It’s Giving Tuesday!
Attention, friends of the Biosphere!
In the spirit of the season of giving, we're reaching out to you, our incredible community of environmental supporters, with an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our future!
We have made an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 for our Future Leaders Program! Starting today until Christmas, help us reach our goal of 10,000 to empower our future leaders!
What is the Future Leaders program?
Future Leaders is our environmental education program for the Bow Valley students, teachers and youth! It comprises Alberta curriculum programs, wildlife Edukits, the Future Leaders Youth Council and teacher-professional learning.
Highlights and achievements!
In the fall of 2023, the Grade 3 class at Nôtre Dame des Monts welcomed a colony of Red Wiggler worms into their classroom. Each week, the students feed the worms their lunch scraps. The budding scientists noticed how the worms transform their food waste into castings. One student remarked, “It’s com-poop!” Exactly. The worm castings they feed to the worms are transformed into compost.
Future Leaders Youth Council members, like Ko and Olivia, are doing amazing things in their community. Last year, they created a radio series titled “Trash Talks” on MountainFM; they are working on policy change regarding Alberta's temporary ban on renewable energies and will soon launch a public education video together with their peers at Roam Transit titled “Teens on Transit”.
“I enjoy being part of the Future Leaders Youth Council as it provides a platform for passionate youth to come together and address various environmental issues while transforming our community through impactful projects and collaborative efforts” - Ko Ueno (he/him, 18 years old)
"Throughout all of these events, I have learned that I am not as alone as I once thought, and that there are many other teens who care about the environment and are willing to dedicate their time to helping preserve it." - Olivia (she/her, 17 years old)
Donate now and receive a tax-deductible receipt immediately! We will highlight and profile all donors of $100 or more in the next few weeks!
THANK YOU to you - our supportive and generous community of environmental champions! #GivingTuesday
What are the tangible impacts of my donation?
For $25, you can support a worm colony for one classroom. Help students learn about vermicompost, food sustainability and soil science!
For $50, you can support the cost of paint, beads and program art supplies!
For $100, you can support a pizza dinner for the Future Leaders Youth Council and their environmental action projects!
For $500, you can support a youth on a backpacking environmental education trip!
Do-si-do for the Biosphere: Square Dance Fundraiser
Thank you to all who attended and supported our Square Dance fundraiser on November 17! We had an absolute blast getting together and dancing with our wonderful community. It was a sold-out event of 175 people dancing the night away to an 8-piece band (Single Ladies String Band joined by the Hip to be Square Collective) and led by our fearless square dance caller Leslie Gotfrit.
Thanks again to Cornerstone Theatre and WIld Life Distillery for sponsoring the event and all of our amazing silent auction donors.
See you next year - mark your calendars for Friday, November 15, 2024!
Photos by Anna Sellers @burstallmedia
Upcoming Events!
Nov 30 - Calling Banff Youth!
Calling on Banff Youth! Next Thursday, November 30 at 4:30 pm, the Future Leaders Youth Council will meet at the @roam_transit Hub on Hawk Ave. Industrial area. Join us! We will be filming a short video promoting "Teens on Transit" and would love some Banff faces in the video. It's free to join, and a meal will be provided
If you can't make it on Thursday but are still interested in joining the Future Leaders Youth Council, email Heidi at education@biospheresintitute.org to connect on future opportunities!
Dec 11 - Earth Talks
Illuminate, Craft and Create: Intro to Candle Making Workshop
Join the Canmore Public Library and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley on December 11th for a cozy, DIY candle-making workshop with Esther Tie! This unique, hands-on Earth Talk offers attendees a chance to learn, create and take home their own DIY eco-friendly, customized scented candle.
Attendees will:
Discover the art of candle-making by creating their own hand-made, eco-friendly scented candle. Just in time for the holidays to give to a special loved one, or indulge in yourself!
Learn the difference between the types of waxes available, wick size vs. vessel size, and how to mix your own scents!
We will also briefly discuss how DIY candle-making can be more sustainable, the ethics of using different ingredients, reusing containers and more!
About the Presenter:
Originally from Australia, Esther Tie is now a local Canmore resident who developed a love for making candles at home. She started out wanting to repurpose candle jars which developed into learning how to make my own candles instead of buying new ones.
This event requires registration and has a cost of $25 to cover the costs of your personalized, scented candle. Only 15 spots are available - you must register through this link to confirm your spot.
Getting ready for the festivities?
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us!
The mountains are covered with fresh snowfall, and people have begun decorating with twinkling lights to celebrate the upcoming season. While the Bow Valley is getting ready to celebrate the holiday season, it’s important to remember the animal residents who still need to navigate through their home.
Holiday decorations, loose and low-hanging cords, lights, and wires can become tangled in the antlers of deer, elk, and moose, which can be dangerous and cause injuries or exhaustion. If entangled, the animal is often unable to untangle from the obstruction itself. Parks Canada recommends that residents and business owners walk their property and remove items potentially resulting in a wildlife entanglement incident. To protect these animals:
Secure lights to buildings instead of trees (especially within 10 feet of the ground).
Consider using cord-free decorations.
Use timers to conserve energy and preserve the night sky.
After the holidays, remove lights and decorations promptly.
