For many of us, May marks the beginning of Spring! However, as the snow clears and green is finally visible in Calgary, May is also significant – it marks the revival of many environmental youth initiatives. Below are some of the projects that the Sir Winston Churchill Earth Club is involved in. There are many new environmental projects and I would strongly advise everyone to partake in one of them, they’re fun! 🙂
1. Green Youth Gathering
This half day event takes place in Bowmont Park, students from varying high schools across Calgary come together to meet and explore Bowmont Park. Activities involve picking up litter around the park, helping to remove invasive plant species with a famed Calgarian (who was instrumental to the formation of parks in Calgary) and a hot dog and marshmallow campfire roast afterwards. It’s always extremely fun and entertaining to come.
2. Yellowfish Road Project
This project, sponsored by Trout Unlimited (http://www.tucanada.org/) attempts to raise awareness about our water quality. This project involves a short lecture by members of Trout Unlimited and an afternoon where high school students can interact with elementary students to draw yellow fish on storm drains in the community. More information can be reached via: http://www.yellowfishroad.org/
3. Adopt-A-Park
This program involves organizing students to go to a local park to maintain our natural spaces. The project takes place over a half day where participants will fight off invasive species, clean trails, pick up litter and prepare the park for summer users. The Sir Winston Churchill Earth Club will be hosting the program at Nose Hill Park. More information can be found at: http://content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Parks/Get+involved/Volunteer/Adopt+a+park/Adopt+a+Park+Calgary.htm
4. Recycling
Organizing an efficient system of recycling (both traditional and electronic) is an easy and painless way to help the environment! Raising awareness about recycling can stem the flow of paper, plastic and glass into the City’s landfills.