Environmental Technician Student Initiatives Promote Sustainability 

Submitted by Jordan Ann Kevan de Haan, Program Coordinator, Environmental Technician /Communications Professor  

In an impressive showcase of commitment to environmental awareness and action, first-year students from the Environmental Technician program, have successfully concluded their Environmental Sustainability Action Projects as part of the course ENVI34: Environmental Issues and Solutions. 

These students demonstrated a remarkable dedication to making a difference in environmental sustainability. Their projects, carefully designed to align with personal interests and broader ecological goals, spotlight the importance of proactive environmental stewardship. 

Among some of the students’ projects was the construction of bat houses for at-risk bat species in Ontario. This hands-on project addressed habitat preservation and contributed to the conservation of crucial pollinators and insect control.  

“Building bat houses taught me how necessary it is to create habitats for wildlife and support local biodiversity,” exclaimed Garima, a student from India. “The construction of bat houses was fun for me, and the project helped me in two ways; firstly, it was related to my passion for conserving wildlife, while secondly, it [helped me] acquire practical skills.” 
  
Other students engaged in a water sampling initiative with Water Rangers Canada, utilizing water quality test kits and an open data platform to collect and document and compare water quality data from samples taken in Ottawa, Montreal, and Cornwall.  
 
“Testing surface water for Water Rangers was an enjoyable experience,” expressed Jonathan Ramundi. “It was fun learning a new skill and satisfying to know that the data I collected is contributing to keeping the Cornwall waterfront in good health.” 

Another impactful endeavor involved volunteering with Watersheds Canada to improve shoreline habitat through the planting of native trees and shrubs. By actively participating in the restoration of shoreline ecosystems, students gained practical experience in habitat enhancement and conservation, reinforcing the importance of hands-on initiatives in environmental education. 

"Native shrub planting is a simple and interesting way to keep freshwater ecosystems balanced and safe,” exclaimed Yemi Adeyemi, who comes from Nigeria. “In my sustainability project, I learned how native shrubs and trees reduce the rate of contaminant runoff into water and consequent pollution of water. I hope more people realize this concept and put it into practice to promote sustainable freshwater ecosystems."  

In addition to these projects, other students volunteered at the River Institute's River Symposium; participated in birding-related citizen science initiatives; removed phragmites, an invasive species from the Cornwall shoreline in order to prepare the area for future shoreline re-naturalization work; organized a science and nature literacy event for local a Girl Guides group; sampled and identified invertebrates for a research project being conducted the River Institute, and contributed to a variety of other initiatives that collectively made a significant impact on environmental sustainability. 

Jordan Ann Kevan de Haan, professor and program coordinator, praised the students for their impressive contributions. "These first-year students have shown a deep understanding of environmental issues and have actively taken steps to address them. Their projects are a testament to the impactful contributions that can be made, even early in their academic journey."  

As the semester concludes, these projects serve as an inspiring example of how education and hands-on initiatives can together contribute to building a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.