Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) students and staff continue to work together to make a meaningful difference with the environment. Guided by the long-held wisdom of Turtle Island taught to us by First Nations, Métis and Inuit, who continue to be stewards of the land and water, we recognize a deep and reciprocal relationship and commitment to the environment.
At the April 28 Board Meeting, the winners of the 19th Annual Tim Walker Award for Environmental Stewardship were announced.
We proudly congratulate the 2025-26 Winners:
- Northlake Woods Public School
- Trillium Public Schools
- Forest Heights Collegiate Institute
- Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School
Congratulations to the students and staff from the selected schools. Thank you for championing these inspiring environmental initiatives in our community. Your efforts to make your school green and environmentally friendly will have a lasting impact for years to come.
Project Summaries
Northlake Woods Public School - Native Shade Tree Replacement Project
As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and Indigenous learning, Northlake Woods Public School will plant two native shade trees. Rather than planting several small trees, the school has chosen to plant two larger trees - a silver maple and a red maple - to provide shade and canopy cover to outdoor play and learning areas. This project builds on ongoing Indigenous learning, connects students to the land, supports climate resilience, and reinforces the importance of protecting and restoring native tree cover within the community.
Trillium Public School - Trillium Peace and Learning Garden
The Peace and Learning Garden at Trillium Public School aims to foster environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and student leadership.
In this new outdoor learning space, students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 will take part in planting and caring for species that support pollinators and local ecosystems. Through hands-on involvement, students will be able to observe the direct impact of their actions on the environment.
This project is guided by Indigenous consultation, ensuring that both the garden design and planting choices are informed by land-based teachings and culturally respectful practices. By combining Indigenous knowledge with hands-on planting, habitat creation, and biodiversity initiatives, students learn to care for local ecosystems. This work honours Indigenous values of reciprocity, stewardship, and responsibility to the land.
Forest Heights Collegiate Institute - The Lorax Play
Students and staff at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute will host a production of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax to teach the school and community about the importance of environmental stewardship.
This fun and educational production encourages audiences to take action by planting and caring for trees and plants that provide food, shelter, and oxygen for humans and wildlife. By combining learning, creativity, and community participation, the project aims to offer a meaningful experience for performers and audience members alike.
Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School - Greenhouse Garden: A Natural Approach to Soil Amendment and Biodiversity Gains
At Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School, students will learn about drought-tolerant perennial and annual plants and the importance of companion planting to improve soil health in the school's Greenhouse Garden.
The project aims to increase biodiversity both above and below the soil level, while strengthening the garden's resilience to erosion, pests, and drought-like conditions common during Ontario summers. Through this hands-on learning, students will explore efficient water use while maintaining a sustainable yield of edible produce and pollinator-friendly plants.
About the Tim Walker Award for Environmental Stewardship
The award was established in 2006 by the Board of Trustees to honour the life of the late Tim Walker, a secondary school teacher. The focus of the award recognizes his contributions to education and environmental initiatives. It aims to encourage the growth and sustainability of green initiatives in our schools.
Every year, schools are invited to submit their applications to receive $500 in funding for a project or initiative that is environmentally focused. Up to $2,000 is available each year.
The Adjudication Committee includes:
- Stephanie and Jim Walker (parents of the late Tim Walker)
- Trustee Meissner
- Student Trustee Krishna Aarya Trivedi
- Student Trustee Kinjal Kaur
The committee reviews applications from schools and considers the following criteria:
- Staff and student involvement (current and future) and environmental stewardship
- Impact on student learning, fostering learning and engaging students
- Environmental benefits, including:
- Shading
- Greening
- Waste reduction
- Recycling
- Organized action/school environmental club, etc.
Schools that meet the criteria are then selected to receive the awards for that school year.
