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Environment and Conservation
January 28, 2011

Environmental Education the Focus of New Children’s Program

The Lower Trinity South Regional Development Association has received $10,000 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Green Fund to implement a water conservation, climate change and global warming educational program. The program will complement the science-based curriculum for Grades 2 and 3 students at selected schools in the region.

“Almost 250 students from Harbour Grace, Victoria and Carbonear will get the opportunity to use a greenhouse as a working lab environment for growing a variety of plants demonstrating the plant cycle and importance of clean water, soil and organic fertilizer,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “This project will provide a hands-on learning environment for the students as they participate in conservation and activities based on climate change.”

The program will cover the themes water conservation and climate change, and global warming. It will complement the school science curriculum.

“It is important for us to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation and teach our children about climate change and global warming,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Trinity-Bay de Verde. “Every action makes a difference and, collectively, makes a positive impact on our environment. I am very pleased that the Lower Trinity South Regional Development Association is facilitating such a worthwhile initiative.”

Students will use a greenhouse as a working lab environment for growing a variety of plants, demonstrating both the plant cycle and importance of clean water, soil and organic fertilizer. The objectives of the program are to promote the value of purchasing locally-grown vegetables; raise awareness of the importance of water conservation at home and school; teach how water pollution affects plants and people; and understand the effects of vehicle emissions and promote reduction methods.

“This project is a continuation of the hands-on learning model that I have had the pleasure to witness at the greenhouse over the last couple of years,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace. “The work being done here continues to be exciting and worthwhile. More and more, we are seeing the effects of climate change on our province, and our youth are wonderful ambassadors for the changes we need to make in our lives.”

“We are exited to partner with the Environmental Sharing Program, Eastern School District and provide a hands-on learning environment for students,” said Jill Hiscock, project co-ordinator. “With financial support, students are able to participate in environmental experiments including the water cycle, evaporation and condensation, water pollution, plant systems and growth, how liquids interact and the importance of healthy eco-systems in the environment."

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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
Josephine Hogan
Executive Assistant
to the Honourable Charlene Johnson,
MHA Trinity-Bay de Verde
709-729-0160
JosephineHogan@gov.nl.ca 
 
Tracy Shute
Executive Assistant to the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, MHA Carbonear- Harbour Grace
709-729-5980
tracyshute@gov.nl.ca
Jill Hiscock
Project Coordinator
Lower Trinity South Regional Development Association
709- 583-2016
jill.hiscock@eastlink.ca

2011 01 28             10:15 a.m.

 
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