Introducing the C.A.R.L.Y. (Climate Adaptation Research Lab YOUTH) Eco-Literacy Project, an exciting collaboration between vibrant young Salt Spring Island youth from Wildhaven School and the Transition Salt Spring Climate Adaptation Research Lab (CARL).
This remarkable collaboration came about this past June when Wildhaven students came to Hwmet’utsum (Mt. Maxwell) to learn about forest management and fire reduction strategies from TSS scientist in-residence Dr. Ruth Waldick and her team. A regular, weekly immersive forest program was conceived from this initial outing.
The C.A.R.L.Y. project is a student science-driven endeavour focusing on forest restoration in the Hwmet’utsum (Mt. Maxwell) Creek Watershed. Children 5 to 12 work hand in hand with Transition Salt Spring’s CARL team, composed of ecologists, knowledgeable guides and practitioners, and scientists, to learn how forest stewardship can support the ecosystem’s health, preparing our environment and community for the changes ahead.
The children have been learning to observe, listen, and record and have been actively building science experiment “plots” in the forest, which they plan to observe and document changes over time.
This partnership is a unique opportunity to partner inquisitive children with scientists in the field.
“Our family is quite excited about the opportunity our son has to participate in the WildHaven/Transitions partnership and engage in field days in and around Hwmet’etsum, learning from scientists and elders and absorbing knowledge that he otherwise would have difficulty acquiring. Learning about global warming, climate change, fire prevention, riparian conservation, animal and bird habitats, and living in harmony with our environment are the most essential lessons every young person can benefit from as they are inheriting our planet.”
Asya Hammond, a Wildhaven parent
TSS’s CARL team is excited about embarking on this journey and looking forward to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and change-makers.
Check back on our site as we share the children’s inspirations, stories, art and portfolio of learning.