Institute of Urban Ecology follows Nature’s Path to create school garden:

July 27, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Institute of Urban Ecology (IUE) at Douglas College has teamed up with Nature's Path Foods to create an organic garden at Britannia Elementary School in East Vancouver. The IUE has received $10,000 from Nature's Path Foods' EnviroKidz to work with the school in constructing the garden.

The planting is scheduled for the early Fall says Schaefer, meaning students could be eating their own organic produce by Thanksgiving. The garden will become a small model of ecological and economic self-sufficiency in Canada's poorest urban community. Students will grow perennials and herbs in small plots as well plant and tend fruit trees. Food crops like lettuce, kale, beets, onions, beans and tomatoes will also be grown.

"Nature's Path Foods is a leader in promoting healthy food and environments," said Dr. Valentin Schaefer, Executive Director of the IUE. "Organic gardening supports urban biodiversity. We are excited about the opportunity to work together in creating gardens at schools that contribute to the well being of the students through healthier food they will grow and eat and by creating a healthier, more natural school ground environment."

Additionally, the IUE will conduct workshops on healthy foods and organic gardening throughout the school year.

Arran Stephens, President and founder of Nature's Path says helping kids develop green thumbs at an early age augurs well for the planet's future.

"We feel that bringing a direct experience of nature and of growing food to children at a young age is the best hope we have that the next generations will govern the world in an ecological and sustainable way," says Stephens.

Schaefer says the garden isn't just good for the body, it's good for the soul.

"I believe that having a space in the community where kids can make a positive impact will help them to feel empowered in other aspects of their lives," he says.

The IUE at Douglas College is committed to increasing biodiversity in the Lower Mainland. The IUE holds between 30 and 40 plantings a year, where about 5,000 native plant species are planted. Over 3,000 people a year attend IUE workshops and lectures. The Institute also does on-going research into biodiversity.

For more information, contact the Institute of Urban Ecology at 604-527-5522 or visit the Web site at www.douglas.bc.ca/community/urban-ecology.

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