Ready, Set , Solve : The CRD Student Climate Challenge is an amazing initiative from the creative people working on climate change in the CRD. We are so pleased to be apart of this intuitive project and have been lucky enough to receive a great group of University of Victoria students to help make our office green! Here is some more information about the project via the CRD Climate Change website:
Ready, Set, Solve (RSS) is a fun, applied learning challenge focused on getting post-secondary students to help solve small, but real, energy efficiency and climate-related challenges that exist in the Capital Region during the fall 2011 academic semester.
Municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and institutions in the Capital Region face unique challenges in working towards their climate action goals. Undergraduate students have a fresh perspective, and the relevant skills and knowledge but often lack the opportunity to gain practical experience, build their networks in the community, and direct their learning to the topics that they are most passionate about. Simply put, the goal of RSS is to bring these two groups together in the pursuit of real climate change and energy efficiency solutions, it’s a win, win, win situation.
We unfortunately work in an older building which isn't overly energy efficient and we are so busy working on protecting land outside of the office that we don't have the time to make our office more energy efficient. We are so thrilled that our group of students are going to help us reach our goals of cutting carbon emissions and lowering our energy bills. We will keep you up to date over the next few months on how our office is coming along. A big thank you the Capital Regional District and our wonderful group consisting of Vicki, Jessica and Inka for all your hard work! We really appreciate it!
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HAT Chat Summer 2011
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Created: Monday, 29 August 2011 11:26
HAT Chat Summer 2011 - Our latest newsletter is here! Click on the image to find out more about Conservation Connection 2011, Painted Turtles, Habitat Stewardship and much more!
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Conservation Connection Forum
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Created: Tuesday, 16 August 2011 14:34
Conservation Connection is back for its 11th year and this one is shaping up to be the most expansive and engaging forums to date. It will take place on Friday, September 30th at Royal Roads University and will feature some amazing panels, workshops and a guided nature walk by an experienced naturalist. We are also thrilled to have secured a very special keynote speaker (who will we announce shortly) that will surely garner attention from community members in the Capital Regional District. We look forward to seeing everyone at this can't miss event that will help us learn from each other on the importance of conservation in our community. Below you will find the FINAL agenda and a 'vintage' clip from a Conservation Connection that took place in 2007.
Royal Roads University, The Mews Conference Centre
8:00-8:45 Arrival and Set-up (Ballroom)
8:45-9:00 Welcome and Introductions (Ballroom)
9:00-10:30 Concurrent Sessions:
Session 1: Municipal Panel: Collaborationbetween Local Government and Non-profits in the Capital region. Panel with Laura Byrne (District of Sooke), Cory Manton (Saanich) and Fred Hook (City of Victoria)
Session 2: The Quick & Dirty of Volunteer Managementwith Leanna Hill from Volunteer Victoria
10:30-10:45 Coffee and SnackBreak
10:45-12:00 Concurrent Sessions
Session 1: Nature Walk(through the Royal Roads Grounds) with Andy MacKinnon, co-author of Plants of Coastal British Columbia
Session 2: Non-Profit Funding Strategies with Paul McNair, Director of Land Trust Alliance of BC and innovative fundraiser
12:00-1:15 Lunch by Truffles Catering
1:15-2:30 Concurrent Sessions:
Session 1: Grant Writing Tips with Professional Advisory Panel that includes Marg Rose, Birgit Castledine and Linda Gray from Victoria Foundation, Lindsay Silverson from World Fisheries Trust and Danella Parks from Vancity
Session 2: The Many Faces of Conservation: Join Global Human Rights Practitioner Moussa Magassa and Gagan Leekha former Multicultural Environmental Education Program Coordinator (Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society).
2:30-2:45 Snack break
2:45-4:00 Closing Keynote Session:
Bob McDonald host of CBC's Quirks & Quarks, award-winning science journalist and author
Bob McDonald has been communicating science internationally through television, radio, print and live presentations for more than 30 years. He is the host of CBC Radio’s Quirks and Quarks, the award-winning science program with a national audience of nearly 500,000 people. He is also a regular reporter for CBC Television’s The National as well as Gemini winning host and writer of the children’s series Head’s Up. McDonald has also hosted Greatest Canadian Invention and the seven-part series Water Under Fire.
As a print journalist, McDonald has authored three science books and contributed to numerous science textbooks, newspapers and magazines including The Globe and Mail, Owl Magazine and many others. His latest book is Measuring the Earth With a Stick, and he has written the introductions to The Quirks & Quarks Question Book, The Guide to Space: 42 Questions (and Answers) About Life, the Universe, and Everything as well as Nasty, Brutish and Short, the Quirks Guide to Animal Sex.
Beyond his work in media, McDonald is Chairman of Geospace, an exciting new environmental centre and planetarium for the Toronto Waterfront.
McDonald has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada as the recipient of the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Sir Sanford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute and the McNeil Medal from The Royal Society of Canada. McDonald was also the recipient of a 2008 Gemini Award for Best Host in a Pre-School, Children's or Youth Program or Series.
He has received six honourary Doctorates, from the University of Guelph, Carleton University, Laurentian, McMaster, University of Winnipeg and University of Calgary. In 2011, he was appointed to the Order of Canada.
Bob McDonald's talk will be presented by VanCity and we cannot thank our sponsors enough for all they have done to ensure that this year's Conservation Connection will be a memorable one. The Victoria Foundation continues to step up and help us to create this event as well as Royal Roads University who provides the amazing venue and food.
Sponsors
Conservation Connection is funded by:
Conference facilities have been donated by:
Bob McDonald Keynote Presentation sponsored by:
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Simple Steps: Volunteer, Have Fun, Conserve Nature, Be Appreciated.
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Created: Wednesday, 10 August 2011 12:48
Mark August 27th on your calenders for a fun filled day of free food and nature conservation, all while being surrounded by Victoria's natural beauty. We have two events happening on August 27th, one involves some volunteering with our staff while the other involves the staff showing our appreciation for all our volunteers! Check out all the details below and RSVP on our facebook page.
Colwood's largest public park is the beautiful 40-acre Havenwood Park. On Saturday August 27 from 10-2 pm join Habitat Acquisiton Trust at the park for a free lunch, nature walk and free hands-on workshop and work party for habitat restoration. Register asap to reserve your free lunch and your family's spot on the fascinating and educational nature tour. Together Colwood residents and HAT volunteers can protect one of Canada's most endangered ecosystems. The time to act is now before invasives outcompete the rare and sensitive native ecosystem. HAT staff will provide tools, gloves, lunch and expertise. Car pooling space is also available. Please bring long-sleeved clothing with hat, a water bottle, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen.
Habitat Acquisition Trust depends on fantastic volunteers to help protect Victoria's endangered ecosystems! It's time to celebrate your work! Every single HAT volunteer is invited to Francis King Park's Ranger's Cabin for a casual dinner, free interpretive nature walk and fun. The area is wheelchair accessible. This a family-friendly event so the whole family can attend. We can't wait to see you and to celebrate another suc...cessful year of protecting nature in Victoria! Let us know if you need a ride, We will try to assist you.
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Breaking News: Bob McDonald is coming to Conservation Connection 2011
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Created: Tuesday, 09 August 2011 11:04
Our Conservation Connection Forum has always been an event that brings out the very best of the conservation community and this year is no different. Entering its 11th year, we are pleased to announce that Vancity is sponsoring CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks host Bob McDonald keyntote! Bob has just been named to the Order of Canada and we are all huge fans of his radio program and his blog, which he updates regularly. If you are not familiar with Quirks and Quarks, we have provided some links below and encourage you to jump into the podcast archives. Everyone is dancing with joy in the office right now and we cannot wait to hear Bob speak on September 30th at Royal Roads University.
Bio: Bob McDonald has been communicating science internationally through television, radio, print and live presentations for more than 30 years. He is the host of CBC Radio’s Quirks and Quarks, the award-winning science program with a national audience of nearly 500,000 people. He is also a regular reporter for CBC Television’s The National as well as Gemini winning host and writer of the children’s series Head’s Up. McDonald has also hosted Greatest Canadian Invention and the seven-part series Water Under Fire.
As a print journalist, McDonald has authored three science books and contributed to numerous science textbooks, newspapers and magazines including The Globe and Mail, Owl Magazine and many others. His latest book is Measuring the Earth With a Stick, and he has written the introductions to The Quirks & Quarks Question Book, The Guide to Space: 42 Questions (and Answers) About Life, the Universe, and Everything as well as Nasty, Brutish and Short, the Quirks Guide to Animal Sex.
Beyond his work in media, McDonald is Chairman of Geospace, an exciting new environmental centre and planetarium for the Toronto Waterfront.
McDonald has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada as the recipient of the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Sir Sanford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute and the McNeil Medal from The Royal Society of Canada. McDonald was also the recipient of a 2008 Gemini Award for Best Host in a Pre-School, Children's or Youth Program or Series.
He has received six honourary Doctorates, from the University of Guelph, Carleton University, Laurentian, McMaster, University of Winnipeg and University of Calgary. In 2011, he was appointed to the Order of Canada.
Bob McDonald's talk will be presented by VanCity and we cannot thank our sponsors enough for all they have done to ensure that this year's Conservation Connection will be a memorable one. The Victoria Foundation continues to step up and help us to create this event as well as Royal Roads University who provides the amazing venue and food.
