EcoSource, PEN and PEYA Join Forces

EcoSource, the Peel Environmental Network (PEN) and Peel Environmental Youth Alliance (PEYA) are joining forces!

PEN and PEYA have found a new home as programs of EcoSource! EcoSource has worked closely with PEN on its work connecting local environmental organizations and will support PEN as a program to continue the PEN website, E-Bulletin and networking and learning events in the community.

PEYA grew out of PEN’s work and now also finds a home at EcoSource. PEYA is a student-run organization that provides support to other students and teachers looking to manage environmental projects or clubs, organizes fun and effective educational events for students across the Region, and makes connections between youth and local environmental groups. PEYA’s youth environmental empowerment work meshes perfectly with EcoSource’s longstanding work with youth in schools and the larger community.

Many exiting things are happening throughout the environmental community in Peel! Visit our websites at www.ecosource.ca, www.peelenvironment.org and www.peyalliance.com.

Gord Miller to speak at Alton Grange Association Annual General Meeting

Alton Grange Association is pleased to announce that Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, will be the keynote speaker at their Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held Thursday May 4 at the SGI Caledon Centre for Culture and Education, 20490 Porterfield Road, Alton. Doors open at 7 pm. For further information, the Association can be contacted at altongrangeassociation@hotmail.com

Region of Peel Launches New Educational Water Resource

The Region of Peel has launched its new school water resource, The Peel Water Story , at St. Edmund Elementary School in Mississauga and Central Peel Secondary School in Brampton.

The Peel Water Story is a three-part resource (book, Web site and CD-ROM) created for use in all Peel schools and libraries to help educate students about the significance of preserving our water resources.

“I am confident this resource will enhance existing school resources by providing teachers with important locally-focused information about Peel’s water systems,” says Commissioner of Public Works, Mitch Zamojc. “The Peel Water Story provides valuable tools to engage, encourage and educate our students so that they have the opportunity to become environmental stewards.”

Each portion of the resource can be used individually or in conjunction with the other pieces to enhance the learning experience. The resource’s breadth engages many teaching styles.

“Teachers can use this resource to take students beyond the classroom and into the community by getting involved in environmental action projects that are not only fun, but leave a lasting impression on their students,” says Public Works Education Co-ordinator, Damian MacSeáin. “Our aim is for Peel students to directly experience the vital importance of water and the need for its conservation, in the hope that they will share what they have experienced with family and friends, teaching others about Peel’s water history, issues and uses.”

“The Region of Peel is committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment and its resources,” says Chair of the Public Works Committee, Councilor Elaine Moore. “Education is a key component of this process and the Region aims to help educate residents, particularly children, through outreach initiatives at home and in school.”

The book portion of The Peel Water Story is comprised of a historical narrative of water in Peel; case studies documenting Peel students’ environmental projects; an action guide for teachers to mentor their own projects and a matrix of online water activities to help teachers relate each activity to their subject areas and grade levels.

The Web site, found at peelwaterstory.ca, includes excerpts from Peel’s water history with images and sound clips; a tool allowing teachers to download water activities by subject and grade; an interactive Geographic Information System site allowing teachers and students to map their school in relation to Peel’s water systems, and much more.

The CD-ROM allows teachers and students to take a virtual fly-over tour of the Region and view key topographical features. It also links to The Peel Water Story Web site.

A focus group of teachers from Peel’s Catholic and public school boards, representing elementary and secondary education levels, field tested the resource over the course of one term. The resource was revised following the testing period to ensure the final product was an effective and functional tool that met teachers’ needs.

For more information visit:

http://www.peelregion.ca/pw/waterstory/index.htm

Evening with the Experts

The Mississauga Garden Council presents “Evening with the Experts". For more information see:

http://www.mississaugagardencouncil.org/mgc_event.htm