The Young Environmentalists' Program is gearing up for another summer of environmental work projects to be performed by youth across the Island. Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment, announced the start-up of the program and noted that "the program is designed to educate high school and university students about the Island's environment through hands-on work experiences such as performing stream enhancement, beach clean ups, reforestation, and trail creation.
" New to the Program this year is the introduction of the "Go For Green" Project. Young Environmentalist teams will work with fair and festival organizers across PEI setting up these events with a source separated waste management system. This will have a positive impact on the Island-wide implementation of Waste Watch, part of the Provincial Waste Management Strategy. The Young Environmentalists' Program teams began their eight-week work schedule last week.
Teams are working on a variety of projects ranging from enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat to trail creation. In preparation for the program, team leaders received first aid and CPR training and attended both media communications and conflict resolution seminars.
With the help of Program Coordinator, Ryan Neale and Education Coordinator, Jacinda Hatton, they will be planning the summer's environmental projects for each of their crews.
Crews consist of 4 field workers and a team leader who are assigned to work at projects in their community. The youth also have an education day each week where they tour various sites across the Island. Mr. MacAdam encouraged government agencies, municipalities, and environmental organizations to submit projects to the program.
For more information contact Ryan Neale at 368-5173.