Paint the Town Blue

Paint the Town Blue will feature weekly water celebrations and education activities throughout September 2009. Please register with Jocelyne Rankin for these events at water@ecologyaction.ca or (902) 442–5046. Read more about the planned activities:

Fix a Leak Week
Walk the Watershed
Point Pleasant Park-TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Kick-off
Down the Drain, then Where?
McNab's Island Adventure
Lecture: Water Soft Path: Freshwater and Ecological Security for Canadians

Fix a Leak Week:

What?
This event will encourage homeowners to reduce their water footprint by fixing leaks in their homes and installing water conservation devices. We will kick off the week with a talk by Corey Whalen, Halifax Water Commission and Zak Miller, EAC’s green renovation expert who will share tricks of the trade for saving water.

When?
Tuesday September 1st 2009 at 7:00 pm Ecology Action Centre

Who?
Homeowners, and people interested in saving water

More info:
Read: Water's the Problem? Conserving Household H2O by Zak Miller (August 2009)

Walk the Watershed:

What?
Take a guided hike through a portion of the Pockwock watershed with Halifax Water Commission staff. The Pockwock watershed is the drinking water supply for peninsular Halifax. The tour will provide an overview of the land-based activities the Halifax Water Commission is managing in order to provide residents with safe and clean drinking water.

When?
Thursday September 10th 2009, Carpooling is available from the EAC, meet at 6:15 at 2705 Fern Lane. Or meet at Pockwock Lake (Exit 3 of Hwy 101). The tour will begin at 6:45 pm.

Who?
Anyone interested in knowing where our water comes from.

Carpooling will be made available. Please contact the Water Coordinator water@ecologyaction.ca

Directions

Coming from Halifax take Highway 101 west. Get off at Exit 3 Mount Uniacke, turn left at the juncture and take the overpass over the highway. There will be an orange gate on the right-hand side, pull off and park here. Do not continue on the ramp, this will take you back to Halifax.

Down the Drain, then where?

What?
The EAC will be conducting an education blitz for youth about the dangers of flushing plastics and pouring chemicals and unused medicines down the drain. The interactive presentation will be followed by a field trip to McNab’s Island to walk the beaches so that the public can see the impact of these harmful activities on the beaches.

When?
Presentations will be held throughout the month of September, upon request and through solicitation and promotion. Especially during the week of September 14th to 20th. Trips to McNab’s island will be held on Sunday September 20th and Sunday September 27th.

Who?
Youth, school groups and special interest groups such as:

Boys and girls clubs
Ecobuddies of the Sierra Club of Canada
Voice of Women/Women’s Centre
Metro Halifax Health Centre
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association
Girl guides / Boy scouts
Young Naturalist Club
Adventure Earth Centre
Girls’ recreation and athletic leagues
Rotary clubs
Community associations
Green gatherings
Eco centres

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Kick-Off and Picnic

What?
The EAC is partnering with TD Friends of the Environment Foundation to launch the Point Pleasant Park-TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Kick-off Event. This event will feature a community picnic and beach cleanup at Black Rock beach in Point Pleasant Park, with the World Wildlife Fund, The Vancouver Aquarium and Ocean Wise. This is a great opportunity to participate in a National beach cleanup and enjoy a free picnic in the park.

When?
September 19th 10 am at Point Pleasant Park

Who?
Anyone who cares about our shorelines and beaches and wants to help keep them clean.

McNab’s Island Adventure

What?
Discover the trails and beaches on McNab’s island and how you can help protect them. A member of the Friends of McNab's Island Association will take you on a guided walking tour where you will learn about the natural and historical features of the island. All-day adventure: 10 am to 4 pm.

When?
Sunday September 20th (Rain date: Sunday September 27th)
Meet at 9:40 am at Cable Wharf (In front of Murphy's on the Water restaurant and gift shop). Departure to McNab's Island at 10 am.

Transportation
Roundtrip boat transportation provided by New Dawn Charters (look for the red and white boat). 10$ per person, taxes included. Cash, credit cards, or debit accepted.

What to bring?

Pack a picnic lunch, we will be spending the day on the island and there are no food facilities on-site.
Water
Proper walking shoes or hiking boots
Warm clothes for the boat ride
Binoculars, camera, field guide

Registration
Please contact the Water Coordinator at water@ecologyaction.ca or 902-442-5046 before Friday September 18th to reserve your spot.

Water Soft Path: Freshwater and Ecological Security for Canadians

What?
Evening Lecture and book launch by Dr. David Brooks, Senior Freshwater Advisor to Friends of the Earth and co-editor of “Making the Most of the Water We Have: The Soft Path Approach to Water Management”

When?
Tuesday September 29th 7 pm Scotia Bank Room, Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building at Dalhousie University with reception and book launch to follow. Refreshments provided.

Who?
All those interested in water, water policy and water conservation

Links for more information: