On Wednesday, April 22, the sun was shining, and the temperatures rose enough to put a spring in the steps of more than 700 elementary students from Georgian Bay Community School who had the pleasure of taking part in the annual Bruce Calvert Earth Day Hike.
Kindergarten students hiked the school yard perimeter, while the older students hiked down the St. Vincent Street hill to the Georgian Trail. They were met by Grey Sauble Conservation’s Vice chair, Al Wilcox. He joined the mass of students as they continued along the trail, hiking with his former colleagues and enjoying the company of excited students. Most classes hiked for a full hour, being cheered on by several members of the Calvert family who helped to make sure the road crossing went smoothly.
Students thoroughly enjoyed their time outdoors and were excited by the fun facts spread throughout the walk which were printed on different types of butterflies. Some also were happy to roll up their sleeves and walk while picking up litter. More than three bags of garbage were removed from the area.
In 2008, Bruce Calvert began the Earth Day Hike as a fundraiser for the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation and for the local schools here in Meaford. This tradition continues today. Donations were collected by students and half of the proceeds will go to the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation, while the other half will go to greening of the school yard. This year, thanks to your generosity, the total reached over $2,200.
Special thanks go out to the volunteers, staff, and students who helped to make our Earth Day hike and celebrations such a success.
