GRAMPIAN – Are you a high school student who’s not only curious about issues affecting the environment, but also helping to protect it?
If so, you’re invited to enroll in the Bilger’s Rocks Association’s Student Environmental Program for students who are currently in grades 9-12.
In the program, you will learn about critical environmental issues, how to become an activist and how to enjoy nature through group activities.
These goals will be accomplished through screenings of award-winning environmental documentaries, discussions and educational seminars, hands-on projects and community outings.
The program is designed to provide an opportunity for students to help combat ongoing environmental issues in their local community.
“Stewardship … refers to protecting the environment through recycling, conservation, regeneration and restoration,” explained Dennis Biancuzzo, association member.
“It means taking responsibility for our choices. Responsibility for environmental quality should be shared by those whose actions affect the environment.”
The program will follow four core principles, which include resource conservation, pollution prevention, community environmental stewardship and agri-environmental scheme.
According to Biancuzzo, in larger areas, environmental stewardship aims to:
- improve water quality and to reduce soil erosion;
- improve conditions for farmland wildlife like birds, mammals, butterflies and bees.
- maintain and enhance landscape character like traditional field boundaries; and
- protect the historic environment, including archeological features and artifacts.
The Environmental Stewardship Program will meet at the Bilger’s Rocks Education Center, beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 9; it will then meet the second Saturday of each month.
Any student who’s interested in the program is encouraged to contact Dennis at 814-553-5744 or Barb at 814-236-3597.
