After nearly 2500 residential visits, over 15 community events, and 20 school presentations, the four Conservation Educators who began working in Okotoks in May have wrapped up their position for the year.

Over the summer the Conservation Educators could be found at events and schools in Okotoks getting as much information out to the public as possible regarding Okotoks environmental initiatives, and protecting local ecosystems.

Ashley Shimek, 2017 Conservation Educator, shares the group also collected a wide range of feedback from residents on how the town can improve.

"For the most part a lot of residents are happy, they're very willing to give their thoughts on different programs," she says. "We were able to forward the information we got to the proper business centres in Okotoks and we hope for improvements in the future."

Shimek says the educators collected data about everything from watering schedules, to cart pickup schedules, and pest control.

She adds one of the most rewarding parts of the summer position was engaging Okotoks students, the Conservation Educators reached 737 students from grades three to twelve.

"We found that the youth were the most receptive, they were the ones that had a lot of neat ideas, they had the biggest imaginations for how they'd be able to make a difference in the future. They were always willing to talk to us about what it means to keep the environment healthy, and what they can do to make a difference as well."

At the end of the summer the Conservation Educators have developed four recommendations to improve Okotoks' environmental initiatives, two of which involve more communication.

"The first recommendation was to never eliminate means of communication with residences, we found that there's never too much communication, and too much information you can provide people so they understand what's going on, and how they can do their part."

The four recommendations are as follows;

"Provide residents with additional communication and
education regarding the Universal Cart Program, Eco
Centre, and Outdoor Watering Schedule.

Continue to utilize face-to-face interactions to address
common questions, and inform residents on upcoming
initiatives, events, and programs.

Continue work to implement a Greening Guide for both
schools and business in the Town.

Recruit and utilize volunteers often, and utilize the Eco
Warrior program for positive community messaging."

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