Community Based Initiatives - Educating the community about the environment

The Global Rivers

Environmental Education Network (GREEN) Project EXPAND:

The Walpole Island project is part of a pilot program involving GREEN participants and a First Nation community working together to protect crucial aquatic resources threatened by environmental degradation.

Description:

Begun in 1993, the project has provided a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural education and low-technology transfer between GREEN participants from Michigan and WIFN community. The Heritage Centre and students from the University of Michigan involved in GREEN worked in Spring 1993 with several dedicated teachers in the Walpole school system. The program involved kindergarten through grade 8 students from the island school, as well as Walpole Island students attending neighbouring high school on the mainland. By involving students in water monitoring, the Walpole Island community will be able to develop its own water quality data. The program focused on the watershed as a whole. It is intended to involve students year after year.

Outcome:

The GREEN Project resulted in the preparation of a Walpole Island First Nation Water Quality Monitoring and Environmental Education Handbook, "Children of the River", which was the subject of a PBS television program.

Support:

University of Michigan which in turn was supported by the Shell Environmental Fund and Dow.