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Challenges for Schools and Youth
One Million Acts of Green
CBC and The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos want to mobilize Canadians to do One Million Acts of Green. The idea is that one small act can make a big difference. go to http://green.cbc.ca/ and register one act – or more − and the green calculator will determine the impact of those acts on the environment. Active and Safe Routes to School
Get together with other kids and families to form a "walking school bus” to get active while reducing the amount of air pollution from vehicles. For more about this program from Green Communities Canada, visit http://www.saferoutestoschool.ca/. Adopt-A-Park
Help keep our vital green space areas safe and clean. As a participant you ensure your adopted park area is litter-free and to report any maintenance, vandalism or safety issues to the City. For more information, Visit our Community Clean-Up Initiatives page or call 905.420.4660 ext. 2043. Aquatic Plants Program
This program from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) helps elementary students grow and plant aquatic plants. Visit http://www.trca.on.ca or call 416.661.6600 ext. 5372. Be More Active
From karate to break dancing to ball hockey and everything in between, sign up for one of the City of Pickering’s many programs. Visit http://www.cityofpickering.com/standard/lifestyle/index.html. Environmental Education Programs
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) offers day and residential education programs for students at conservation areas and field centres. Visit http://www.trca.on.ca or call 416.667.6295. Evergreen Community Tree Planting Grant Program
Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 are available to support native tree-planting projects on publicly accessible lands in Ontario’s cities and towns. Visit http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-funding.html or call 416.596.1495 ext 285.
Ontario EcoSchools
This environmental education program addresses both how schools are run and what students learn. It incorporates environmental education as well as environmentally responsible action into the school setting. Visit http://ontarioecoschools.org/.
PAC 4 Teens
Do you have creative ideas? Do you like planning events for your friends? Are you a Pickering resident between 13-19 years of age? Why not become a member of the Pickering Activity Council (PAC 4 Teens)? Visit http://www.cityofpickering.com/standard/lifestyle/index.html. Peregrine Project School Visit
A biologist from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation will give students a presentation on peregrines and brings along a non-releasable peregrine to show. Visit http://www.peregrine-foundation.ca/education.html or email marion@peregrine-foundation.ca. Pickering Blooms
Take part in the garden competition. Showcase your floral displays. Adopt-a-park or plant trees. Visit http://www.cityofpickering.com/PickeringBlooms/main.html or call 905.683.7575. Pitch-in Parties
Donate some time to cleaning up a local greenspace, stream, trail, road or neighbourhood. The City can suggest some areas that need a helping hand. Visit Community Clean-Up Initiatives or call 905.420.4660 ext. 2043.
Plant a Tree Challenge
This program from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources challenges groups to take part in tree planting. Visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca or call 1.800.667.1940 or 905.713.7400. Recycle
Register your school with one of many charities that accept cell phones, rechargeable batteries and ink cartridges, such as www.think-food.com and www.rbrc.org/call2recycle. Volunteer your time
Many charitable organization need a hand. Check out the list of Charitable Organizations & Social Services under community links on the City’s homepage at http://www.cityofpickering.com. Also, look at opportunities through Volunteer Energy – Durham Region. Watershed on Wheels (WOW) Program
This Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) outreach program brings education and activities to young people 6-13 years of age. Visit http://www.trca.on.ca or call 416.661.6600 ext. 5376. Yellow Fish Road Program
This program from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) includes a water pollution prevention presentation followed by community activities; geared toward students. Visit http://www.trca.on.ca or call 416.661.6600 ext. 5373. The Youth Centre
The Youth Centre provides medical and counselling services and health promotion programs. It is a non-profit charitable community health centre for teens living in Ajax and Pickering, funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Visit www.theyouthcentre.ca or call 905.428.1212. Seasonal Challenges
February to April: Art Contest
Natural Resources Canada offers an art contest to help young people learn about energy and the environment. Visit http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/calendarclub/contest-2007.cfm?attr=0. March: Earth Hour
Switch off your lights for one hour at 8:30 pm one evening every year in March to send a global message that we care enough about climate change to take action. Visit http://www.earthhour.org/. April: 20-Minute Pickering Makeover
Each April, give part of our community a makeover by picking up litter for 20 minutes. Since 2005 over 48,000 participants have taken part. Plan to join us in 2010 to clean up litter around you. Call 905.683.7575 to register. April: Earth Week events
Earth week in April offers many activities for people of all ages. August: Blackout Challenge
Power down on August 14 every year − the anniversary of the huge blackout that affected southeastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. Visit http://www.blackoutday.ca/index.php. September: TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
Register for the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up, which takes place every September. Visit http://www.vanaqua.org/cleanup/home.php or call 905.420.4660 ext. 2043. Winter: Youth Snow Removal Program
Youth can sign up to help seniors in their neighbourhood who are not able to clear snow from their walkways, sidewalks, or driveways. This program provides youth with the "Community Service Hours” they need for school. To volunteer, call Heather at 905.420.4660, ext. 6100, or send an email to hbutler@cityofpickering.com. You will be placed on a list, based on your address, and matched up with seniors who live nearby.  |
