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OFAH FILE: 842 |
For Immediate Release |
Youth to fight invading species again this summer
Students from across Ontario gather for training June 16, 17
More than thirty college and university summer students will attend invasive species summer school next week to learn all they can about alien threats to Ontario’s environment, and what they can do to prevent their spread. The Invading Species Awareness Program, a partnership of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (M.N.R.), is hosting the workshop. It will be held June 16, 17 at Trent University in Peterborough.
The students are employed for the summer with a variety of organizations, including the O.F.A.H., M.N.R., conservation authorities, First Nations and non-government organizations. There will be students attending from 20 different natural resource offices located across the province. Over the summer, the students will form an “invasive species hit squad,” and will attend community events in their area to educate the public about invading species and the steps that they can take to stop them from spreading to new places.
The purpose of the workshop is to provide the students with helpful information to ensure that they have a successful summer season of public education and outreach, and invasive species monitoring.
The Government of Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs Program is also providing funding assistance for this initiative.
| Who: | 35 college and university summer students |
| What: | Invading Species Awareness Training |
| When: | June 16, 9 am – 5pm (Note: At 1 p.m. move outside) June 17, 8 am – 1 pm |
| Where: | Trent University, Environmental Sciences building, Peterborough |
With 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member clubs, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is the largest nonprofit conservation-based organization in Ontario. For more information, visit www.ofah.org or www.invadingspecies.com.
The following host communities and organizations are involved in the summer student program. To be put in touch with students, or for further information, call Francine MacDonald, O.F.A.H. Invasive Species/Aquatics Biologist (ext 238), or Allyson Brown (ext 276), Invasive Species Outreach Liaison at (705) 748-6324.
Eastern Ontario:
Chutes a Blondeau, Voyageur Provincial Park, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Finch, South Nation Conservation
Lanark, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
Lanark, Plenty Canada
Manotick, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Pembroke, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Prince Edward County, Prince Edward Stewardship Council
Northeastern Ontario:
Chapleau, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Espanola, Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin Area Stewardship Council, Manitoulin Tourism Association
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Northwestern Ontario:
Fort Frances, South Kenora Rainy River Stewardship Council
Kenora, Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association
Nipigon, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Stewardship Council
Central Ontario:
Alliston, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
Aurora, Ontario Streams
Orillia, Kids For Turtles Environmental Education
Peterborough, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Trenton, Lower Trent Conservation
Southwestern Ontario:
Windsor, University of Windsor
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Contact
| Francine MacDonald Invading Species/Aquatic Biologist 705-748-6324 ext 238 cell 705-761-1503 |
Allyson Brown Invasive Species Outreach Liaison 705-748-6324 ext 276 |
