We Speak for the Trees

Welcome!

Hello!

We are students in Mr. Belsey’s grade six class at RancheView School in Cochrane, Alberta. Through our teacher’s guidance using the Alberta Science Curriculum, we learned about the critical importance of trees to ourselves and all life on our planet. We learned that many trees are under pressure from our changing world. We had many class discussions about what we could do in our community to bring about change. We decided to take action locally with the hope that if other classes in Canada and beyond could do the same, we could make a difference globally.

 

After reading The Lorax by Dr. Seuss in class, we decided we would create a Website, www.wespeakforthetrees.ca, to use our voices as young Canadians to speak on behalf of trees, by celebrating all of the wonderful things that trees do to make life better on Earth and take action to protect our trees and forests.

One action we took was to make a presentation to the Mayor of Cochrane, Jeff Genung. Mayor Genung applauded our efforts was very supportive, encouraged us to present our ideas to the Town Council of Cochrane.

Our ideas:

  • Direct Town of Cochrane staff to map out areas where students would be able to plant trees on, or near their school grounds and communicate that information to RockyView Maintenance, Grounds and Caretaking as well as RockyView Schools.
  • Declare the White Spruce as the “Official Tree of Cochrane”
  • Declare the first Saturday in June annually as “Arbor Day” in Cochrane.
  • Town Council would write a letter of support to the Prime Minister of Canada for our idea of a “National Arbor Day” (the Spring date for which can be determined by the Government of Canada)

We plan to follow this up by planting trees on, or near our school during the first week of June. Spray Lake Sawmills, a Local business has agreed to provide us with the tree saplings and show us how to plant a tree properly.

Please join us!

Owl nesting near the Cochrane Ranche.
 Owl nesting near the Cochrane Ranche. (Photo by Bill Belsey)
Can-You-Hear-the-Trees-Talking-by-Peter-Wohlleben
Can You Hear the Trees Talking by Peter Wohlleben

 

Alberta Boreal Forest in Canada
Alberta Boreal Forest in Canada

Do your Research

Use our “Learn” page to do further research about trees. Invite experts to share their ideas to help you learn as much as you can!

Generate Action ideas

Discuss with your teachers, classmates, political leaders, and other experts.
LISTEN, LEARN, RECORD, then PLAN…

Develop an action plan

What can YOU and your classmates do to take action in your community?

Think Globally, Act Locally!

The actions you take in your community WILL make a difference if we CHOOSE to get involved. Responsible citizenship starts in your community, your region, your country and as a Global Citizen for our planet!