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My Call to Action plan proposal involved working in conjunction with the sustainable development organization Evergreen to help co-ordinate a park restoration event. This would also give me the opportunity to discuss with the staff and others about TakingITGlobal, and my work on the global issues of the environment and sustainable development. I originally planned to first attend an event myself to better understand what we would be doing. Unfortunately, some of the events later in the month were cancelled, and I had only one chance to put this into action. I really liked what the Evergreen organization was about so despite the time restraints, I wanted to make this work. I attempted to spread the word to as many people as I could (calling was the most successful) and though we were only a group of five (thank you very much for showing up!), we were ready to help in any way possible.
About Evergreen and Downsview Park
Evergreen (www.evergreen.ca)
Evergreen is a non-profit organization that looks to increase the liveability of cities by integrating nature into an urban environment.
Downsview Park
Originally a military base turned into a recreational area, there have been some interesting sustainable development projects occurring within the past few years. The one that quickly caught my eye was the stormwater management system that ensures water from rain and melted snow can flow back into nearby lakes or rivers. This reduces the impact of urban development by maintaining the hydrologic cycle (circulation of water between oceans, atmosphere and land), preventing flooding, and keeping the water quality high.
From Proposal to Action
Upon arrival at Downsview Park (about 20 minutes late), we met Colin (the event coordinator). He brought us to the Canada Forest where we would be working. There were three main jobs that needed to be done: the removal and collection of dead trees, mulching, and pruning trees. It was nice to know that we were not the only group there (there was a total of about 15-20 people representing other groups and organizations). I had the opportunity to discuss TakingITGlobal with both my group and the event coordinator (who actually knew some members of the staff). I encouraged him to keep in touch with TakingITGlobal as there would be a new influx of interns in the upcoming fall. After we finished working, we were educated on history of Downsview park as well as some of the restoration projects that were being done (including the stormwater management system).
After the event, my group and I agreed that the time was short (we were there for about 2 hours), but found the proposed projects really interesting and look forward to their completion. I have been to Downsview Park before (usually to see fireworks), but have never visited the Canada Forest. As a person who desires to use my engineering skills to help solve technical and social problems, it inspired me to see projects actually being implemented, and (hopefully) having a positive effect on the surrounding society. It is solutions like these that will move us in the right direction and towards a more sustainable future.
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Thomas Sarmiento
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