This blog post was written by FEELed Lab Research Associate Sierra Lammi, as part of the Better World Club project, which has recently joined the FEELed Lab.
This Fall, the Better World Club is setting up our headquarters at the FEELed Lab. This creative group of middle schoolers is dedicated to making change in the world, and specifically taking action about the biodiversity crisis. We have been looking for a home for our club for a long time, working in many different spaces, and getting outside whenever we could.
That is why we are so excited to partner with the FEELed Lab and host our weekly sessions here. It is so meaningful to have a space we can return to and take care of. We have really been enjoying the cozy feeling that comes from working in this space, and the calming presence of the stream. Since we began coming in October, we have spent time getting to know the plants, animals, rocks and stream that we share this space with by doing some photography and other art.
We are grateful to be here on Syilx land, learning about the importance of biodiversity and native plants in this ecosystem. We know that biodiversity impacts us much more than we realize, and we want to share our knowledge and passion about biodiversity and encourage everyone to do more for the planet. Most of the funds that we have raised are going towards planting native seedlings around the Okanagan and educating the community about why that is important.
We are so excited to be hosting a planting party on October 22nd and 24th, and plant hundreds of native seedlings. For the rest of the Fall, we will be finding creative ways to share our knowledge and message about biodiversity with others, and the FEELed Lab is the perfect place to keep our creative juices flowing and make sure we are feeling cozy and connected to each other and the land while we do this important work!
At our last session, several BWC members wrote a collaborative poem to put in this blog post.
Things we have heard people say:
Why do the Badgers Matter?
And how many of you are trying to help this cause?
Is there anything I can do?
Any plant is the same.
Plants are just decoration.
Why a club? Why don’t you just do it in your backyard?
We are doing a lot for the climate crisis.
We are recycling and composting.
Make sure your message is hopeful.
I didn’t know the Okanagan was important.
Its too late.
You kids are so cute.
You are such an inspiration.
If you are interested in collaborating with us, or know of any middle schoolers who would be interested in joining, reach out to team@betterworldclub.ca!
The FEELed lab 