Feeling down at this dull time of year? A good dose of nature may be just what you need.
Spending a small amount of time in nature has proven to ease stress, anxiety and depression, while raising self-esteem and motivation.
The Earthwise Garden offers many rewarding ways to get back with nature while also connecting with the community. A volunteer open house on Wednesday, March 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. will showcase the opportunities.
The open house will offer a chance to chat with current volunteers and staff members to find out how Earthwise cultivates sustainable communities. Volunteers are needed for upcoming events such as Earth Day celebrations on April 22 and the Spring Plant Sale on May 6, and can also take part in a wide range of other activities.
Those at the open house can speak with a volunteer couple whose passion for growing tomatoes has led them to become Earthwise's pre-eminent tomato experts and to the organization's barn owl guru, who helps monitor the broods of resident barn owls and other birds at Earthwise.
Earthwise focuses on a wide range of community sustainability issues, including environmental awareness and education, food security and mental health. Volunteers of all ages are welcome.
"From nature we know that each individual has an important role to play in the ecosystem and that's how it works with our volunteers too," says executive director Patricia Fleming.
"Whether you simply want to pull weeds for the therapeutic value of being outside and escaping modern day stresses, or you have time on your hands to take ownership of a big project, there is a niche place here for you."
Contact Corinne at [email protected] or 604-946-9828 for more information on volunteering or to RSVP to the open house.
The Earthwise Garden is located at 6400-3rd Ave. (near Centennial Beach).
