project green!
A multi-year initiative to reduce Camp Kee-Mo-Kee’s environmental impact by promoting and modelling best practices in environmental stewardship.
created in collaboration with Western University biology CEL students.
Phase 3: HABITAT CREATION
Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is home to many species of birds, including the chickadee you heard above. By creating and preserving their habitat, we can ensure they have a home for years to come. As of July 2020, there were 501 species of birds living in Ontario. All these species of birds live in different areas with different requirements. There are some things you can do to help keep birds in Ontario.
Habitat creation includes not only creating new habitats but also allowing natural habitats to exist. For instance, tree cavities, logs, dens/burrows are natural habitats for many species of birds! Some birds prefer natural habitats as they do not have to use energy to create a new nest. However, oftentimes, birds use broken branches, dry grass and even small rocks to help them build their own nests. So the next time you think your yard looks messy, don’t throw out those dead plants and tree branches because they can act as supplies!
One reason creating habitat for birds is so important is because birds play an important role in the ecosystem. For example, birds pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and help control the population of other organisms by acting as predators. This is exactly why we want to attract birds to Camp Kee-Mo-Kee! What are some ways we can do this?
One way to create habitat for birds is by growing plants that provide shelter and food for birds. The brighter, more colourful and fragrant the plant is, the more bird species and pollinators that will be attracted to it, creating a healthier and more diverse habitat! You can find plants that are native to Ontario and that are good for birds at https://birdgardens.ca/plant-selector/. It is important to note that Camp Kee-Mo-Ke resides in ‘bird garden zone’ 16.
Another way to create habitats is through building bird nests. Birds put a lot of work into their nests, and so building them in advance allows them to dedicate their energy to more important things. For instance, you can make clay nests for Barn swallows, and nest boxes for other species of birds! You can also provide food and water to birds by putting out a squirrel proof bird feeder or making a bird suet.
Take a look at the figure included to see some of the many bird species you might run into at Camp Kee-Mo-Kee. Join our initiative to create and preserve birds’ habitat so that they may have a secure home to live in at our camp!
PHASE 2: 2021 - WASTE FREE KEE-MO-KEE
(introduction of composting and improved waste management)
If there is one thing that we all share, it is the very planet we live on: Earth.
Our world harbours a diverse range of environments and ecosystems that support us among millions of species of flora and fauna. In Canada, approximately 12.1% of our land and freshwater territories are conserved with the purpose to preserve these habitats and the species of organisms that flourish within them.
However, as we move towards a more modern and convenient way of life, we are becoming more disconnected with nature and the world we share. We may not give much thought when throwing away products that should have been diverted to a recycling bin. Or dropping waste on the side of the road when a waste station is not nearby. Or even throwing away scraps of fruits and vegetables in the garbage where their nutrients are wasted away instead of being returned to the Earth. Some of these actions, whether intentional or not, are contributing to growing environmental concerns that will have impacts on both a local and global scale.
As Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is a protected area with environmental significance, we wish to take another step forward towards addressing these ongoing issues. The next phase for Project Green is to become better environmental stewards for our local environments by raising awareness with our Waste-Free Kee-Mo-Kee initiative! Environmental stewardship promotes the responsible use, conservation, and protection of our natural environments.
To do this, we aim to first educate young campers on some of the detriments surrounding common acts such as littering and diverting food waste to landfills. Littering often leads to the accumulation of waste local environments that harms native flora and fauna. Food waste sent to landfills contributes to the production of green house gas (GHG) emissions and also wastes nutrients that could otherwise be repurposed for plant growth. We also aim to combat these issues by installing green bin stations on our campgrounds and encouraging campers to partake in our take-home upcycling activity with succulents and DIY planters made from recycled bottles!
Please have a look at our infographics on littering, food waste and composting, and join the next step in our initiative to become better environmental stewards for our local environments!
PHASE 1: 2021 - PLASTIC FREE KEE-MO-KEE
(replace disposable with reusable water bottles)
Have you ever looked at the garbage that leaves your house? What are the most abundant things in your trash or recycling bins? Food waste? Glass containers? Plastic bottles? Most of the waste coming from your household probably contains plastic products. This is also the case in many camps. When we see disposable plastic bottles being used at the camp, we are reminded of the impact they have on our environment. This waste ends up in giant landfills, harming not only the land and soil but also the water bodies surrounding it. The non-biodegradable plastics occupy terrestrial and marine habitats, reducing the local biodiversity. Camp Kee-Mo-Kee is planning to tackle this problem beginning this year. The first step we are taking this camp season is to encourage parents, campers, and all visitors to bring reusable water bottles when they come to the camp. We strongly discourage the use of any disposable plastic bottles at Camp Kee-Mo-Kee.
You also need not worry about the water quality on the campsite! We use a double filtration system and UV treatment, to ensure the quality of potable water is maintained throughout the operating season. More importantly, the water is available for FREE and around the clock! We recommend investing in a reusable bottle that will last you a lifetime AND help the environment. You can make a difference and share in Camp Kee-Mo-Kee pride. Join our initiative and order an official Camp Kee-Mo-Kee reusable bottle from our website or buy one in the camp office when you visit us next!
OTHER INITIATIVES & PARTNERSHIPS
Conversion of 2 hot water heaters to Energy Star-rated hybrid heat pump electric water heaters.
Full enegy audit conducted in 2022.
Conversion of gas hot water heaters in KYBOs to electric units in 2021.
2021 Kitchen refrigeration upgrades to Energy Star-rated applicances.
Butterfly Garden planted in 2020 in preparation for the 2021 Butterfly Festival. Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
LED lighting installed in cabins and main buildings in 2020.
Intentional forest management including over 600 native trees and shrubs being planted in 2020. Funds provided by Carolinian Canada.