Getting back to our roots is a growing trend on the Island. You may have even found yourself foraging for edible plants, mushrooms, or medicinal herbs.
Countless workshops are popping up that connect us to the natural world.
Many of us adults are just dipping our toes into learning about the native plants we’re surrounded by. But as we all know, it can be a lot easier to learn as kids.
There may not have been a “foraging” class when we were in school, but Greenways Land Trust is working to change that for “Generation Alpha Z.”(Who comes up with these names?!)
This month, they are working with students from Ripple Rock Elementary and Southgate Middle School, teaching them about native pollinator-friendly plants.
Students planted the seeds of 12 different species last week. Soon they’ll be trekking out to add them to a growing ecosystem.
“By caring for the native plants and then taking them and transplanting them into suitable habitat, the hope is that they’ll make a connection where they then care more about the native plants that grow in the natural spaces in Campbell River,” Education Coordinator Kyle Fitzpatrick told the Campbell River Mirror.
The program is part of Greenways’ Junior Streamkeepers program, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the City of Campbell River’s community partnership grant.
“I think it’s really great for them to figure out where plants come from,” said teacher Kim Zumach. “I think it’s really important for them to have that sort of understanding of the whole cycle. It’s also good for them to get their hands dirty and actually feel like they’re contributing to their community,” she said.
The students will be planting these seeds out by the Denman Pond stormwater management site.
By the end of the program, they will have a better understanding of the plants and how they interact with the larger ecosystem in Campbell River.
Plus, as Greenways Land Trust says, “the birds and bees are going to love it!”
