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UPDATED PHOTOS: Earth Day celebrations at Blueberry Creek Community School

100 Douglas Fir saplings provided to children to plant and help offset C02.
36080castlegarEarthDayatBlueberryCommunitySchool
Children


There is no better way to celebrate Earth Day than by doing something hands-on to better the environment and that is what school children, school officials and local dignitaries did at Blueberry Creek Community School on Monday, April 22.

Atco Wood Products donated 100 Douglas Fir saplings to the school to celebrate Earth Day and Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff, NDP MLA candidate Katrine Conroy and School District # 20 trustees Mickey Kinakin and Jen Carter each helped pot a tree before making brief remarks about the importance of Earth Day.

"These kids take real leadership on Earth Day, and everyday," said Chernoff.

He said it warmed his heart to see future leaders taking such a great message home and doing it not just on Earth Day but year round.

Rebecca McDonnell, environmental coordinator at the school, said the plan was to keep about 30 trees at the school and provide each child with one to take home and plant where they wish.

"We want to keep the ones at the school in pots," said McDonnell. "We would like them to be living Christmas Trees."

McDonnell said keeping the trees alive for ten years would have a significant impact on reducing CO2 levels.

"We're trying to do what we can to off-set our carbon footprint," she said.

Preschool children aged three to five, joined with their Blueberry Buds and performed an earth-friendly-themed version of "We've Got The Whole World In Our Hands," from atop hay bales before picking out their trees.

The children had been practicing the song for three days and received a wonderful round of applause for the performance.

"The children really do have our world in their hands," said Kinakin.

"Thank you for the invitation," said Conroy. "I know how important it is to plant trees and I'm happy to do my part."

Refreshments, fruit trays and goodies were also provided by the school.

A photo gallery will be up online later this evening.