Vision

Our vision is to create a community that thrives on sustainable practices and cultivates a deep connection with nature. We envision a future where individuals come together, inspired by the power of collaboration and environmental stewardship, to build a more sustainable and resilient community.

We believe that by nurturing the environment, we are nurturing ourselves and future generations. We strive to create spaces where people can reconnect with the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and abundance it offers.

Through our project, we aim to plant the seeds of community engagement, encouraging active participation and involvement from all members. We envision vibrant community gardens where neighbors come together, working hand in hand to cultivate organic and locally grown produce. These spaces will not only provide nourishment for our bodies but also serve as places for meaningful connections, where friendships are formed and knowledge is shared.

Through education and outreach, we seek to empower individuals of all ages to make sustainable choices. By sharing our experiences, we aspire to inspire and support others in their journey towards a greener future.

Ultimately, our vision is to create a community where sustainable practices are integrated into our daily lives, where the well-being of the environment is prioritized, and where individuals feel a deep sense of belonging and connection to the natural world. We believe that through collective action, we can create a more sustainable and harmonious future for ourselves and generations to come.

Action

We are currently working on an ongoing project which focuses on creating and maintaining a community garden and a sensory garden. The students leading this initiative have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and climate change awareness, inspiring them to take action.
To deepen their understanding of climate change and sustainability, the students conducted an experiment focused on greenhouse gases. This experiment helped the students understand the impact of these gases, leading to discussions about how growing food locally can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This connection between climate change awareness and the objectives of the project further motivated the students to actively participate in the project.
To accomplish various tasks, the students formed different groups. One group was responsible for designing signs for the gardens and has placed an order with Signarama. Another group focused on designing and constructing the garden beds. They identified a suitable location in collaboration with the school administration and obtained the necessary materials from Home Depot. The students in a separate group took charge of selecting the vegetables, fruits, and plants for the garden. They actively reached out to community members and requested donations of seeds, seedlings, or plants.
In an effort to educate the kindergarten students about the sensory garden and its benefits, a group prepared an activity and coordinated with the kindergarten teacher to schedule presentations. The primary goal was to raise awareness among the young students about the sensory garden and teach them how to utilize it effectively.
Recognizing the importance of expertise and support, the students reached out to the local horticultural association for assistance. The collaboration with the association would provide valuable guidance and resources to ensure the success of the project. However, the students are still waiting to hear back from the association.
Although the construction of the garden beds and the planting were originally planned for May 24th, 2023, due to inclement weather, the event had to be postponed to Friday, May 25th. However, I am pleased to report that the students successfully built the garden beds, filled them with soil, and transplanted plants. They have also planted carrot seeds. Moreover, they are currently planning to expand the garden by planting more crops.
To effectively communicate and share their project with the local community and beyond, the students have created a website using Google Sites. You can access the website at the following link: https://sites.google.com/pvnccdsb.on.ca/stjoseph-bowmanville-garden/home?authuser=0.
As the project continues to progress, the students will actively update their website to reflect the evolving nature of the initiative.
The students’ Action Project centers around sustainability and climate change, with a particular focus on creating a community garden and a sensory garden. By actively involving various stakeholders, conducting educational activities for younger students, and exploring the relationship between local food production and greenhouse gas emissions, the project serves as a practical example of how individuals (in this case, elementary students) can contribute to positive environmental change. The project’s significance lies in its ability to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship among the students and the wider community.

Reflection & Celebration

The students enjoyed the project and learned a lot about how to grow food.

Links