Sayward School received a $2,900 environmental grant from the Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF).
Founded by TD Bank Group in 1990, TD FEF is a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. With the support of more than 140,000 donors, TD FEF has provided more than $60 million to over 21,000 environmental projects and programs. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary funding focus on:
- Environmental education
- Urban greening and enhancing biodiversity
- Energy conservation
Sayward School plans to use the $2,900 grant to extend and enhance the nature trail that students and teachers began building last year. When completed, the trail will circle the entire school property, extending around the school building and through a forested area, for a total distance of approximately 600 metres.
Interpretive signs created by the students will highlight indigenous plant species along the way. Benches, shrubs, and decorative stones will also enhance the trail. Work on the project will involve all students, staff, and also community members.
It is expected that the trail will be used and enjoyed by the students and the community for many years to come. The project is expected to begin in the fall and be completed within the 2013-14 school year.