Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation releases new slam poem celebrating farming to mark the 12th birthday of Ontario's most popular environmental initiative
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TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - First created on February 28, 2005, Ontario's Greenbelt has proven to be a lasting testament to Ontario's commitment to a prosperous and sustainable future. The Greenbelt is Ontario's most popular environmental initiative, consistently supported by nine out of ten Ontarians.
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"The Greenbelt is not only a legacy for the next generation of Ontarians, but a powerful statement of who we are and what we value," said Burkhard Mausberg, Friends of the Greenbelt CEO. "The protection of farmland and the natural environment as the region grows is our road to a healthy and sustainable future."
To mark the occasion, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has commissioned a new slam poem by world-renowned Canadian poet Shane Koyczan, entitled "The Growers Prayer". The poem is a celebration of Ontario's farmland, forests, water, and life in the Greenbelt.
"The Growers Prayer" encourages everyone who values and supports the Greenbelt to share their stories and reasons for preserving the landscape with the hashtags #ShareYourVoice and #ONGreenbelt.
"Preserving green spaces and the environmental services they provide is essential to public health," said Dr. David McKeown, Chair of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation Board and former Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto. "Healthy communities need a strong local food system and protected outdoor recreation opportunities for residents to thrive and grow."
As the Greenbelt turns 12, the Foundation is focusing on strengthening the Greenbelt through a campaign to Grow the Greenbelt to include significant headwaters and water resources. The Foundation will also continue to support farmers and local food with partners like the Greenbelt Farmers Market Network and Ontario Tender Fruit Growers.
About the Greenbelt: Ontario's Greenbelt is the solution for fresh air, clean water, healthy local food, active outdoor recreation, and a thriving economy. At nearly 2 million acres, it's the world's largest permanently protected greenbelt, keeping our farmlands, forests, and wetlands safe and sustainable. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation works to help keep farmers successful, strengthen local economies, and protect natural features. Learn more at: greenbelt.ca.
SOURCE Greenbelt Fund
