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2 • POSTED ON June 05, 2007
Posted by mcollins 
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West Carleton Secondary School and the Bill
Mason Outdoor Education Centre will be greening their school grounds thanks to a grant from the national Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program.
West Carleton Secondary School and the Bill
Mason Outdoor Education Centre will be greening their school grounds thanks to a grant from the national Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program. At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, Warren Larocque from Renfrew Toyota dealer George Jackson Toyota, will present the grant of $1,250 to staff members Glenn Turner and Brenda Davies at the Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre, 3088 Dunrobin Road.
Evergreen consultant Jeff Kaster has assisted the school to develop a
multi-faceted project. This fall, students will create a memorial grove
for the front of the school, and a windbreak to provide shelter, shade,
and wildlife habitat. Approximately 7,000 students who use the nature trails annually to learn about ecosystems, climate and weather, survival skills and winter ecology, map and navigation programs, and for recreation and leadership programs will benefit from the improvements.
Jeff Kaster states, “The outdoor education centres at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board play an important role in connecting our children to the natural environment and instilling a sense of wonder and stewardship. It’s no wonder the Board was recently recognized by the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication as a pioneer in designing and delivering quality outdoor education programs.”
Teacher Glenn Turner at West Carleton Secondary School says, “It’s
wonderful that Toyota and Evergreen are contributing to our memorial grove in such a meaningful way. Teachers, parents and students see the value in having a special place to remember their time here.”
Since 1993, the national Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program has distributed $1.4 million in funding to help over 2,200 schools create greener and more diverse outdoor spaces.
“It’s community projects like these that make everyone at George Jackson Toyota proud to continue supporting the program,” says Warren Larocque, of George Jackson Toyota. “It’s a privilege to see first-hand how meaningful greener schools are for students.”
BACKGROUND
About the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program:
This national program brings teachers, students and community members together to transform school grounds into healthy, safe and creative outdoor learning environments.
About Evergreen:
Evergreen is an innovative charity that builds the relationship between
nature, culture and community in urban spaces. Since 1991, it has engaged people in creating and sustaining healthy, dynamic outdoor spaces across Canada - in schools, communities and homes. Its entrepreneurial approach to social responsibility creates vibrant neighbourhoods, a healthy natural environment and a sustainable society for all.
About West Carleton Secondary School:
As a proud member of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, West Carleton Secondary School serves the rural West Carleton Community and more urban Kanata areas such as Morgan’s Grant and Shirley’s Brook. As a composite school of approximately 700 students and 60 staff, they offer a full range of program opportunities to their students. Situated on a large property on Dunrobin Road, they have access to 107 acres of forest, field and wetland and incorporate their unique location into their academic
program through field trips, outdoor education and the use of an outdoor classroom environment.
About the Bill Mason Outdoor Education Centre
The Bill Mason Centre is one of two Outdoor Education Centres owned by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. It is located adjacent to West Carleton Secondary School and is affectionately known as the "back forty".
The outdoor classroom is composed of 77 acres of wetland, forest and meadow ecosystems. The trails and boardwalks are wheelchair acccessible in all seasons but winter. Last year approximately 7,000 students took part in programs directed by qualified teaching staff. Most of these are natural science programs but also include personal and group development, orienteering, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.
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