Growing prairie plants is straight forward and provides an excellent learning opportunity. Traditionally, high school classes grow pea seeds or corn seeds to study plant growth and function, and read accounts of ecological problems far removed from their local context. In an effort to provide a more accessible learning experience, local ecosystems are linked with the basic science taught in the classroom. Linking this to the new curriculum given by the Province of Ontario, this provides students with the opportunity to link their education with practical matters and generates interest in the possibilities of further education, either in university or college, in the environmental science/environmental management stream. This manual could be used in either the academic or applied courses outlined by the new curriculum, tying local knowledge and context to a high school education.