June is packed with occasions that celebrate the environment and provide an opportunity for green learning and action, and is a great time to test out new lessons and activities for future certification years. Since the final deadline to be eligible for 2018-19 certification has passed, it is not possible to claim points for these event celebrations unless planning documents have already been included in your final submissions.
Here are just some suggestions for occasions from our Eco Calendar you can celebrate at your school. Are we missing something important? Email us at info@ecoschools.ca and let us know!
International Trails Day: June 1
Celebrate the amazing network of trails that crisscross the province by setting aside time to explore them. Not only is hiking good for physical exercise, but being out in nature is great for mental health and wellbeing too. Here are some activities to explore:
- Hike Ontario has some great resources and articles for organizing hikes, their benefits, and a link to a trail map to help you find one nearby.
- Taking students outside to a park or conservation area is a great way of embracing the outdoors in your community. Consider using or adapting our scavenger hunt, nature walk, environmental artwork, and tree identification with field journals resources for this purpose.
Canadian Environment Week: June 3-9
Canadian Environment Week includes many eco days and initiatives that encourage Canadians to learn how they can consume less and tread a little lighter on the planet.
- The UN’s World Environment Day takes place on June 5. 2019’s theme is fighting increasing air pollution and providing safe, healthy environments for all. Discover a fantastic array of tips, ideas and resources at the World Environment Day link above.
- Clean Air Day is set for June 5, 2019. Learn about Canada’s air quality and how you can participate in your community.
- Local Food Week is the first week of June each year! Learn how local food, a healthy lifestyle, and a resilient environment go hand in hand in our Local Food Awareness & Action campaign kit.
Rivers to Oceans Week: June 8-14
Water, water, everywhere, we’ve got to keep it clean! June 8-14 celebrates a number of initiatives that focus on waterways, their health, and impact on our lives and the planet. Here are some resources that can help support learning:
- Rivers to Oceans Week focuses on learning about the importance and interconnectedness of aquatic ecosystems, and also their fragility. The number one threat to waterways? Plastic pollution! Visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation website for more.
- World Oceans Day is an internationally-recognized event occurring on June 8 and features a ton of resources, opportunities to get involved, and youth-led action to help protect our oceans. Learn more at WorldOceansDay.org.
- Canadian Rivers Day celebrates the rivers large and small that flow across the country. Learn about rivers across Canada and how you can help protect and conserve them for future generations on the Canadian Heritage Rivers System website.
- Check out our Water Awareness and Action campaign kit to help you plan events at your school.
National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21
Celebrate the diverse, and rich heritage of First Nations, Métit, and Inuit cultures. Learn about Indigenous history in Canada, discover or organize events in your community, and access resources for planning activities.
- The National Indigenous Peoples Day website has many links, promotional, and educational materials that can help support discussions about Canada’s Indigenous peoples in the classroom and beyond.
- Read our new Land-based Education of Indigenous-Settler Relations lesson plan developed by educators from Wilfrid Laurier University and the Toronto District School Board.
Remember, sharing photos, videos, and messages is a great way to demonstrate your environmental commitment, and always puts smiles on our faces! Please tag us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and let us know what you’re up to.
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