Members of the newly formed Cumberland Community Schools (CCSS) Environment Club will be a part of a new generation of caretakers for the natural beauty that we have come so accustomed to enjoying here in Cumberland. This small group of Cumberland Elementary students meets weekly with leader Linda Safford to experience planting seeds, garden prep and composting. They will also be spending time learning about our watershed during water systems hikes and stream walks.

With the help of local business sponsors Seeds Natural Food Market and Magnolia Gallery Garden Centre, CCSS has been able to supply the group with what they needed to revitalize a long-dormant community garden at the school. “I really love learning about how to take better care of the earth”, says one student participant. CCSS Coordinator Dana Starritt adds, “This is exactly the kind of program that Community Schools is designed to focus on. Community businesses, volunteers and participants coming together to strengthen our community through knowledge-sharing activities.”

Cumberland Community Schools facilitates educational, recreational, and cultural programs. It is one of three Community Schools in School District 71, Comox Valley. CCSS provides staffing and support for community and school programs. Regular school students benefit from increased opportunities to enrich school curricula. At the same time, the community-at-large benefits from increased year-round access to school facilities and a range of programs and support for all members of the community. For more information, or to contribute to this program, or others that CCSS runs, please contact Dana Starritt at (250) 702-1001.