Sprucedale school hosting conservation fair Nov. 28

The Conservation Fair Project is underway for this school year. Building on the success of the fairs held in February and March of 2008, students across Huron and Perth counties will again be getting the opportunity to cultivate a culture of conservation.

Sprucedale Public School will be hosting its first conservation fair on Friday, Nov. 28 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 pm. The fairs will facilitate learning about energy conservation and renewable energy through a variety of activities as well as exhibits by students, community groups, businesses and organizations.

“The Conservation Fairs spark ideas through activities, presentations and displays. While addressing the issue of sustainability is commonplace in schools, the opportunity to see and touch products like a kilo-watt meter, solar panel and lawn furniture made from recycled plastic strengthens students’ understanding,” says Conservation Fair project lead Kerry McManus in a press release. “Connecting environmental concerns to potential action projects is key in moving forward with a sustainable agenda.”

Six one-day Conservation Fairs will be held in this round of Conservation Fairs, preceded by workshops where students will explore a variety of environmental concepts through interactive arts and information-based activities. These will be cross-curricular, spanning a number of subject areas.

“Sprucedale is a Healthy Active School. This can be seen in classes and in extra-curricular activities,” says Helen Orr, principal. “We have an active Green Team that composts, reminds us of energy saving tips, and feeds our birds. We have also had an interested committee on the highway bypass project in Shakespeare.”

Facilitators include Kerry McManus, educator; Eileen Smith, actor; and Elizabeth Walkom, G.R.I.P. co-ordinator. Local businesses or community groups with a focus on conservation are encouraged to contact organizers about setting up displays at the various conservation fairs.

“I am excited that more elementary schools are included in the current series of Conservation Fairs,” says Walkom. “The fairs provide a great opportunity to not only educate and engage children, but offer a forum for sharing ideas.”

The conservation fairs are supported by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. For more information, please contact Kerry McManus at 519-273-9012 or email gripproject@hotmail.com.