Only open to 17 year-olds; Ontario Stewardship Rangers get hands-on
experience in environmental stewardship and have summer of a lifetime
"I tagged butterflies, monitored fish and wildlife, planted trees and met some really cool people...it was a memorable summer!"
The Ontario Stewardship Ranger Program is an eight-week program for youth in their 17th year who are interested in the environment and possibly pursuing a "green" career. Helping to fund the program is Trees Ontario, a not-for-profit tree planting organization who also administers the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' 50 Million Tree Program - the single largest commitment to the United Nations Billion Tree Program.
Trees Ontario provided
Recently, their group was on the property of Manfred and
Both Andrew and Natalie knew as Rangers they would learn about forestry stewardship but they did not expect to have the summer experience of a lifetime. "I came into this job with pretty high expectations and even they have been exceeded," said Andrew, who travels from Puslinch each day to participate in the program. "I never thought working could be this much fun - each day I learn something new and work on a project that will improve our environment!"
The Ontario Stewardship Rangers work in teams consisting of one experienced Team Lead who teaches and mentors a team of four Rangers.
"This is my third year leading a group of Rangers and every year it amazes me at how quickly the group comes together and how much they grow as environmentalists and people," said
For Natalie, who commutes from Brampton with her dad each day, the summer has been a life changing experience. "I have been able to spend more time with my Dad and that has been great. As well, at school everyone seems to be focused on their appearance. After sweating it out all day in the wilderness, working on the land and learning about things like trees, birds, fish and waterways, your priorities quickly change to how you can make your environment better."
Natalie is interested in applying to the University of Waterloo's Physical Geography program with the goal of a career as a meteorologist. "I have always been fascinated by the weather and how it affects our lives," said Natalie. "It got me interested in geography and the outdoors. My Girl Guide troupe was at a tree planting event in Etobicoke where Donna Cansfield, the Minister of Natural Resources, asked me about my interests and suggested I apply to this program. I am so glad she did. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Growing up on the family farm, Andrew's interest in the environment started with the Jefferson Salamanders that have been protected by Ontario's Endangered Species Act. Andrew and his family have spent years preserving the natural habitat on their land to ensure the ongoing survival of these reptiles.
Andrew will be applying to Guelph University to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture. "Good landscape architects understand how their work will affect the local environment. The Ontario Stewardship Rangers program has given me a great understanding and appreciation for how to manage waterways, protect forests and ensure local ecosystems flourish."
Both Andrew and Natalie agree that any eligible student who has an interest in pursuing a career in an environmental field should make sure they apply to the Ontario Stewardship Ranger Program. "It will be one of the best and most rewarding experiences of your life. The friends you will make and the experiences you have will last a lifetime," continues Andrew. "You will learn a lot about yourself and the environment and your self-confidence will soar," added Natalie.
The Ministry of Natural Resources' Ontario Stewardship Ranger Program is offered each year to youth in their 17th year. They can work across the province on a variety of natural resources management projects. Next summer's participants must have been born in 1993.
For more information on the Ontario Stewardship Ranger program or other Ministry of Natural Resources youth employment programs, visit the Youth Programs website at ontario.ca/mnryouthprograms or call 1-800-667-1940.
Trees Ontario
Trees Ontario, working with its partners, is the largest, not-for-profit tree planting partnership in
The goal of Trees Ontario is to restore the province's tree planting capacity, especially throughout southern Ontario on private lands, by providing funding and planning support for its tree planting partners. These include local Conservation Authorities, Ontario Stewardship Councils, municipal governments and community volunteer groups.
This year, with its partners, Trees Ontario will plant close to 3 million trees. Visit the Trees Ontario website at www.treesontario.ca.
50 Million Tree Program
In
The 50 Million Tree Program is Ontario's commitment to the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign. The program is also the most ambitious program of its kind in
The 50 Million Tree Program can significantly cut landowners' costs of large-scale tree planting and boost the number of trees planted.
For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Paul Tyler, GoldFenix Communications, (905) 235-7285, [email protected]; Victoria Ollers, GoldFenix Communications, (416) 822-2288, [email protected]
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