A young South Shore environmentalist recently took her can-do attitude and message overseas.
Fourteen-year-old Stella Bowles, made a name for herself after she discovered high levels of bacteria in the Lahave River after conducting tests as a part of a science project.
She began advocating to government, asking for the clean up of the river and the removal of straight pipes.
Since then, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has started a program to help homeowners change over to septic tanks.
In November, Bowles went to Sweden by invitation of someone she worked with at Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation, and presented at several schools.
“I’ve presented at quite a few schools around and other groups … to spread my message, let people know they can take on a cause, it doesn’t necessarily have to be water, they can take on something of their own and create change,” she says.
“My message is that kids can make a difference, I say that all the time and I really mean it because your age doesn’t matter in this case.”
She says a highlight of her trip to Sweden was walking to rivers with the other kids and talking to them as individuals.
Bowles has also recently been presenting at schools on the South Shore and showing those students how to test their own water.
She hopes the students she meets will have the courage to advocate for change.
Contributed photo.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
Twitter: @BrittWentzell
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca