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From the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon web site Diocesan News Releases Presentation Remarks at the 118th Diocesan Convention
We have seen a wonderful array of projects - from changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs, doing creation care with children, to building an organ out of used parts, to last year’s wonderful achievement—the new, sustainably-built and beautiful St. Catherine’s in Manzanita. This year we’ve looked in a slightly different direction, because there is something going on that you all should know about. We have chosen to honor Oregon Episcopal School for its wetlands and sustainability curricula and projects. No doubt there is a great deal to be told, but I’m just going to mention a couple of the areas that faculty and students are working on in such impressive ways. In the Middle School seventh-grade science curriculum, students learn about wetlands in the spring, studying about wetlands around the world, their value, and threats to them. They participate in a service project in the OES marsh and learn about the restoration project there. In Humanities class they research sustainable businesses, audit their home use of energy, and create their own sustainable business idea. For the past two years they have hosted a Sustainability Symposium with an impressive panel of leading experts coming to speak. In science, they audit the school’s waste and then use the information to improve waste reduction efforts. There is a Sustainability Club, which is working to get OES recognized as a Premier Green School. Many people are involved in both wetlands science and sustainability at OES at all levels. There is also an International Collaboration Project which is involved with wetlands studies, cultural traditions and sustainability. This was begun in 2000 with the purpose of creating a collaborative service learning project involving students in schools in other parts of the world exploring and contributing to wetland management. During the annual trip, student representatives convene in the host country to learn first-hand about the wetlands, history, and culture of their hosts’ country. Students in each of the collaborating schools participate in service learning projects associated with their own local wetlands, while corresponding with students of the other schools to develop an understanding of common local, national, and global wetland issues. In addition, students share data and information they have collected on the water quality and ecology of their local wetlands. This year, the plan includes components of the Sustainability studies students have been exploring. Last but not least, the facilities manager at OES has helped kick off an initiative that resulted in 5 teams meeting pursuing 5 agendas with an eye toward improving sustainability in the following areas:
For their commitment and excellence in wetlands science and sustainability at all levels we recognize and honor Oregon Episcopal School. |
