Fifty young Islanders with a keen interest in conservation have spent their summer improving the Prince Edward Island environment through projects ranging from stream enhancement to building trails.
An initiative of the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, the Young Environmentalist Program is wrapping up another successful summer.
In thanking this year's young environmentalists for their hard work and dedication, Minister Kevin J. MacAdam noted the program is designed to educate students about the Island environment through meaningful community work experience.
"The Young Environmentalist Program provides an excellent opportunity for young Islanders to learn more about the importance of environmental protection and enhancement through hands-on work experience - and to pass that message on to others," the minister said in a news release.
At the same time, Minister MacAdam said Island communities gain a great deal from the Young Environmentalist Program as they have access to the human resources they need to carry out environmental field work.
"I am always impressed by the amount of work these young people can accomplish in such a short period, and this year was no exception. In fact, it has been one of the busier summers," he added.
The young environmentalists completed over 80 projects - a substantial increase over last year. Many of the projects involved stream enhancement work such as building brush mats, clearing debris and building gabions to prevent erosion.
Other projects saw the young environmentalists do beach sweeps, plant trees, weed nurseries, and build trails in areas such as Kensington and at the Cardigan Water Science Centre.
Ten crews of young environmentalists have been working across the province since early July. Each work week was comprised of four days of field work and one education day held at various sites across the Island.
Project proposals for the Young Environmentalist Program are submitted by provincial government agencies, municipalities and organizations dedicated to conservation and enhancement of the environment.
Applications are evaluated to ensure that projects provide on-the-job learning opportunities that increase the environmental skills and awareness of the young environmentalists, in addition to providing environmental benefit to the community.
For more information about the Young Environmentalist Program contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment at 368-5000.