Environmental Week continues on Thursday, June 7 with some exciting activities down at the Operations Building in Okotoks! Lito the Hawk, presented by the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society was in attendance, showing kids the importance of wildlife conservation first-hand. Lito, an inquisitive Swainson’s Hawk, is a permanent resident and an education ambassador for the CWRS. He has adapted wonderfully to his new “job” and visits schools weekly, educating the youth about the wildlife and creating awareness around the work of the Society.

 

Kids of all ages seemed to be thoroughly enjoying all of the nature activities with their friends and families while simultaneously learning about the importance of wildlife in our community. There was also a nature scavenger hunt in the river valley along with eco-crafts with up-cycled materials. All environmentally healthy but nonetheless, exciting activities!

 

Organized mainly in part by the conservation educators of the Town of Okotoks, the event was a hit success! Speaking to one of the educators, Alysia, I learnt the importance of their jobs; by educating the public on energy, waste, and water management, they ensure that the community remains sustainable for generations to come!

 

Furthermore, out in the garden, University of Calgary students were working on the soil infiltration site. Their research involves testing different types of leachate on the soil and seeing their effects on the plants that grow in the area. You can see the progress of the team in the images below!

 

Be sure to check out the photos below and visit the Town of Okotoks’ website for any upcoming environment and sustainability events occurring right here in our community! The next upcoming event held by the conservation educators will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Join some dedicated individuals at the Operations Centre Parking Lot (1118 North Railway St) for document shredding! Bring your bags and boxes of paper to remove your recycling in a secure and environmentally-friendly way!

 

Be sure to check out the Eagle Street Team on their next summer adventure; the Okotoks FilmFest occurring from Friday, June 8 to Sunday, June 10. Join us for three days of short and feature films at the Okotoks Cinema!