Make a Difference and Help Improve your Local Environment

July 18, 2019

RRCA Community Liaison, Lissa Deslandes (far left) and Dr. Indu Gambhir (back, 3rd from left) teach Eamer’s Corners Public School grade 5/6 students about the importance of trees.

Are you looking for ways to improve your local environment?  The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) provides ample opportunities for the community to get involved in environmental stewardship activities.  

“Every year we partner with schools, Scouts, municipalities, businesses, and more to enhance our local environment and plant trees.  These events are great opportunities to learn about trees, and how to plant and care for them,” says Lissa Deslandes, RRCA Community Liaison.

Earmer’s Corners Public School in Cornwall annually end their school year with an RRCA eco-education workshop to learn about the importance of trees.  This partnership began in 2015 when Dr. Indu Gambhir donated forested land located south of the school to the RRCA to be used as an outdoor classroom. “The Gamhbir Memorial Forest is a place where all schools can bring students to learn about trees, wildlife and actions individuals can take to promote a healthy environment,” says Dr. Gambhir.

“This experience is so wonderful for our students here at Eamer’s Corners. We are thankful to Dr. Gambhir and the RRCA for this opportunity that covers so many important areas of the curriculum,” said Rachel Wolff, Eamer’s Corners Grade 5/6 teacher.  As part of the program, the students participate in an essay writing contest.  This year’s essay winners were Sierra Devries (1st place), Rayna Fox Wagoosh (2nd place), and Logan Joyal (3rd place).   The RRCA and Dr. Gambhir are planning to expand the program to additional schools in the area.

“We are currently planning our 2020 tree planting projects.  Teachers, Scouts leaders, businesses, municipalities, and community groups are encouraged to reach out to us soon with any tree planting ideas they have planned for next year!  Tree planting requires planning so that the sites can be prepared, and trees ordered,” adds Deslandes.

Save the date!  The RRCA is helping TD Bank Group again this year to host a TD Tree Days event at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area on September 21.  This planting event is contributing to the Bank's goal of planting 1 million trees by 2030 as part of its corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment.  This is event is open to everyone!  Participants are invited to register at https://www.tdtreedays.com/en-ca/events/1306.

For more information, visit www.rrca.on.ca or contact Lissa Deslandes, Community Liaison, (613) 938-3611 ext. 237, Lissa.Deslandes@rrca.on.ca.