Youth Environmental Conference

Robert Bateman, artist and naturalist,
will be special guest speaker

 Approximately four hundred students from schools across Burlington will attend the first time Youth Environmental Conference at Robert Bateman High School, Burlington, on October 22.  The students, grades 7-12, will enjoy a full-day of eco-focused workshops and guest speakers, including special guest speaker, world renowned artist and naturalist, Robert Bateman! 

Imprints:  Make Your Mark, Leave No Trace is the conference theme selected by students.  The theme is a perfect choice as the event is all about discovering ways to help the planet by minimizing your ecological footprint and “leaving a mark” in a positive way by leading by example to care for the earth. 

“Students are creating a huge banner they will be raising for a photograph that will be sent to leaders who will be attending the United Nations conference on the climate change treaty to be held in Denmark in December.  It will serve as an empowering way the youth can extend their commitment to the environment to the international stage,” said Amy Schnurr, the Executive Director of BurlingtonGreen. 

Students may participate in their choice of 16 workshops for the day.  The students’ workshops include constructing their own compost bins, sharing in First Nations’ teachings about Mother Earth, playing eco-games, learning how to reduce their ecological footprint and more! 

BurlingtonGreen Environmental Association, with funding support from Ontario Trillium Foundation, is pleased to support this ‘green’ event.  Reusable water bottles will be supplied to all students courtesy of Burlington Hydro, along with USB keys pre-loaded with eco-files to avoid the use of paper provided by Mountain Equipment Co-op.  Bullfrog Power will supply the green energy for the day and students will create art using recycled material.