Building a Healthier Future, One Step at a Time – 30 Years of EcoSuperior written for The Walleye
By Ashley Priem, Co Executive Director, EcoSuperior
EcoSuperior Environmental Programs is a non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of environmental education and action for over three decades. Founded in 1995 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, EcoSuperior has worked tirelessly to promote sustainable living, environmental education, and community engagement. As the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, it is an opportune moment to reflect on its history and impact, as well as the challenges and triumphs that have defined its journey.
The roots of EcoSuperior trace back to a collective desire to address growing environmental concerns and educate the public on sustainable practices. The organization was founded by a group of passionate individuals who recognized the need for local environmental initiatives to tackle issues such as water conservation, waste management, and greenspace preservation. They understood that lasting change required not only action but also education and community involvement. This vision led to the creation of EcoSuperior (formerly Thunder Bay 2002) as a vehicle for environmental change in the Thunder Bay area.
From its early days, EcoSuperior was committed to delivering programs that were not only educational but also hands-on, making environmental action accessible and practical for everyone. Through initiatives such as recycling and composting education, energy and water conservation, and climate change action, EcoSuperior worked to help thousands of residents adopt greener habits in their daily lives.
EcoSuperior has also been deeply involved in local schools, offering a variety of educational programs aimed at inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. Through a variety of themed programs, EcoSuperior has engaged students in hands-on activities that help them better understand environmental issues such as sustainable modes of transportation, plastics reduction, and invasive species. These programs focus on experiential learning, encouraging students to take what they've learned in the classroom and apply it to their everyday lives.
Behind every one of EcoSuperior's successes is the dedicated team of staff and board members who have shown unwavering commitment to the organization's mission. The staff's passion and tireless work, from program development to community outreach, have driven the organization's impact over the years. Each staff member plays a crucial role in creating and delivering EcoSuperior's programs, ensuring that they remain relevant, accessible, and effective. The board of directors, made up of community leaders and professionals, has provided strategic leadership and governance supporting EcoSuperior's growth and ensuring that the organization continues to evolve in response to changing environmental challenges and community needs.
A key and beloved initiative that EcoSuperior developed over the years is the Painted Rain Barrel Auction. This annual event, which began in 2010, is a creative and fun way to raise awareness about water conservation and engage the community in environmental action. Local artists and community members decorate rain barrels, which are then auctioned off and a way for people to take home a functional, environmentally friendly piece of art. After a five-year hiatus, this event is returning and will take place on May 4, as part of the Goods & Co Craft Revival.
As EcoSuperior celebrates 30 years in 2025, the organization reflects on its accomplishments with pride. EcoSuperior has been a guiding force for environmental change in Thunder Bay and beyond. Looking forward, we remain committed to empowering individuals, groups, and communities to take meaningful action on environmental issues and to continue making a healthy future for people and the planet.
