The fourth edition of the Earth Day Forum will bring together over 40 local community groups, businesses, and individuals working to help the environment for a day of appreciation, learning, and fun for all ages.
Over 500 people took part in the third edition last year at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School in Ormstown.
This year’s event will take place on April 18 at the same location. Coordinator Lorelei Muller said the forum continues to grow in terms of participation, which often includes multiple generations of the same families, and volunteer commitment.
The forum, which has become a gathering place for Valley residents concerned about local environmental issues, is organized by representatives from area conservation group Ambioterra, the CDC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, and the Table de Concertation pour l’Environnement dans le Haut-Saint-Laurent.
Numerous organizations have taken part in the forum from the beginning, including environmentally focused non-profits as well as businesses and groups that touch on the environment, conservation, agriculture, or social justice issues.
The Chateauguay River Rehabilitation Committee will once again be distributing a selection of trees while supplies last, and hot and cold lunches will be available for sale by the Complices Alimentaires.
The 3R workshops will be back for visitors to enjoy upcycling crafts as well as other activities and games. Participants can bring clothes to be mended or broken items to be glued with the help of volunteers. The forum will also feature recycling services, including document shredding sponsored by the municipality of Ormstown.
The Genie in a Bottle project will be on hand to collect recyclable materials such as bottles and cans, plastic drink bottles, metal bottle caps, plastic bread tags and used batteries. Old pens and markers can also be returned, and worn-out socks will be collected as well for recycling.
The event has evolved from featuring guest speakers and documentary films screenings to this year’s emphasis on entertainment, featuring performances by the CVR After Hours Choir and members of the Valley Arts Camp. Members of local Scouts and Guides groups will also be present throughout the forum.
Muller explained this shift increases student involvement and will encourage younger participants to visit inspiring kiosks and learn about participating organizations with their families. “We are happy to have the school involved in the activity as opposed to just being a venue,” she said, noting the CVR greenhouse club will also be present to demonstrate honey extracting practices.
The forum reinforces the message that even small communities can make a significant difference when it comes to environmental efforts. “It’s a great opportunity to bring us together so we can see the differences that are being made,” said Muller. “The organizations also have an opportunity to recruit new volunteers or donations to continue their impact,” she added.