The L.E.A.F. Initiative is a Commonwell program to support capacity, resiliency and growth in the communities we call home.

Project SSEED – Severn Sound Engagement and Education

489 Finlayson St Port McNicolll0k 1r0

What is this project about?

Project SSEED – Severn Sound Engagement and EDucation – is a collaborative project between Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) and its member municipalities, and local schools to enhance ecological literacy with students. The SSEA has a history of outreach and community engagement and Project SSEED will take engagement activities directly to students in local schools in the Severn Sound area. We will teach students about different plant and flower species and the importance of the environment to wildlife, pollinators and humans. The fun takeaway will be a small seed packet of locally-appropriate wildflowers that the students can take home and plant in their gardens. SSEA will also work with local schools to enhance gardens or create natural habitat on school property, including planting native species and removal of invasive species. Through Project SSEED, SSEA will work with our partner municipalities to identify opportunities for naturalization in parks, boulevards and green spaces and ways to involve schools in naturalization efforts. Naturalization and habitat enhancement at schools and in public areas will demonstrate environmental responsibility and are an opportunity for community learning through local action.

We will extend an invitation to participate in Project SSEED to all of the school boards in our watershed and project region. There are many opportunities for partnership, with 36 schools across 7 school boards located in the 8 partner municipalities, and an elementary school on Christian Island, Chimnissing First Nation. We will also consider other engagement opportunities such as with local home-school groups and adult learning classes, and youth groups, e.g., Scouts Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs.

Why is this project important to the community?

Mental health concerns including climate anxiety and “ecological worrying” are issues among young people. Education empowers people and communities. Empowering young people in our communities provides them with education and knowledge equipping them to make informed decisions and understand their role in and ability to protect their local environment. It will also empower them to be more hopeful about the future of the planet, to help improve their mental health and maybe even reduce anxiety. In developed areas such as settlements and towns, degradation or loss of natural habitats is common, and contributes to reduced native biological diversity and can result in degraded water quality in watercourses and waterbodies. SSEA has been working with member municipalities on improving knowledge and understanding of the benefits of natural assets, and several SSEA municipalities have become members of Bee City Canada and have established or planned to establish no-mow or reduced-mow areas. In 2023, the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene participated in a pilot project to naturalize portions of municipal parks, and there is interest in additional on-the-ground naturalization projects that create or enhance habitat for pollinator species and wildlife, improve the landscape’s capacity to sequester greenhouse gases, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, but technical support and resources are needed for planning and implementation of additional naturalization projects. Through Project SSEED, the SSEA will provide education, engagement and technical support, and work with local schools and municipalities to plan and implement on-the-ground habitat creation/improvement projects. Project SSEED will bring science into the classroom and community and create a direct link with science and the local ecosystem. Ecological Literacy empowers residents, students and teachers with knowledge and understanding of their local environment and the importance of biodiversity. This will inspire the next generation of scientists, biologists, and decision makers, and result in an increased appreciation for the value and benefits of habitat by the community. Project SSEED will help foster a sense of community and ownership, and increase local knowledge and passion for native species, habitat enhancement and environmental sustainability. Involving schools, municipalities, groups and community members in planting and caring for native species will strengthen partnerships and build a stronger and more connected community with a shared interest in environmental stewardship. This project will also help teach the importance of sustainable practices like using water efficiently. Connecting youth with nature encourages outdoor play and exploration which has positive mental and physical health benefits. Planting native wildflowers, and habitat creation or enhancement will: contribute to natural assets; improve resilience to impacts of climate change; contribute to native biological diversity and soil enrichment; manage invasive species; and provide other social, environmental and economic benefits such as clean air and water, and creating and supporting local green jobs. Wildflower plantings will have a secondary benefit of creating visually and aesthetically pleasing parks, properties, and school yards. The Severn Sound Environmental Association has a strong track record of education and outreach, and further engagement work supports the SSEA Strategic Plan and will help build an environmental legacy.