Local students clearly care about the environmental health of their communities. A total of 111 students participated in an environmental contest, Caring for Our Watersheds, by submitting their ideas on how to solve a local environmental issue. The contest wrapped up last night at Timber Ridge Golf Course, near Brighton, when six team finalists competed for a chance to win the $1,000 first place prize.
The Grades 7, 8 and 9 students answered the question, “What can you do to improve your watershed?” Students researched their local watershed, identified an environmental concern and came up with a realistic solution.
Emma Ellis from East Northumberland Secondary School, Brighton, placed first for her idea entitled, “Reducing Prresciption Drugs in Our Watershed”. Her proposal addressed her concern about watershed residents not disposing of their pharmaceuticals properly, choosing th throw them in the garbage or flush them down the toilet.”My project goal is to reduce the amount of prescription drugs in our watersheds through educating the public about this issue and by creating an easy way for the safe return of prescription drugs to pharmacies,” says Ellis.
The students competed for a total of $4,500 in prizes and their schools were eligible for matching cash rewards. Participating schools included: Kent, Roseneath Centennial and Murray Centennial Public Schools; St. Mary’s (Campbellford) and Sacred Heart (Batawa) Catholic Schools; and East Northumberland Secondary and Trenton High Schools.
“Earth Day is the perfect day to announce the winners of this contest”, says Glenda Rodgers, Lower Trent Conservation CAO. “Earth Day is about encouraging us all to make decisions that reduce our impact on the natural environment. This contest encourages students to learn about their local watershed and be inspired to make improvements to the natural environment.”
“As well, any student who submitted a proposal for the 2016 contest can apply for the funds to turn their idea into reality,” adds Rodgers. An additional $10,000 in funding is available to help any participating student implement their ideas.
Agrium Inc., a worldwide producer and distributor of fertilizers and agricultural products and services, is the global founder of the Caring for Our Watersheds contest.
The contest was brought to the Lower Trent Conservation watershed region several years ago by former Agrium CEO, Mike Wilson, as he wanted youth from his hometown of Campbellford to have the opportunity to participate in the contest. After launching the program in Campbellford in 2011, the contest has been expanded to include all schools located within the Lower Trent Conservation jurisdiction.
As the initial funding commitment by Agrium will end this year, Lower Trent Conservation started a fundraising program in hopes of continuing to deliver the youth environmental program. New supporters of the contest include: Mystical Distributing and Northumberland Stewardship as well as several private donors.
Judges for the final event included: Peter Doris, Environmental Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Val Deziel, Assistant Conservation Biologist, Nature Conservancy of Canada; David Bree, Sr. Natural Heritage Education Leader, Presqu’ile Provincial Park; Arlene Dart, Operations Technician, Premier Tech Biotechnologies (Brighton); and Lee Anne Hickerson, Outdoor Education Naturalist, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
For more information about Caring for Our Watersheds, visit www.ltc.on.ca/education.