Pioneer sponsors environmental education field trips

Pioneer sponsors environmental education field trips

This winter, Ontario’s largest independent gas retailer and a proud Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) conservation partner, Pioneer Petroleums, is announcing a commitment to sponsor environmental education field trips hosted by the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. As part of these 80+ school field trips, over 1,200 students will be directly involved in stream restoration projects in parts of Lake Ontario’s watershed. They will also assist in the release of Atlantic salmon, an original Lake Ontario species that was in fact, one of the first species in Canada to be wiped out as a result of human development in the late 1800’s.

Tim Hogarth, Chief Executive Officer for Pioneer Petroleums, said, “Pioneer’s partnership in this O.F.A.H.-led program is a natural connection. Pioneer believes in supporting grassroots environmental action and we believe in helping kids. Pioneer is pleased to support outdoor educational opportunities that will help give children a lifelong appreciation for healthy waterways and those who volunteer to protect them.”

This school year, over 80 schools representing a dozen school boards will be raising Atlantic salmon in their very own classroom hatcheries. Each school may schedule field trips for the spring, courtesy of Pioneer, to give students an opportunity to release their fish and help bring back an ecological treasure to Lake Ontario.

“We are proud to be supported by Pioneer, a forward-thinking company that hasn’t forgotten its roots – a company that clearly shares the Federation’s interest in supporting local community-based volunteer conservation work,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader.

Beginning this spring, select Pioneer stations will host “Conservation Month at Pioneer” to help support environmental education and conservation events, such as “Pioneer Day on Bronte Creek.” In addition to helping kids learn about the environment, Pioneer is dedicated to supporting O.F.A.H.-led stream improvement projects and the restoration of Lake Ontario Atlantic salmon.

The Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program’s classroom hatchery initiative is part of the history-making conservation endeavor that was launched in 2006 by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and its conservation partners. Pioneer’s support is an extension of its corporate commitment to environmental integrity and education. As a corporate philosophy, Pioneer supports programs that encourage individuals to help improve our environment.

In addition to Pioneer Petroleums, the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program receives support from more than 35 partners. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and Ministry of Natural Resources partner to lead the restoration effort, and major sponsors include Australia’s Banrock Station Wines, LCBO, Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association, Fishing Forever Foundation, Fleming College and Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. For more information, visit www.bringbackthesalmon.ca.

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