Latest news with #environmentaleducation
Associated Press
08-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
407 ETR Celebrates Collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation at the Crane Gathering Space
407 ETR has been a long-standing sponsor of the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation and has donated over $160,000 since 2018 TORONTO, July 8, 2025 /CNW/ - 407 ETR is proud to celebrate a meaningful milestone in its long-standing collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), marked by the unveiling of the Crane Gathering Space at Island Lake Conservation Area. Since 2018, 407 ETR has contributed over $160,000 to support conservation and community initiatives across the Credit River Watershed, including a 100-kilometre pathway and the Crane Gathering Space at Island Lake Conservation Area. The Crane Gathering Space is the first Indigenous placemaking site along the Credit Valley Trail. It was developed by the Credit Valley Trail Indigenous Roundtable, an Indigenous-led committee with representation from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Cree and Huron-Wendat First Nations, in collaboration with CVC and CVCF. The inspiration for this space comes from the Ajijaak Dodem (Crane Clan), in Anishinaabe tradition, the Ajijaak is known as an 'echo maker' and is the speaker for the clans. The sandhill crane uses Island Lake Conservation Area as a stopover site during its annual migration. '407 ETR is honoured to support the creation of the Crane Gathering Space and to stand alongside our partners in honouring Indigenous culture and environmental education,' says Javier Tamargo, President & CEO, 407 ETR. 'Our investment in the Credit Valley Trail and Indigenous placemaking reflects our broader commitment to connect the natural spaces that define our region.' Representatives from 407 ETR joined CVCF and CVC at Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville to celebrate the opening of the space, which serves as a place of cultural connection, reflection and learning for all visitors. 'We are deeply grateful to 407 ETR for their steadfast commitment to sustainability, community investment, and environmental stewardship,' says Terri LeRoux, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Credit Valley Conservation. 'Their generous support since 2018 has been crucial in advancing key initiatives such as the Credit Valley Trail, land securement, and Indigenous placemaking. As we celebrate with 407 ETR the Crane Gathering Space, the first Indigenous placemaking site along the trail, we also celebrate both a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and the strong partnership that makes this work possible. Together, we are building a legacy of connection, conservation, and community that will benefit generations to come.' '407 ETR's generous partnership is essential to advancing the Foundation's mission to protect and connect the natural spaces within the Credit River Watershed,' says Dayana Gomez, Executive Director, Credit Valley Conservation Foundation. 'Their ongoing support not only drives critical conservation projects but also reinforces our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and Indigenous reconciliation. As we celebrate 407 ETR's generosity, we invite other community partners to join us in this vital $10 Million Campaign—together we can build a lasting legacy while ensuring a resilient, thriving watershed for generations to come.' For more information about how 407 ETR supports communities in the GTA, visit To learn more about the Credit Valley Trail and how to support the campaign, visit Fast Facts: About 407 ETR Highway 407 ETR is an all-electronic open-access toll highway located in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. The highway spans 108 kilometres from Burlington in the west to Pickering in the east. 407 International Inc. is the sole shareholder of 407 ETR and is owned by: About Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. That watershed is the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains ('sheds') into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario. About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. SOURCE 407 ETR Concession Company Limited
CTV News
30-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘It's a bit of a stinky job': Banff Grade 4 students leading the way in composting initiative
On Fridays at Banff Elementary School (BES) it's not the custodian who goes around collecting the class compost bins, it's the Grade 4 students. It may be a stinky job but it's one they take great pride in. Started by Grade 4 teacher Alysa Amirault back in March, the compost club aims to educate students while giving them the opportunity to lead the way in environmental action within their own school. 'I really see the value in it, and I see the value in it giving the kids this opportunity to be leaders in their school, and it's just been great,' said Amirault. After the last school composting program stopped shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic and with the recent G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Amirault felt a call to action and rallied her Grade 4 class. 'I said, 'You guys, why don't we do a compost club?' And [the students] were so stoked until they realized that it's kind of a thankless job and it's kinda gross … but they're really keen,' she said. With the first unit of the Grade 4 science curriculum being 'waste in our world', students learn about the importance of conservation and are given a hands-on role to take action in their community through the club. 'First, I was really excited [for the club]. I didn't know that compost eventually turns into soil. I thought [it] would take like a million years or something, but now I know,' said Grade 4 student Tvisha Patel. 'It's a bit of a stinky job,' she added. Grade 4 student Alex Stewart wants others to learn more about the benefits of composting. 'I encourage lots of people to [compost] because this is a good thing for the planet. Just throwing your stuff in the garbage bin, it doesn't really help, but when you throw it in the organics bin, it makes it easier so people can make soil so you can be able to grow more food and eat,' said Stewart. Every Friday students go to their assigned classrooms, picking up compost bins from around the school. Back in class, the bins are searched for non-organic waste items. 'You sometimes need to talk to [the classes] about putting stuff in because the first run for me there was like a plastic yogurt container [in the bin],' said student Owen Wells. The next step is data collection where each bag is weighed and recorded. The class has collected 166 pounds of compost since the end of March, according to Amirault. Walking over to the town compost bin on Moose Street, the students dispose of the organic waste and replace the bins with new compost bags donated to the class by the Town of Banff. 'The cutest thing recently is that the kids have started singing the Single Seed song,' said Amirault. Written and performed by BES students alongside Banff's poet's laureate, Heather Jean Jordan back in May, 'A Single Seed' is a song dedicated to the leaders of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis that expresses the student's hopes and concerns for the future. The song has now become the anthem of the class as they make their way to the town bins. 'My favourite thing is when we all go to the bin and then we just start singing and it's really fun,' said Stewart. Amirault hopes the message of the compost club is that even the youngest can contribute and make change, and that can start with small steps. 'I hope that they'll remember that they learned some things and that they can be influences too … [in] the not so glamorous part of what taking care of the planet looks like,' said Amirault. 'I just hope that they'll continue to be curious. Who knows maybe they … find careers and opportunities for themselves to showcase what they know and be advocates for the environment and for the world … but also just on a small level that they can influence their families to just be better, do better.' As the school year comes to a close, Patel hopes the up-and-coming Grade 4s will eagerly carry on in the initiative. 'I would encourage the other Grade 4s that are gonna come in next year … I would encourage them to do this job and be willing, be supportive,' said Patel.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Luton school rooftop is a 'powerful educational tool'
The rooftop of a primary school has been transformed into a "powerful educational tool", its headteacher has McKiernan, from Denbigh Primary School, in Luton, said the space will allow children to "connect directly with the natural world". It has been designed as a living laboratory, Luton Borough Council said. Funding for the work came from the Greener Future Fund by London Luton Airport, awarded by the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation. The council said: "Designed as a living laboratory, the garden is already enriching the curriculum by bringing environmental learning to life. "Children across all year groups are engaging in planting, observing nature, and learning how ecosystems thrive, all while building a deeper appreciation for the environment, and the importance of climate action for Luton."Mrs McKiernan, said: "The rooftop garden is more than just a beautiful new space; it's a powerful educational tool. "It allows our children to connect directly with the natural world, helping them understand the science behind how things grow and why sustainability matters." Plans are already in place to expand the school's green spaces. "As the garden continues to flourish, it stands as a symbol of the school's dedication to combining innovation with education," the council said. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Associated Press
07-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
LA Kings and Grades of Green Team Up To Create Vital Green Spaces for Students Through Adopt-A-School Program
AEG'sLA Kings teamed up with environmental nonprofit Grades of Green to revitalize green spaces at two schools in Inglewood, CA. The initiative sought to empower students through hands-on learning and environmental education as part of Grades of Green's Adopt-A-School Garden Program. On Wednesday, May 28, LA Kings employees along with volunteers from SoCalGas worked side by side with 60 students at Bennett-Kew Elementary School to transform the school's garden into a vibrant learning environment. Before any digging took place, teams followed safety best practices by contacting 811 two business days prior to have underground utility lines marked. This important step helps prevents injuries, property damage, service disruptions, and costly fines. Throughout the day, volunteers dug, planted, and taught students about the importance of green infrastructure, how trees improve air quality, and how gardens contribute to community health. Additionally, on Monday, June 2, LA Kings employees joined with volunteers from Farmacias Similares to revitalize a second campus garden at La Tijera K-8 School. The project kicked off with a speech from the school's Principal Robbie Tate, who shared how the garden would serve as a vital outdoor classroom for students to explore science, sustainability, and career pathways in the environmental field. Students from grades K–8 then participated in digging, soil preparation, and vegetable and tree planting activities guided by environmental educators from Grades of Green. 'Our partnership with Grades of Green is about more than just planting gardens,' said Amanda Apel, Senior Director, Community Relations, LA Kings. 'It's about giving students a space to learn, grow, and connect with the environment. But it also gives our employees an opportunity to drive meaningful change in communities throughout Los Angeles. We're proud to partner with organizations like Grades of Green, SoCalGas, and Farmacias Similares to make a lasting impact in our communities.' 'SoCalGas volunteers loved working alongside students of Bennett-Kew Elementary School with Grades of Green and the LA Kings to beautify their school and enrich their educational environment,' said Andy Carrasco, Vice President, Communications, Local Government and Community Affairs, SoCalGas. 'It's also an amazing moment for the students and community to learn about how to safely dig around schools, homes and businesses so that we can keep everyone safe – always call 811 before you dig.' Grades of Green's 'Adopt-A-School' program helps create more green spaces for students and school community members to enjoy. This initiative not only provides a nurturing outdoor classroom that supports hands-on learning and career exploration in environmental sustainability and related fields but also give students the opportunity to learn about the many benefits of green spaces, including their positive impact on air quality, community health, and overall well-being. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from AEG
CBS News
16-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Progress in teaching environmental literacy improves around Chesapeake Bay area after COVID-19 learning loss
Progress in teaching environmental education in Maryland has rebounded after a slight decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Chesapeake Bay Program. The program's Environmental Literacy Planning Outcome is based on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, a motion signed in 2014 that establishes goals for the restoration of the bay and the surrounding area. The agreement lays out 10 goals to advance the restoration of the bay, including boosting environmental literacy to ensure students know how to protect their local watersheds. A 2024 survey of 302 schools in the Chesapeake Bay region – including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia – documented the increased progress toward environmental education goals. The survey gathers information about how prepared school districts are to support environmental literacy for students and tracks the availability of environmental education programs. Survey shows increase in environmental literacy programs The bi-annual survey asks school districts if they have environmental education programs, program leaders, methods for training teachers and other environmental literacy elements. About 57% of school districts said they were "somewhat prepared" to launch an environmental education program, while 19% said they were "well prepared," according to the Chesapeake Bay Program. Nearly 25% of respondents said they were not prepared. The percentage of those who said they were well prepared in the 2024 survey increased by 2% from 2022, almost reaching pre-pandemic levels. According to the Chesapeake Bay Program, some of the goals outlined in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement will be updated in 2025. Federal funding cuts could impact Chesapeake Bay restoration plans The push to increase education about the environment comes as some in Maryland are concerned about the Trump administration's federal budget cuts and how it could impact Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. In April, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) said the proposed funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) could jeopardize restoration efforts. The proposed cuts would decrease NOAA's budget from $6.1 billion to $4.5 billion, according to the CBF. The cuts could reduce the financial support that NOAA provides for restoration programs. Declining water quality in Baltimore waterways A report from nonprofit Blue Water Baltimore found that water quality in the Inner Harbor and other Baltimore-area watersheds has declined over the past decade. According to the report, water quality in 2024 was extremely poor in most of the region, and all the waterways have shown declining ecological health since 2023. "The long-term data trends are telling us that these problems are getting worse over time," Blue Water Baltimore said. The non-profit recommends increasing investments in environmentally friendly stormwater infrastructure and sewer infrastructure to improve water quality in the region.
