Lena Mendes checks out the fox pelt at the Toronto Zoo’s conservation table.
By Amanda Pompilli
Rain and wind gave way to sun and blue skies just in time for the Earth Day festivities at Port Union Community Recreation Centre and West Rouge Community Centre on April 26. Across both sites, beaming attendees and hard-working volunteers conveyed what appeared to be the essential message of the day: the environmental practices that we put into effect now will not only strengthen our planet in the present, but also well into the future.
At Port Union, the outdoor activities began with a community cleanup, as well as free garden compost provided by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, and free paper shredding by Iron Mountain, which was subsidized by Sue Anfang.
Indoors, community members were able to touch a real Blanding’s turtle shell, along with pelts and snakeskins, courtesy of the Toronto Zoo. Attendee River pointed out how great it was to learn more about the turtles because “we didn’t know much about them before.”
Donning colourful butterfly wings and antennae were volunteers from the Rouge Butterflyway who were having their annual native plant sale. At the table for community herb gardens, Catharine Gregory shared her goal for those who spot herb boxes around the neighbourhood: “If you see them, use them!”
Friends of the Rouge Watershed, the local Lions Club, and the Mini Repair Café provided insight into conserving the Rouge River, saving water with rain barrels, and fixing broken belongings.
Presentations in the library by Colin Winn and Raja Raudsepp were held on photography in West Rouge and The Meadoway respectively.
Further into the building, the smell of barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs served by kitchen volunteers was accompanied by the sounds of bird feeders being hammered together. This creative craft for children was courtesy of Bob Lalonde and his team.
As to why he chose this activity, Bob emphasized how the bird feeders “bring even the youngest kids into the community.” Young siblings, and now experienced bird feeder builders, Malai and Zain, could both attest to this sentiment. “I had a great time building bird feeders,” enthused Malai, after which Zain exclaimed that he also had “a fun time!”
Ilana Grillet and her mother, Lindsay, took part as well. Lindsay highlighted the importance of getting children involved in activities such as these, which encourage them to take a hands-on approach to recycling: “It’s a great way to inspire fun and interest in kids to make things with their own hands.” Bob said that 60 bird feeders were built this year.
Over at West Rouge Community Centre, the 2nd Highland Creek Scouts worked hard at their recycling drive. Tireless volunteers sorted through materials like e-waste, scrap metal and batteries.
For Beaver Scout leader Laura Donald, helping to conserve the planet through events such as the recycling fundraiser is something that she would like to pass down to her four sons. When asked about why Earth Day is important to her, Laura replied that there is only one planet here for the future, and for her kids. “If I don’t lead by example, how will they?”