A dispatch from Evergreen Common Grounds’ Caitlin Langois:

I was recently reminded that Canadians are stewards to 10% of the world’s forests. I still grapple with the great responsibility and immense gift this represents to us.

This important fact came up during a recent workshop during which I met the world renown Dr. Jane Goodall, heard her infamous chimp call, and witnessed 50 enthusiastic youth from the Jane Goodall Institue’s Roots and Shoots program come together for a day of learning about forest issues and how to take action today for the forests of tomorrow.

The day started with a workshop hosted by Evergreen and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada at the University of Toronto’s downtown campus. The session focused on the current crisis facing the world’s forests, and the very special visit from this celebrated primatologist, environmentalist, and humanitarian, inspired us all to take action today on this global issue.

Accompanied by her beloved stuffed chimp, Mr. H, Jane shared her message of hope and how young people can join the Roots and Shoots 2010 campaign Planet Releaf and be part of co-ordinated activities and events happening across Canada to positively impact forest together. As Jane left, her signature chimp call echoed in our ears.

Next, Evergreen and the Jane Goodall Institute are off to Vancouver, where more Roots and Shoots youth groups will be gathering for forest-friendly fun on May 27.  It doesn’t end there! We are continuing the action this fall, with events planned for Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary.

Following the Roots & Shoots model, Planet Releaf is arming young Canadians with knowledge, action, compassion and the belief that together, we can change the world!

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 29th, 2010 at 12:38 pm and is filed under In the Field, Issues, Stewardship and Planting, Toronto, Vancouver. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.