Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River Area Monitoring Program (PRAMP) is hosting a Meet and Greet on Sept. 11 and they’re hoping members of the community will come out to see what their team’s work is all about.
The event will be held at the Normand Boucher Arboretum in Northend of Peace River from 2 pm until 6 pm, and Exective Director Karla Reesor says it’s a great chance to meet the PRAMP team and learn about its air-monitoring work.
“PRAMP’s mission is to operate an ambient air quality monitoring program in the Peace River area that provides credible and comprehensive data and air quality information for the community, industry and governments,” explains Reesor. “We operate five air monitoring stations and several small sensors, report on the data, and provide air quality education in schools and communities.”
Reesor is hoping folks will attend the meet and greet, enjoy some light refreshments and snacks, including lemonade made with local honey.
“PRAMP is moving its Portable Air Quality Health Index station from Grimshaw to Peace River this fall,” says Reesor. “At the Meet and Greet event, we look forward to talking about the station move and the air quality information PRAMP will provide for the residents of Peace River. We will also share information about our school and community outreach programs.”
Reesor says the PRAMP team includes part-time staff who work together to deliver monitoring and education programs. The team includes Reesor, Education and Outreach Coordinator Shelly Shannon, and Technical Program Managers Mike Bisaga and Lily Lin.
“PRAMP is one of ten regional monitoring organizations in Alberta’s Airshed network, all of which provide updates on local air quality in near real time,” explains Reesor. “By collaborating with industry, local municipalities, Indigenous communities, residents and the Alberta government,
PRAMP has gained valuable insights into regional air quality. We have also developed effective ways to share information that empowers individuals to safeguard their health.”
Reesor says one example of their work is when the air quality is poor due to wildfire smoke, PRAMP provides information about the health risks so that people can make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
“Come to learn about our air monitoring work, the proposed Peace River location for an air monitoring station and enter a draw for some great prizes,” Reesor urges. “You can also see our worm condo and pick up some fun PRAMP materials for you and for your pet. It’s an opportunity to learn about air quality and what’s happening in the community.”
Reesor explains vermicomposting is what happens when worms turn food-waste into nutrient rich fertilizer.
“Using food scraps for vermicomposting keeps some waste out of landfills, helps people become more conscious of what we throw out and promotes food security when people use the worm castings to grow their own food,” she says. “Landfills are a source of air emissions, and composting, with or without worms, is one way to reduce those emissions.”
Arbo Revitalization Initiative’s Norm Brownlee will also be on hand at the Meet and Greet for tours and information on the Arboretum restoration. Reesor says he has been instrumental in the renewal of the Arboretum and is very knowledgeable about the area and the trees.