The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is preparing to kick off its sixth annual Water to Earth Month.
This year’s themes are Groundwater and Climate Change. The month begins with World Water Day on March 22 and and wraps up with Earth Day on April 22, according to an RDN media release.
“Extreme heat, wildfires and floods in B.C. have brought more awareness to the topic of climate change and the impacts we are seeing in our own backyards,” reads the release.
Lessening and adapting to the impacts of climate change are the focus of this year’s events.
“Water to Earth Month is a fun, hands-on way for residents of all ages to learn more about the environment and how we can all help to protect it through simple changes and small actions,” said Tyler Brown, RDN chair.
The RDN encourages residents to register for one of the scheduled events, visit the RDN Team WaterSmart Get Involved page for online activities and follow along on social media for fun contests.
Activities throughout the month include:
-Workshops on WaterSmart Gardening, Rainwater Management and Natural Landscaping for Climate Change Resilience;
-An educational walk with a local biologist and water expert along the Nanaimo River discussing water protection and stream-side stewardship;
-A “Bio-Blitz” in your own backyard by tracking the plants and animals you see;
-A hosted invasive plant pull and litter clean up party, or organize one for your own community;
-Online contests where you can share how you are making a difference to conserve water or reduce the impacts of climate change on the RDN’s social media channels for a chance to win some great prize packs.
The RDN thanks its regional partners including the City of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Area Land Trust, Vancouver Island University, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute and Mosaic Forest Management for their involvement and support.
