Sustainability was on the agenda last Saturday as the township hosted Earth Day celebrations organized by members of the township’s Sustainability Committee.
After the crush of visitors at last year’s event, organizers moved the event to the floor of the ice pad at the CMCC. This gave visitors more room to visit the fourteen local vendors and organizations with display booths, demonstrations, repair services and handouts.
Chair of the Sustainability Committee Leslie Bilcox explained the objective of the event, saying the committee’s goal was “to highlight how simple, everyday choices can lead to meaningful environmental change. The strong turnout and positive feedback from attendees show a growing interest in climate friendly practices and a desire to take action at home. We wanted to give residents an opportunity to connect with local conservation/environmental organizations to learn about building biodiversity, local food and growing initiatives, waste reduction and improved recycling practices, sustain-able transportation options, and water conservation and protection.
The common thread of the participating organizations was their commitment to providing knowledge, demonstrations and resources focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Among the participants were Farms at Work, Kawartha Land Trust, Otonabee Conservation, GreenUP, Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance and the Repair Shop. The Sustainability Committee also operated a booth, where they offered sustainable products for sale, including rain barrels, native trees and pollinator packs of perennials for sun, shade and boulevard plantings.
Among the items for sale by the municipality were several species of native trees were available for purchase at $15 each with a maximum of 5 trees per resident. One hundred and thirty five trees, including Red Maple, Bur Oak, Sycamore, Red Oak, Birch, Pine, Serviceberry and Tulip Trees were sold, as well as thirty three pollinator packs of native perennials, rain barrels and composters. These products designed to build biodiversity and support water conservation efforts are still available through the Township .
There was another attraction across the hall in the banquet room, where township staff from municipal departments were on hand to meet residents, answer questions and discuss issues of interest staff took the opportunity to meet residents. Staff from planning, Finance, Recreation, Public Works, the Clerks and the Fire Department greeted visitors.
Mayor Matthew Graham was on hand to participate in the event, saying “Earth Day is about empowering residents with the knowledge and tools to make meaningful environmental choices. By learning together and taking action as a community, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Proponents of sustainability support events like this which pair education with actionable steps to support climate mitigation and conservation efforts. They understand that community-driven action plays a considerable role in advancing conservation efforts and building resilience to climate change.
The committee members hope that this Earth Day event becomes an annual tradition that celebrates the many ways we can support nature and protect our environment. They expressed appreciation to everyone who participated, contributed, and helped make the day such a success.