Earth Matters , a program of Nelson CARES Society , began in the spring of 1995 when two local youth were inspired to create a summer pilot project for high school students called "HANDS-ON". Building on the success of "HANDS ON", Earth Matters evolved into a youth-driven program focusing on involving young people in giving back to their community by working on environmental and social justice projects.

Some of the many community projects which youth participants have completed include:

• The construction of a Compost Demonstration Area at Nelson's Community Gardens
• Working with high school classes to create "biodiversity gardens" and interpretive nature areas.
• Creating an Organic Waste Exchange to link people and businesses without composting facilities with farmers and gardeners who can use their organic waste.
• Writing and printing an information booklet on environmental issues in the Kootenays.
• Building wheelchair accessible pathways at the Community Gardens.
• Working on an Eco-Forestry campaign to promote Ecological Wood Certification.
• Constructing a community greenhouse at the community gardens.
• Establishing a recycling system at a local apartment building.
• Constructing raised accessible garden beds for a senior's residence.
• Trail building and restoration.
• Running a Youth Market Garden business to train young people in entrepreneurial skills.
• Creating urban greenspace areas and biodiversity gardens in Nelson's downtown core.
• Building a "strawbale" Education Centre at the Cottonwood Falls garden as a model of environmentally-friendly building.
• Working to increase food accessibility by creating a Nelson Food Directory
• Offering public workshops on a variety of community issues.
• Organizing a Fruit Tree Mapping Project to link homeowners with unused fruit trees with community members who can use their fruit.
• Producing a series of radio documentaries on community issues.
• Offering free "Home Green-Ups" to community members
• Maintaining the Demonstration Herb Garden at Cottonwood Falls Park

Youth Initiatives welcomes youth up to age 29 to participate in the brainstorming and development of new projects that will bring awareness to environmental issues in our community. These initiatives can offer great opportunities to learn new skills including grant writing and project management.  We also welcome partnerships with other like-minded community groups.

To get involved, or for more information, contact us at Earth Matters Youth Initiatives (250) 352-6011 Ext. 17.