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, which are being presented virtually until further notice due to COVID-19. Teachers have the option to register their class for a single 50-60 minute virtual session or three 20-30 minute virtual sessions. 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.

 Below you can find examples of the different content taught to students during the 2022 school year:

Students who participate in the Environmental Education program are eligible and encouraged to participate in the annual Friends of the Environment Contest. This contest, gives students an opportunity to practice environmental stewardship, win great prizes, 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.

Some of the top contenders for the 2022 Friends of the Environment 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.

 

 

 

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