From April 18 to 23, residents of Summerland and surrounding areas can take part in a wide variety of activities that celebrate environmental education and action during Earth Week.
What is so special about Summerland that it can pull off a successful week long celebration of Earth Day?
First and foremost is the amazing collaboration of a variety of groups, businesses and individuals, along with great support from the Summerland municipality.
Each year dedicated volunteers get together and create a unique celebration for the whole community.
There are presentations, films, talks, walks, tours, information sessions and a wide variety of hands-on family-friendly activities.
Secondly, Earth Week’s success relies on key people to champion the cause.
Summerland is fortunate to have several talented champions of this event.
Their hard work, dedication and passion for environmental issues have guaranteed a well-organized event and a wide variety of activities for the whole community.
Earth Week is designed to inspire us to become life-long stewards of our environment.
It provides us with ways to engage in positive activities that connect us to nature. And it helps us become more aware of issues both locally and globally.
One of the tours is of Summerland’s Waste Water Treatment Plant where participants will learn the step-by-step process from screening to biological treatment to ultraviolet disinfection and finally, the release back to nature.
Devon van der Meulen, manager of utilities notes that “at the end of the tour people are often surprised to learn that the waste water ends up in the lake!”
The stringent requirements that have to be met as well as the demands on the treatment process will be highlighted.
Another noteworthy event is the Summerland Earth Week Philosophers’ Café.
Organizers have gathered six panelists, all with varying perspectives on spending time in nature but all pointing towards the positive impacts that fresh air and natural scenery can have on adults and children.
Research has shown that spending time in nature contributes to our overall well being. However, with our busy and structured lives, do we spend enough time outdoors?
Studies have also indicated that children who regularly experience nature are healthier, happier, and test better in school. But are they too busy with organized activities and the impacts of technology to enjoy the healthy benefits of nature? Does being closer to nature mean that we are also closer to saving it?
Listen to our panelists address these and other relevant questions and then have your say!
For more information and details on these events and the many other activities happening during Earth Week, go to: www.summerland.ca/earthweek or www.facebook.com/summerlandearthweek
Barbara Thorburn is a member of the Summerland Earth Week Committee. Summerland’s Eighth Annual Earth Week Celebration features a variety of events during the week of April 18 to 23.