With Tuesday marking the 55-year anniversary of Earth Day, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre and City of Lethbridge have announced a new environmental challenge.
Verdant Quest is ongoing for the next few months.
Four challenges are a part of the free initiative, and for each challenge completed, participants will earn a badge. Different prizes are up for grabs as well.
Additionally, those who complete all four challenges will earn a special sticker and be entered to win one of two grand prizes, which include a stay package for a trip to Waterton Lakes National Park, as well as a local stay package in Lethbridge.
Free game cards are available online, or in-person at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
Chelsea Sherbut, resource development coordinator at the Nature Centre, says Verdant Quest is, “A good way for people to feel more connected with nature, and it’s just a fun way to be outside”. Sherbut adds that activities like the newly launched challenge and the annual Coulee Clean-Up make a huge difference for the local environment.
“Citizen efforts toward conservation projects make an actual real difference. Cities that don’t have the same challenge don’t enjoy quite the pristine landscapes that we end up with here because of things like Coulee Clean-Up,” she states.
Sherbut says last year, “We picked up over 400 bags of garbage” as part of Coulee Clean-Up. That initiative is on until May 31, but Sherbut says community clean-ups are encouraged and supported year-round.
Meanwhile, the new Verdant Quest ends July 31, with the grand prize draw on August 6.
NEW ONLINE HUB
Kathleen Sheppard, the executive director of Environment Lethbridge, says the group has launched a new website for anyone looking to boost their conservation efforts.
Green YQL offers a listing of different environmental activities, groups and happenings that residents can be a part of.
“We know that the community likes to be involved in these different programs,” Sheppard says. “We really think that [by] providing a single gateway for people to find information, we can boost those participation rates even higher.”
Sheppard adds Earth Day is a perfect opportunity to think about taking on different conservation efforts in your life. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen some really notable successes for Lethbridge – some of the activity that’s taken place in terms of waste reduction and diversion has been a great success.”
Sheppard adds water is a big focus for many in Lethbridge and across the region. She suggests community members look at doing things like getting a rain barrel or setting a timer to ensure they do not overwater their garden or lawn in order to help conserve water.
READ MORE: Celebrating 55 years of Earth Day
