Learn about the 2024 municipal budget, and let us know if you have any questions about the services your tax dollars pay for.
Environmental Education Program
The Municipality of North Cowichan has long recognized the importance of educating youth on environmental matters. Our Environmental Education Program was established in 2000 to encourage youth to take steps to mitigate human caused environmental impacts.
Program Goal
Although the reality of climate change can be a difficult subject, we don’t intend to focus solely on the “negative” aspects of the environment. But instead we hope to bring awareness to relevant environmental issues, while inspiring future generations of leaders. The Municipality of North Cowichan firmly believes that increasing youth awareness of environmental issues is essential to all of our futures. We hope that through our Environmental Education Program, we are helping to generate young environmental stewards within our community.
Program Details
Each school year workshops are offered to students in kindergarten through to grade seven, and are presented in person, for free, at local schools part of school district 79. Teachers have the option to register their class for a 1 hour session, which includes an environmental presentation and a hands-on activity. These workshops align with provincially prescribed learning outcomes and provide opportunities for students to engage in activities that complement their regular school curriculum. Past topics have included everything from water conservation and climate change to invasive species and food security.
Students who participate in the Environmental Education program are eligible and encouraged to participate in the Environmental Education Program Contest. This contest, gives students an opportunity to practice environmental stewardship, be awarded great prizes by the Mayor, and have their contest submissions posted to our social media! Requirements for the contest change every year, giving students a chance to challenges themselves and truly showcase their understanding of the environment.
2023 Environmental Education Program: Pollinators
Below are examples of varying, grade appropriate program content taught to students during the 2023 school year:
- 2023 Pollinators presentation (Gr. K-2).pdf [PDF - 2 MB]
- 2023 Pollinators presentation (Gr. 3-4).pdf [PDF - 1 MB]
- 2023 Pollinators presentation (Gr. 5-7).pdf [PDF - 2 MB]
Below are the winners of the 2023 environmental education; Pollinator Postcard Contest!
Kindergarten winner: Brielle!
Grade 1 winner: Maria!
Grade 2 winner: Lilah!
Grade 3 winner: Abbie!
Grade 5 winner: Claire!
2022 Environmental Education Program: Climate Change Impacts on Local Animal Species at Risk
Below you can find examples of the different program content taught to students during the 2022 school year:
- Climate Change and Impacts on Grizzlies, Gr. K-1.pdf [PDF - 2 MB]
- Climate Change and Impacts on Frogs, Gr. 2.pdf [PDF - 3 MB]
- Climate Change and Impacts on Monarchs - Gr 3&4.pdf [PDF - 2 MB]
- Climate Change and Impacts on Salmon, Grade 5-7.pdf [PDF - 2 MB]
Below are some of the top contenders for the 2022 environmental education; Endangered Species Public Service Accouncement Video Contest!
This year's grade 6 and 7 winners; Sam and Everest!
This year's grade 3 winners; Nevai and Johanna!
How to Get Your School Involved
The program runs from September to April, so we encourage teachers, principals and local groups who may be interested to email sarah.grieves@northcowichan.ca to learn about the current topic, book a presentation or provide feedback.
More Information
If you have questions or would like more information, please email Sarah Grieves, Engineering Technologist in Environmental Programs at sarah.grieves@northcowichan.ca
Last edited: July 14, 2022.
