Solar Summer

The Kinark Outdoor Centre is the newest energy provider for the province of Ontario.

In the big field across from the baseball diamond is our power plant which collects the light from the sun and turns it into electricity for the power grid. Photo voltaic solar panels are now able to sell power back to their electricity provider. Kinark's panels provide about 2 kilowatts of power.

Kinark has used solar panels in the past to power the Sustainable Living Centre as well as heat water at the SLC and in the Dining Hall. We are also the proud owners of the Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company's first Solar Pontoon Boat. Using solar energy to heat water is one of the best ways to use the sun's energy since the sun emits more heat than it does light.

A "Build your own Solar Water Heater" workshop will take place in the fall this year which is currently in the planning phases. Participants will be able to bring a guest and assemble their own solar water heater that can be installed in their own home. Email Jesse.Christensen@kinark.on.ca for more information or to register for the workshop.

We hope your having just as much fun in the sun!

"Messy" Jesse the Intern

Natural Plaster Workshop

On Saturday, July 31st, 2010 the Kinark Outdoor Centre will be holding a Natural Plaster Workshop led by Sebastian Renel at the Sustainable Living Centre. Natural plaster walls have been used by humans for generations and have been improved even more in the 21st century. This method involves using sand, clay, water and cattail fluff in a mixture that can be smeared onto a surface to create a stunning earthen wall. We will also add plaster colouring and mica to make a beautiful glittering effect. The day will start at 10 am with an introduction and background of natural plaster technique. There will be lunch provided by KOC and opportunity to explore the Sustainable Living Centre. The workshop fee is $60 (no HST) and the funds will go toward the workshop and future ones being held at the Sustainable Living Centre. Get plastered!

What: Natural Plaster Wall Workshop
Where: Sustainable Living Centre, Kinark Outdoor Centre, Minden, ON
When: Saturday, July 31st, 2010 from 10 am to 5pm
How: Email Jesse.Christensen@kinark.on.ca to sign up
Why: To forever be able to create your own personalized earthen wall

Also on July 31st is the pick up day of our Rain barrel fundraiser which is available at www.rainbarrel.ca/minden. The barrels come with everything needed and are made of reused or recycled materials (they are recyclable as well). The cost is $50 and all barrels must be pre ordered online at www.rainbarrel.ca/minden. Listen in to Moose FM (95.3) at 10 am and Canoe FM (100.9) at 10:30 am on Tuesday, July13th, 2010 to hear your friendly neighborhood Intern sing a jingle about our rain barrels.

Happy Summer All!

"Messy" Jesse the Intern