Visit to Qarmartalik School in Resolute

We had a fun afternoon today visiting the school in Resolute. I talked to the students about my research and about Arctic plants. They were an enthusiastic, lively bunch with many questions especially about the use of plants and which plants they could eat. Resolute Bay's population is under 200 but there are over 40 students at Qarmartalik School, ranging from grade 1 to grade 12.

Grade 7-12 Qarmartalik School students on a mini field trip
to look at the local plants in Resolute

We went outside to a nearby hill to see what plants we could find. I thought we may not find anything as there is still quite a bit of snow on the ground but there was lots to see. It was a beautiful sunny, warm  day - a few degrees above zero anyway - and the kids were so happy to be outside in the fresh air.

Grade 1-6 Qarmartalik School students
with the whole town of Resolute in the background

We found purple saxifrage (Saxifrage oppositifolia) with large flower buds that will likely open in the next few days and even one tufted saxifrage (Saxifraga cespitosa) flower open! There were a number of catkins coming out on the Arctic willow (Salix arctica) and many other species just beginning to green up.



Purple saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia) and Arctic willow (Salix arctica)