We’re at a turning point in history. The future we share with wildlife and all other life-forms hangs in the balance. Habitat 2020 is all about this shared future. This kit is a simple way of reminding us how important sustainable habitat is to the future of wildlife. It’s about harmonizing our own needs with those of other living things, since the future we share with wildlife depends on all of us having a place to grow. With wise use and careful planning, we can protect our natural heritage and continue to benefit from the Earth’s resources well into the future. We hope you’ll share this vision with us.
- Sustainability Means Survival
Sustainability means our ability to survive — to continue living on the Earth — and it depends on our wise use of natural resources. - Create Wildlife Habitat
When we set out to create sustainable schoolyard habitats, it’s not always obvious where to begin.
Ensure the Sustainability Cycle Continues
So far, we’ve focused on creating habitat by providing food, water, shelter, and space for a variety of creatures. We’re off to an excellent start. But establishing sustainable schoolyard habitat is never a one-shot deal. Nurturing wildlife habitat is just as important as creating it. That’s why Part 2 features nurturing projects that continue our efforts towards providing sustainable wildlife habitat.
- Nurture Wildlife Habitat
As we advance through the sustainability cycle, we realize how important it is to nurture wildlife habitat in both our schoolyards and our communities.
Ensure the Sustainability Cycle Continues
So far, we’ve created and nurtured habitat for a variety of wildlife. We’ve promoted sustainability through our wise use of resources like water and soil and the reuse of materials like schoolyard waste and worn-out tires in our projects. Now we want the food, water, shelter, and space we’ve provided (and the species that depend on them) to endure for many years to come. That’s why Part 3 features projects that will help us attain our goal — a sustainable schoolyard habitat.
- Sustain Wildlife Habitat
One of the best ways to ensure the sustainability of our projects is to work in partnership with our communities.
Helpful Hints
- Collaborate with your students to choose sustainable wildlife projects, so your schoolyard habitat will reflect their collective vision.
- Give youngsters a realistic idea of what their efforts can accomplish for wildlife.
- Make your project a community endeavour to ensure its sustainability long after your students have graduated.
- Include school maintenance staff in planning your project.
- Get written permission from landowners or your municipality prior to undertaking any work outside your schoolyard.
- Check area bylaws before you start planting or building projects in your schoolyard or community.
- Take extra safety precautions if activities occur info rests or around water.
- Bring a first-aid kit along on outings, and recruit older students and volunteers to maximize safety.
- Ensure that youngsters wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Remember that it is easier to work in small groups.
- Use plants, trees, and shrubs native to your ecological area.
Conclusion
Cures for genetic diseases, suspension bridge cables built from synthetic spider silk, indestructible crash helmets designed after a walnut shell: the possibilities are endless! What else might be found in nature? A plant food to end world hunger?
Imagine recording and burying, in a time capsule, your ideas of what sustainability could lead to and uncovering them 20 years from now. Who knows? By 2032, with your sustainable actions, your visions might be realized.
