Lively closeup of falling autumn leaves with vibrant backlight from the setting sun
The Town of the Blue Mountains is awarding funding to 12 youth-led climate action projects.
The town awarded between $1,500 to $7,000 to these youth projects with support from the Youth Climate Action Fund, which provides funding and assistance to support youth-driven climate action in municipalities worldwide.
The selected projects include:
-Living Snow Fence, students will plant a natural tree buffer to improve winter road safety
-Wiarton Bike Bus, students will run a bike to school events and bring attention to bike safety and repair
-Community Gardens and Urban Farming, students will co-design and plant new gardens
-Water and Woods: Reviving Nature Though Cleanup and Reforestation, youth and volunteers will restore a section of the Nottawasaga River in The Blue Mountains
-Earthkeepers, students will explore a model of developing and delivering climate change education for younger students
-EcoFlow, youth will provide education on sustainable period product options and provide free options in various public spaces
-Get Our Festivals Clean, youth will enhance the sustainability of Banditfest, a youth-led music festival, and include attendees in climate awareness activities
-Backyard Bird House Project, students will learn about, design, build and distribute bird houses to enhance habitat and biodiversity
-Butterfly Garden and Insect Hotels, students will learn about, design, build and distribute insect hotels and province pollinator-friendly plants to student families
-Endangered Species Mural, students will create a mural to build awareness of endangered Ontario species for the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre
-Pollinator Engagement and Education, youth will create public art and installations to build awareness of pollinators and pollinator habitat in The Blue Mountains
-Community Gardens Food Security Service and Education, youth will co-design a new community area at the Canadian Mental Health Association garden and deliver educational content
This second round of funding was delivered after the town supported eight initiatives through the fund last year.
Grey County Warden and Town of the Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea Matrosovs says the town has been proud to provide this opportunity to enable youth leadership and climate action across the region.
“Youth are demonstrating their interest, energy and ability to take meaningful action on climate change, and we appreciate the organizations that have stepped up to support youth and help make their projects a reality,” says Matrosovs.