By Matias de DoviitisOur public parks are ours to take care of. We as community members are the owners of them, and if we want to preserve them to be used for future generations, then it is up to us to maintain them.This was the lesson learned by more than 500 local elementary school students on Tuesday May 6 when they participated in a park clean up and planted new trees at Remberto Navia Sports Field, located between York Gate Blvd., and Norfinch Dr.The event, organized by Councillor Anthony Perruzza's office, gives students an opportunity to get out of the classroom and into the sunshine for a day of hands on learning. The students were able to learn the value of keeping our parks clean as well as the vital role that trees play in our ecosystem, helping to purify the air we breathe.Children often learn better by getting their hands dirty and experiencing the world around them. It's one thing to hear about the impact of litter and pollution on our environment, but it's another thing to see it right in front of our very eyes and perhaps more importantly, to do something to make it better.Programs like this one help to build confidence because it shows students that they can make a difference.Not only did the students enjoy themselves, but they also provided a valuable service to our community. This event is also important because it encourages students to take action in order to reduce their carbon footprint. It also teaches them to take pride in their community and that their actions matter. The little things they can do such as planting a tree will leave a lasting positive impact for years to come.This program teaches students social responsibility that they will carry with them for years to come and judging by the looks on many of their faces, this experience is something they will not soon forget.It's for this reason that I am proud to have taken part in this event over the years, and have always been inspired by watching how excited the students are to participate and to share in the joy of learning.It is crucial that programs like this continue in order teach these students who represent our future to create a better society for every one of us.