Earth Week comes to Cowichan
Greening of students and the Cowichan community is the drive behind Earth Week action at Shawnigan Lake’s Dwight International School.
Dwight’s garden of activities includes a April 17 visit by federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May.
Principal Tim Crofton is amped about her speech — and showing folks his students are tackling eco-initiatives.
“It’s in line with our belief pupils should be in tune with their minds, bodies and the environment,” he said.
April 16 involves an Earth Week launch with local environmentalists, activists, gardeners, artists and educators leading pupils through activities inside and outside during 3:30 and 5 p.m. sessions.
T.J. Watt of the Ancient Forest Alliance identifies trees based on bark and branches. Herbalist and perfume master Karen Van Dyck of Vitale Natural Care and Shea Butter Market explains the Seven Trees Initiative finding healing oils from global women’s cooperatives and sustainable harvest communities.
Alison Philp of Damali Lavender Farm explains her sustainable farm.
Cowichan Land Trust’s Kai Rietzel explains pushes to protect the valley’s environment.
April 17 sees Matt Hill of Run For One Planet explain steps to Earth care, then lead a run to Shawnigan village to show saving the planet takes tiny steps.
Lunch will hear Saanich-Gulf Islands MP May speak about climate change and the proposed Enbridge pipeline project, then field questions.
April 18 is a visit to O.U.R. Eco Village, pushing sustainable food production, natural building, education, and the use of renewable energy and resources; Gorge Waterway Nature House gripping hands-on interaction with the Gorge’s conservation initiatives; and Makaria Farms growing organic produce.
April 19 sees green-clothed kids donate to support the Great Bear Rainforest; display climate-change posters about the 75,000 Tonne Challenge that’s yanked electronic junk from dumps; and model recycled outfits in the Upcycle Fashion Show.
April 20 offers a community Environmental Film Night, screening the following PacificWild films highlighting Enbridge pipeline’s threat to the B.C.’s coast: The Pipedreams Project, Tipping Barrels – Journey into the Great Bear, StandUp4GreatBear; and On the Line.
April 21 sees students attend Victoria’s Creatively United for the Planet Festival, pitching a sustainable world. Call Dwight at 250-929-0506.
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