On Friday, students enjoyed an engaging and interactive workshop led by the GardenBank Conservation Society, a youth-led organization made up of students from Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, and Surrey. GardenBank’s mission is to tackle food insecurity while promoting climate conservation, and their visit gave students a meaningful opportunity to explore how sustainability connects to their own communities.

The workshop began with a short, accessible presentation introducing key ideas around sustainability and sustainable gardening practices. Students learned about the importance of food security, environmental responsibility, and how small, local actions can make a real impact.

Following the presentation, students took part in a hands-on design sprint. Working collaboratively, they were challenged to design their own sustainable city, thinking carefully about energy use, green spaces, food systems, transportation, and community well-being. Groups then presented their ideas and received feedback, encouraging them to reflect, refine, and build on their thinking.

The session sparked thoughtful discussion, creativity, and problem-solving, while empowering students to see themselves as changemakers capable of designing solutions for a more sustainable future. We are grateful to GardenBank Conservation Society for sharing their passion, leadership, and expertise with our students and helping bring sustainability learning to life. Everyone had a great time and learned more about sustainable practices, while discovering how thoughtful design and collective action can help create healthier, more resilient communities.