The Young Environmentalists Program (YEP), a summer program with the Department of Fisheries and Environment, has almost completed another eventful summer. YEP is a Provincial Government initiative aimed at educating students about the Island environment through meaningful community work experiences. Ten teams were established in different regions across the Island, including two teams based out of Summerside.
Patty Caseley, team leader of one Summerside team, and crew members Todd Moase, Gordie McKenna, Chris MacLeod and Brad Ramsay contributed to a variety of projects in the East Prince area. The team also assisted in a variety of projects such as the planting of trees, the construction of brush mats, and the creation of a new park.
Young Environmentalists have also been implementing the Waste Watch System through their "Go For Green" Project initiated this year. They have been promoting the Waste Watch System across PEI by assisting event organizers to set up waste watch sorting stations for people to sort their garbage. At each event Young Environmentalists are present to give direction on waste management and help answer any questions. Hon. Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment indicated that since the Waste Watch system will be implemented across PEI, the Go For Green project is important in helping Islanders and visitors become familiar with the system and in making implementation easier in the future.
YEP members also participate in weekly environmental educational activities, some of which included a tour of the East Prince Waste Management Facility and organic farming on Prince Edward Island.
For further information about the Young Environmentalists Program, please contact program coordinator Ryan Neale at 368-5173.