaningful outdoor experiences, we encourage people of all ages to develop a deeper understanding of British Columbia's ecosystems and the important role they play in sustaining life.
I envision a future where every person feels connected to nature and empowered to care for it. By fostering environmental literacy, supporting community action, and encouraging lifelong curiosity, we hope to contribute to healthier ecosystems, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Why "Land and Learning?"
Land and Learning was created from a simple belief: people are more likely to protect nature when they understand it, experience it, and feel connected to it. The name itself reflects the idea that nature is constantly communicating with us. A blooming wildflower signals the changing seasons. The return of migrating birds tells us that habitats are healthy. The sound of flowing water, the growth of native plants, and the diversity of wildlife all reveal stories about the condition of our environment.
Listening to the land means paying attention to these stories, learning from them, and recognizing our shared responsibility to protect the places that sustain us. Through education, curiosity, and collective action, we can ensure that these stories continue to be heard for generations to come.
