Each year, the Town of Okotoks hosts a variety of educational activities during Environment Week as part of its commitment to helping the community learn about the natural world around us and how we can live in balance with it.

Established in 1971, Canadian Environment Week celebrates Canada’s environmental accomplishments and encourages Canadians to contribute to conserving and protecting their environment.

From June 1 to 8, the Town is hosting free events for all ages that give residents practical ways to connect with nature and take meaningful action to live more sustainably in Okotoks.

Here’s a look at what’s on the calendar:

Trash to Treasure – Recycled Art Creations

June 3, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

In this mixed-media art session, participants will create their own artwork using recycled materials, turning everyday items into something special while learning how to keep products and resources in use longer. Space is limited and registration is required. Located at the Environmental Education Centre, 1118 North Railways St.

Nature Friday

June 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrate World Environment Day by sharing your love for nature and creating nature-inspired, hand-crafted letters for loved ones from compostable materials.

Document Shredding

June 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Residents are invited to bring sensitive documents to the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot at 1118 North Railways St. for secure shredding and recycling. Shredding is limited to three boxes per household.

Repair Café

June 6, 12 – 4 p.m.

Volunteers will help repair household items, small appliances, electronics, clothing and more to extend their life and help keep them out of the landfill in a session at the Viking Rentals Centre.

Clothing and Sports Equipment Swap

June 7, 12 – 4 p.m.

Give clothing and equipment a second life at this community swap at the Environmental Education Centre. Residents can bring clean, gently used clothes, shoes and accessories for all ages. New this year, the swap also includes sports equipment such as sticks, bats, racquets, skates, rollerblades, cleats, balls, bikes, skis, snowboards, poles, gloves, bags and more. Advance drop-off is available June 2 to 6 at the Eco Centre to help staff sort items in advance.

Environment Week BioBlitz

June 1 to 8

Residents can become citizen scientists while exploring and recording biodiversity in Okotoks. Spot any animal, insect, plant, or fungus, take a picture and share it on the iNaturalist app. These observations help the scientific community better understand our community’s biodiversity and protect nature in Okotoks. Find full event details for each day, along with information on how to take part in the Environment Week BioBlitz, at okotoks.ca/Environment-Week.