Today, communities across the world celebrate Earth Day and all that nature has to offer. They commemorate environmental protection and reflect on what must be done to conserve the Earth.
“Connecting with nature is now more important than ever. It has never been more evident that we are emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally dependent on this earth,” says Kerry Royer, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). “The pandemic has further proven that in times of crisis, people seek nature and outdoor recreation. We don’t need a reason to celebrate the Earth, but this week provides many opportunities to participate and make a difference in the environment, alongside the entire world.”
While limitations are in place, there are still many ways to celebrate Earth Day, safely and responsibly. Members of the community can show their appreciation for the environment by participating in socially distanced and pandemic-safe activities. These may include:
- Visiting an NPCA Conservation Area with members of your immediate household.
- Participating in virtual Earth Day activities and events.
- Making the transition to reusable everyday items or create a water conservation plan at home.
- Planting a backyard pollinator garden using only native plants.
- Heading out on a neighbourhood litter cleanup or backyard scavenger hunt.
Among the many virtual celebrations taking place this week is the Earth Week Virtual Workshop hosted by Links to Greener Learning. Community members can join in until Friday to learn about waste management, water, gardening, natural ecosystems, and conservation.
- Thursday, April 22, 10:30 a.m. - LIVE Recycling and Food Waste Workshop by Carly Dalton and Jennifer Thompson
- Friday, April 23 – Eco-Art (pre-recorded)
- Making an Ocean Habitat by Martha and Christina, Links for Greener Learning
- Natural Soundscapes by Carly Dalton, Links for Greener Learning
- Land Art by Carly Dalton, Links for Greener Learning
The Environmental Stewardship Speaker Series hosted by Brock University also continues this evening at 7 p.m., with guest speaker Dr. Robyn Bourgeois, associate professor in the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies and Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement.
Dr. Bourgeois’ ‘The Land, Body, and Sovereignty: An Indigenous Perspective’ presentation will draw on Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, to demonstrate how environmental destruction is directly correlated with colonial violence against Indigenous women and girls. It focuses on Indigenous understandings of the connection between land, body, and sovereignty and its potential to save the world from gender-based violence and extinction-level global climate change.
“As we continue to celebrate the Earth’s infinite gifts and benefits, we will also learn how to grow as environmental stewards,” adds Kerry. “It is up to each one of us to help restore our environment. From planting a pollinator garden in your own backyard, to heading out on a neighbourhood litter cleanup, no action is too small, and we can all make a positive impact.”
At the NPCA, every day is Earth Day. The NPCA delivers programs and services that strive to conserve the beautiful and valuable Niagara Peninsula watershed. Through the dedicated efforts of staff, and support from volunteers and partners, it manages 41 Conservation Areas across Niagara and portions of Hamilton and Haldimand.
The NPCA’s work furthers the conservation, restoration, development, and management of natural resources by:
- Monitoring water quality and helping to protect drinking water sources.
- Protecting people and their property from natural hazards like flooding and erosion.
- Restoring the watershed by planting trees and constructing wetlands.
- Helping to reduce the environmental impacts of human growth through land-use planning and permitting.
- Educating the next generation of environmentalists through hands-on, immersive outdoor educational programming.
To learn more about the NPCA, visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay in the know.
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About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is a registered charitable organization.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca