CBS to give Green Team another go

By Mark Squibb/February 3, 2023

Although things are pretty white outside, Conception Bay South is already looking ahead to greener days.

The Town is giving the Conservation Corps Green Team Program another go this summer.

Through the program, the Conservation Corps employs young people to work on various environmental projects in their communities, such as clean ups, lawn care, and tending of community gardens.

Council unanimously voted during a public meeting held on January 17 to apply for the program at a cost of $4,000.

“We’ve been participating in this program now for over 18 years,” said Economic Development and Tourism Chairperson Paul Connors. “We hosted a four-person Green Team in our community over the summer months to work with our Parks Commission, and they’ve done a lot of good work here in Conception Bay South. They’re really a valuable asset.”

Councillor Joshua Barrett applauded the motion.

“The fact that we are earmarking only $4,000 for the amount of work and labour we get from these students is remarkable,” said Barrett. “I’ve been involved with this program before getting elected, overseeing some of these hardworking individuals, and it’s a big asset for the Town and a great opportunity for some of these individuals.”

Over the years, Green Team members in CBS have completed environmental assessments, constructed fences and boardwalks at community parks, planted fruits and vegetables, and mowed more lawns than any one can count.

Through the program, the Conservation Corps has hired over 3,000 young people in over 150 communities across the province since 1993.

The Parks Commission, under whose supervision the Green Team works, includes the CBS Community Garden Initiative, Kelligrews Ecological Enhancement Program (KEEP), Manuels River Centre, Chamberlains Park Action Committee, and the Rotary Club of Avalon Northeast.