Environment Week 2009

Celebrate Environment Week 2009 in Burnaby, and learn of ways you can make greener choices in your life. This year’s theme is "Small Change, Big Impact", and in the spirit this message we would encourage you to try something new – ride your bike to work, learn about organic gardening, participate in an environmental restoration event, buy local food, or participate in one of Burnaby’s many other Environment Week events.

WEEK OF MAY 11 - 17

Bike to Work Week in Burnaby
Burnaby residents are encouraged to use pedal power on their daily commute during Bike to Work Week (May 11 to May 17).Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) and the City will be hosting commuter stations in Burnaby during the week of May 11, where cyclists are rewarded with free refreshments, cycling information, prize draws and more. To learn more about Bike to Work Week, please visit the VACC website at www.vacc.bc.ca.

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

"Catch the Spirit of Eagles" Community Ecosculpture Planting Event
Participate in the creation of Eagle ecosculptures for use in the upcoming World Police and Fire Games. Plant one of Burnaby’s horticultural art forms while enjoying environmental displays, interactive and educational activities, and a barbeque hosted by the Fire Department. Join us in Central Park on the corner of Patterson and Kingsway. For more information, call 604-294-7690, email ecosculpture@burnaby.ca or go to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department website.

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Byrne Creek English Ivy Removal
Community volunteers are invited to participate in the restoration of Byrne Creek, in cooperation with Byrne Creek Streamkeepers, by removing invasive English Ivy from the surrounding forested areas. Volunteers are asked to dress appropriately for the weather and to bring a pair of gardening gloves, and clippers if they have them. Meet at Edmonds SkyTrain Station. For more information, call 604-294-7530.

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Burnaby Streetwise Cycling Course
Interested in cycling to work, but scared of traffic? The City of Burnaby has partnered with the Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition to offer cycling courses for adults interested in commuting by bicycle. This 7½ hour Streetwise Cycling course, to be held at the Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Avenue), will combine classroom and on-road training to build traffic cycling proficiency in adults. Participants must have a helmet and a bike in good working order. Register by calling 604-878-8222 or emailing admin@vacc.bc.ca.

MONDAY, JUNE 1 – SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Burnaby Public Library Displays
Burnaby Public Library branches will be featuring library materials and other media related to the theme of "Small Change – Big Impact", including climate change, alternative forms of transportation, and green choices for individuals. A listing of Environment Week 2009 activities will be displayed at all Library locations.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AND 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Barnet Beach Paddle Trip (16 years and up)
Enjoy one of Burnaby’s beautiful natural areas by kayak – paddle along Burrard Inlet in with a qualified instructor. Register in advance by contacting one of the City of Burnaby's recreational facilities as space is limited (use barcode 192447 for the 6:00 pm session, or barcode 192448 for the 7:30 session). Participants will meet at the Texaco Building at Barnet Marine Park - follow the kayak program signs from the park entrance to the meeting spot. Participants must be over 16 and sign a waiver. For those under 19, parents will need to be present to sign the waiver.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 7:00 PM (Metrotown Library Resource Room)

"A Journey to Southern Continents" A Naturalist’s Presentation
Join renowned naturalist, award-winning photographer and educator, Danny Catt as he presents a vibrant photo-essay of the southern continents, from Antarctica to Central America, at the Bob Prittie Metrotown Library (6100 Willingdon Avenue). Join him for inspirational photos of the natural world, and insight into global sustainability challenges. Danny Catt was a City of Burnaby Environment Award recipient in 2008, and the 2009 Canadian recipient of the Rotary Foundation Alumni Global Service to Humanity Award. To reserve a seat for this free event, please call 604-294-7421.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association’s "Ride Electric Vehicles Event!"
The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association will be hosting its popular Ride Electric Vehicles event in Burnaby again this year. Families will be invited to view a wide range of electrically-powered vehicles, including cars, scooters, bikes, skateboards and more. Participants will also have an opportunity to ride electric vehicles within a closed course near Burnaby Lake, and get hands-on experience with these innovative machines. This free event will take place in the parking lot near the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club (3760 Sperling Avenue, between Sprott Street and Joe Sakic Way). For more information, please visit the VEVA website, or e-mail them.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

"Healthy Garden, Healthy Community Workshop" at Eagles Estate
Burnaby Continuing Education Society, Master Gardener Catherine Dale, and the City of Burnaby have partnered to host an education workshop on pesticide-free garden care at Eagles Estate Heritage Garden (5655 Sperling Avenue). Workshop participants will learn how to grow healthier and tastier vegetables and beautiful flowers while keeping their yard safe and healthy. Topics will include: choosing appropriate plants for the site, building soil, and organic pest and disease management, with questions welcome. Register by phone at 604-664-8888, or go to www.burnabyce.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Still Creek Recycling Depot Open House
The City of Burnaby Still Creek Recycling Depot (4800 Still Creek Avenue) will hold its popular annual event to show-case the recycling services available in Burnaby, and provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the City’s environmental initiatives including the new Zero Waste Challenge. Live entertainment and hot dogs will be provided.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Burnaby Farmers Market
Find the best and freshest produce, meat, and prepared foods from local farmers right here in Burnaby, while browsing crafts from local artisans. The Farmers Market takes place in the north parking lot at Burnaby City Hall, 4949 Canada Way (at Deer Lake Parkway). Burnaby Farmers Market is run by Artisan Farmers Markets Society, and will continue right through the summer every Saturday from June 13 to October 24. For more information, go to www.artisanmarkets.ca.