Environment and Conservation
August 10, 2009

Organic Garden Helps Cultivate Environmental Awareness

With Provincial Government support of $19,900, an organic community garden has been created in Burin to help introduce environmental leadership practices. The Burin Peninsula Environmental Reform Committee (BPERC), with assistance from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund, has established a garden that will have positive environmental impacts such as production of fresh, healthy produce for the residents of the Burin Peninsula, greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions and waste reduction through composting.

"More and more, we are seeing our communities take an active role in helping to sustain the environment and teach individuals, particularly our youth, about sustainable practices such as community gardens, and how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "Through hands-on experience, members of the community will learn about the relationship between plants and people, help create green spaces and provide a local alternative for organically-grown healthy produce."

The environmental reform committee partnered with the local town council and a piece of land near the council office was converted into the organic garden. Root crops such as carrots and potatoes, along with pumpkins, lettuce, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers and spinach have been planted and will be distributed to the local schools and food banks after harvesting. A community composing drop-off for the Burin area has also been established at the site.

"This project increases environmental awareness and calls upon the community to take action," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin-Placentia West. "I commend the committee for their dedication to establishing such a green alternative that will provide food for residents, engage our volunteers in the growing process and help keep traditional gardening practices of the area alive."

The executive director of the environmental committee, Kimberly Armstrong, says that they plan to build relationships with schools on the Burin Peninsula and expand their role in the school system by involving teachers and students in projects like this one.

"Our aim is to involve local youth in the gardening project, and students and teachers will be invited to till and care for a plot of land," said Ms. Armstrong. "We are using this first garden as a pilot, and we hope to introduce similar projects in nearby communities. We will also look to the schools to collect compost from their classrooms and cafeterias to use in the garden. It is truly a project that combines our environmental goals with our community spirit."

Funding for the project comes from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund, a three-year, $25 million program which is supported by both the federal and provincial governments. This funding is to support projects geared toward environmental sustainability and provide real reductions in GHG emissions.

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Media contacts:

Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca
Andrew Tobin
Executive Assistant to
The Hon. Clyde Jackman
District of Burin-Placentia East
709-729-0660
AndrewWTobin@gov.nl.ca
Kimberly Armstrong
Executive Director
Burin Peninsula Environmental Reform Committee
709-891-2230
bpercinc@gmail.com
 

2009 08 10                                                    10:25 a.m.


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