Students in Cathy Cormier's Grade 5/6 class at St. Charles Elementary School are raising awareness of a non-profit conservation society called the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP).

FLAP is dedicated to the protection of wild birds in built environments.

In the dark, and especially in foggy or rainy weather, the combination of glass and light becomes deadly for migratory birds. As birds migrate, they use starlight to navigate their course, but get confused by artificial lights and are unable to see glass.

As a result, birds by the hundreds and even thousands can be injured or killed in one night at one building.

One expert estimates that across North America, up to 100 million birds die in collisions each year and many species that collide frequently are known to be in long-term decline and some are already designated officially as threatened.

Cormier became involved with this program at St. Charles several years ago when a student brought in a bird's egg, and the class began to discuss the ramifications of human contact with wildlife.

Another teacher at the school, Theresa Giroux, became involved in the discussion and described the FLAP program, as she was already a member. The class commitment began there and has continued in Cormier's class ever since.

Each of the Grade 5/6 students this year studied a bird that was native to northern Ontario and researched their migratory patterns. Giroux explained how important it is for students to be aware of the impact that humans have on wildlife.

The whole school community has taken on this environmental initiative, and has raised and donated several hundred dollars to the FLAP organization.

"It is really important that young people have an appreciation for the nature that is in their own backyard," Giroux said. "By focusing on the birds that are around us locally, this program connects
them environmentally to the wildlife provincially, nationally and globally."

Giroux also teaches the students the connection between the environment and energy conservation, as this program instructs people to be aware of turning off lights and saving hydro, while helping out the migrating birds.

As well, part of the lesson also teaches the students that by helping out the birds with the lights, the birds give back by eating northern Ontario's insects, including blackflies and mosquitoes.

"The kids really learn that it is a win, win situation when they can connect to the environment," Giroux said.

"It is meaningful learning for them and they really begin to understand how valuable they are to their own world.”