Through a new program called "Taking Action in the Greenbelt," EcoSchools Canada will teach students in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region about the importance of biodiversity and native plant species, while giving them hands-on experience planting trees, shrubs, and other native plants on their school grounds and lands within the broader community.
With $70,000 in funding from the Greenbelt Foundation, EcoSchools Canada will develop tools and resources for students in kindergarten to grade 12 that will build their knowledge of plants and the surrounding ecosystems. The organization will collaborate with 34 school boards and districts in the Greenbelt, engaging directly with 150+ schools, and 75,000 students. This initiative will support new and existing EcoSchools which are seeking to achieve EcoSchool certification for the 2022 school year.
"I am proud to see this partnership between EcoSchools Canada and the Greenbelt Foundation come together to educate students about the environment," says Andrea Khanjin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. "Building this awareness through hands-on experiences will work to foster lasting interest, care and support for protecting the environment."
Established in 2005, EcoSchools Canada's award-winning certification framework fosters student leadership and supports environmental education in K-12 schools across the country. Each year, schools apply for and receive EcoSchools certification by choosing from over 45 environmental actions that address issues ranging from energy conservation to waste minimization. The program reaches over 1,000,000 students annually across nine provinces and territories.
"Increasing natural cover in urban communities is a priority for the Greenbelt Foundation and a crucial step in adapting locally to the climate crisis," says Edward McDonnell, CEO, Greenbelt Foundation. "EcoSchools Canada is a perfect partner to help educate the next generation about climate change and natural cover, and lead students in making positive impacts in their schools and local communities."
"As a national program that was born and raised in Ontario, EcoSchools Canada is proud and excited to bring awareness of the Greenbelt region nationwide through our program. Ontario students will get their hands dirty planting native plants, shrubs, and trees with support from this grant, and we can't wait to see the results," said Ryan Dyment, Director, EcoSchools Canada.
To support varying COVID-19 scenarios, EcoSchools Canada will be developing education materials that can be used during in-person, virtual, as well as hybrid learning experiences. Education resources will be developed in both English and French. EcoSchools will also create a "Greenbelt Action Card" that will guide students and their communities in identifying native plants on school property, collect data on natural cover before and after plantings, and identify potential impacts to their communities under different climate scenarios.
To read a Backgrounder with additional details, please click HERE.
