Hands-on Learning Experiences for Youth Delivered by SNC
In any given year, SNC reaches over 4,000 youth through hands-on environmental education programs. Guided by SNC’s environmental specialists, youth learn about water protection and conservation, fisheries, forestry, insects, and even Ontario’s sweet maple industry.
Over the last 2 weeks alone, SNC hosted nearly 500 local students during various events. On May 11, local grade 3-6 students were invited to SNC’s office in Finch for an Eco-Adventure Day, a special event organized in celebration of SNC’s 70th anniversary. “In addition to visiting 15 Eco-Stations throughout the day, the students helped us create our 70th anniversary legacy project – a beautiful Stream of Dreams mural that is now on display on our office fence,” said Lisa Van De Ligt, Communications Specialist.
On May 23, SNC partnered with the Ottawa Catholic School Board to host grade 11 and 12 students from the Notre Dame and Mother Theresa High Schools enrolled in the environmental and energy Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program.
Students completed their Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Training (ICE) with SNC. “ICE training is a component of the SHSM Program where students work with a community partner to get real-world experience, and help solve a challenge that the community partner is faced with,” explained Katherine Watson, Water Resources Specialist.
The students spent the day in the Findlay Creek Community, learning about the importance of green infrastructure in an urban environment. After a hike through Leitrim Wetland, the students and SNC staff planted trees along Findlay Creek.
“We challenged the students to assess the value of natural features, such as wetlands and forests, in an urban area and propose ways to increase green infrastructure,” added Watson.
Visit nation.on.ca to learn more about SNC’s education programs and upcoming events, such as SNC’s Youth Fish Camps and Family Fun Fishing Derby coming up in July.
For more information: Lisa Van De Ligt, Communications Specialist, lvandeligt@nation.on.ca, 1-877-984-2948 x.249.
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