Blog  December 27, 2011

Y Academy’s Eco-Ambassadors take to the trails at EBW

Shah and the Y Academy students prep their bikes for the ride

By: Liz George, Youth Programming Coordinator

The sun was shining and the ground still bare on a late-autumn Monday as the Y Academy arrived at Evergreen Brick Works for their final workshop. They came to work with Evergreen’s bike educator, Shah Mohamed, as part of their “Eco-Ambassadors” project exploring active forms of transportation.

The YMCA Academy, an alternative high school in downtown Toronto, collaborated with Evergreen to develop a program that empowers students to take a step beyond participation—toward becoming “Eco-Ambassadors” within their communities. The program has been such a success, that it has garnered the attention of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board.

Many of the students were familiar with Shah’s bike safety and some basic riding activities, but these sessions have focused on the larger picture related to sustainable, active transportation. After learning a basic tire patch, and exploring sustainability through a generational exercise, it was time to take the bikes out on the trail.

Shah and the students consult the trail map on a break at the lookout

The trek began with a quick orientation of the trail map and hike plan, and then instructions on choosing a bike and getting it ready for the ride. After their tires were inflated, and seats adjusted and brakes checked, the group was on its way.

A tandem bike was pedaled by teacher Michelle and student Brianna, while they sang a duet version of “Daisy, Daisy” on the trails. Shah took the group to a back trail, where students parked their bikes and made a steep climb up the ravine banks, resulting in some muddy shoes and pumping adrenaline! Then it was back down Milkman’s run, a final trek to Mount Pleasant Road, and back to EBW in time for a wrap-up.

Students hike up the hill

Students ended the day armed with trail maps and knowledge of how accessible the city bike trails can be. They were also excited for the next session on “Food Systems,” with Community Food manager Aimee Carson, and eager to get back in the kitchen at Evergreen to learn more about how we choose food, and how food is sometimes chosen for us.

You can read more about the Y Academy and the Eco-Ambassadors program on their blog.