Waterloo Chapter 2012 School Greening Project brings new life to school grounds
TORONTO, Ont. (September, 2012) — The Landscape Ontario Waterloo Chapter is helping a local high school go big and go green, with The School Greening Project, a program implemented for the new school year that aims to educate students on the importance of green spaces, and the positive environmental impact a few changes can make.
The ceremony will take place on National Tree Day, September 26th, and starts at 1:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic High School (57 Victoria Road North, Guelph, ON N1E 5G9).
The Waterloo Chapter School Greening Project is designed to create an outdoor space that is conducive to learning and reflection – an outdoor classroom and ‘quiet’ seating areas. The design concept and the presentation to Waterloo Chapter was solely an initiative of the students of the St. James Catholic High School ‘Green Team’. The School Greening Project is an annual activity; however, this year is especially unique because of the winning school's student involvement. The projects of winning schools in previous years were mainly led by teachers and other faculty.
The Waterloo Chapter School Greening Project features incorporate the ‘Green For Life’ philosophy that is fundamental to the members of Landscape Ontario:
- Increased biodiversity through the use of native plantings where possible
- A rain water harvesting system that makes the site self-sustaining for water use
- Permeable paving and gravel paths to enhance infiltration of water into the water table and to reduce run-off.
- Use of recycled materials (e.g. aggregate)
- Access to key parts of the site for those with mobility challenges.
Special guests to the event include:
- Landscape Ontario Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni
- Mayor Farbridge
- Hon. Laurel Broten, Minister of Education
- Hon. James Bradley, Minister of Environment
Media Contact:
Stephen Murdoch
smurdoch@enterprisecanada.com
289-241-3997