We are kicking off 2010 with our new national forest campaign, Project Releaf! It is a great year to be focusing on forest-related issues, considering their critical interconnections with so many other matters concerning people, animals and the environment. Forests are a vital part of life on earth, but are disappearing under increasing stress from human development. We have a responsibility to take care of our forests, so let's take action!

This year, the campaign will mobilize youth around four key activities:

1. Restoring Canada's green spaces by planting native trees and undertaking stewardship activities


2. Defending forests for Canadian wildlife by learning about the issues and writing letters to key decision-makers


3. Promoting awareness of forest issues by requesting/attending a presentation or educational activity in their school or community


4. Supporting Africa's forests, chimpanzees and communities by raising money for JGI Canada's conservation work in Uganda

The Planet Releaf launch event will take place on February 19th, in Toronto. We will be hosting a mini-film festival with special guest speakers, and give you the opportunity to gather information from various forest-related organizations. Stay tuned for details. Even if you do not live in Toronto, we would love to hear that our members across the country will still mark the beginning of Planet Releaf by doing a forest-related activity. Let us know, and we will provide resources for you to kick off Planet Releaf with your group.

Also during the launch event, we will announce an exciting new challenge for members, called 6 Degrees to Gombe, to emphasize the links between forests and chimpanzees. This challenge will be open to both group and individual Roots & Shoots members, who will have the chance to personally meet Jane Goodall!

The 2010 Youth Leadership Council (YLC) has been recruited and is excited to start representing Roots & Shoots as our youth ambassadors!

This year's YLC is comprised of 11 enthusiastic and accomplished youth, who are passionate about people, animals and the environment. They come from a diversity of backgrounds, with distinct interests and experiences, and are already leaders in their communities. The Council has broadened its geographical reach this year to become a truly national Council, comprising members who live in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia. This will allow the YLC to better support and mentor local Roots & Shoots groups across the country, providing them with resources and ideas to get active.

The members of the YLC have so much creativity and experience to share! They are keen to lead Planet Releaf projects, reach out to Roots & Shoots groups, and spread Jane Goodall's message that every individual can make a difference. We encourage you to contact them to get project ideas, organize a local event together, or ask them about their experiences with Roots & Shoots. Don't be shy to get in touch!

Like last year's Messengers of Hope training weekend, this year's YLC will participate in a retreat in March that will allow Council members to get to know each other and further develop their leadership and communication skills. Members will have the opportunity to learn about each others' strengths in order to best utilize their talents and experiences to guide the Roots & Shoots program. They will also engage in workshops focused on public speaking, event planning, and applying their creativity to hone their skills and connect further with their communities.

This year, we are also looking forward to collaborating more closely with the national YLC in the United States. The U.S. NYLC was established in 2003, and comprises 14 members who represent the 40 to 50 other U.S. YLC members that make up the Regional and College Leadership Councils. They have collectively nominated one of their members to represent the U.S. on the Canadian YLC, and we will in turn nominate one of our members to sit on their Council. We are eager to learn from their experiences, share ideas and work together on upcoming initiatives.

There are many amazing opportunities and benefits (e.g. the Polar Bears International Leadership Camp) that are available to YLC members. Although recruiting for the 2010 YLC has ended, if you are interested in joining the 2011 YLC, do not hesitate to let us know at any time!

Meet and find out more about the members of the new Youth Leadership Council by checking out their profiles.

Congratulations to l'Ecole Saint Catherine's School Roots & Shoots in Halifax, Nova Scotia! Their dedication to reducing water consumption in their school has won them a Flip camera, from the Project Blue campaign.

First, to get educated and inspired, a representative from Clean Nova Scotia was invited to l'Ecole Saint Catherine's to deliver a presentation on climate change and water conservation. After getting informed about the connections between climate change and water availability, the students decided they should reduce their water consumption. They agreed that the best way to do this would be to tackle the washrooms, where a significant portion of water is used every day.

The group made their own water reservoirs by collecting 500mL plastic bottles from recycling bins, and then filling them with water and pebbles. Two of these bottles were installed into every one of the school's 45 toilets. Because of this creative and dedicated action, each flush has been reduced from 13L to 12L!

Excellent work l'Ecole Saint Catherine's School Roots & Shoots! We can't wait to see what action you will take this year for Planet Releaf!