Community Connection and Nature Advocacy
Advocating for nature can take on many different forms. When I was younger, I was fairly active environmentally and in my 20's I worked in fundraising for some non-profits. It was the time of door-to-door canvassing and that meant 'boots on the ground' knocking at the doors of strangers. It was a daunting task but the primary strategy used by conservation organizations. At the time, I worked for Pollution Probe and Earthroots - two organizations still active today.
In recent years being a voice for nature has taken shape in other ways. Some more creative than others though always with the same goal in mind - to connect with others and draw attention to issues of concern. We are all stewards of the land and when we work together to foster a deeper connection to nature, not only does it benefit the environment but it improves our well-being and our connection to each other. It is in our nature, to be connected, and conversely, the more disconnected we are, the more we become strangers in the world.
In addition to my work with Nature Gardens, below are some recent community initiatives. I whole-heartedly believe in the value of working together to protect the natural beauty of the world we live in.
Connecting with the community
Interactive programs are a great way to introduce the public to nature-friendly gardening practices.
In this hands-on demo we are making seed-bombs inspired by the Japanese no-till method using natural clay from the land.
Forest Ontario Heritage Tree in Muskoka
In 2018 I nominated this iconic red maple of Port Sydney to be recognized as a heritage tree with Forests Ontario. When a tree is special, in addition to being an iconic feature in the landscape, it becomes part of the community, so it seemed appropriate to have this tree of Indian Landing honoured for the beloved role is has had in the community for so many generations. The nomination was accepted and this beautiful Red Maple, aptly named The Family Tree was accepted by Forest Ontario's Heritage Tree program. Red Maple #HT-2017-217-234 has been added to their database as a tree of significance. The Heritage Tree Program (2009-2023) collects and tells stories of Ontario’s unique trees as a way to bring awareness to the social, cultural, historical and ecological value of trees. On Earth Day of April 2018, the plaque was unveiled with members of the community to honour this proud tree as a wise elder, loved by many.
Community Engagement in the Guild
Trying to protect nature can feel like the most daunting task at times. It is often met with hurdles and barriers but there is definitely a sense of satisfaction when seeing that a difference can be made and to have efforts acknowledged. In September 2017, myself along with a few other community members received recognition from the Office of Honourable John McKay MP for the work done in the Guildwood.
The work began early in 2016 when we first learned that a fairly substantial segment of sand beach was being threatened by shoreline hardened. A group of us did all we could to raise awareness in the community and to see that this 3 km natural shoreline be protected. I began various initiatives in the community along, each of us doing our part, working together for the next couple of years. We dedicating endless hours to this cause that we were so passionate about.
The beach is along the eastern end of the Scarborough Bluffs and is one of the longest remaining natural shorelines in the Toronto area. Our efforts were effective for now but the threat is still there with a relentless trend of shorelines being altering. In addition to extensive research on the shoreline, I led nature walks and cerated a series of videos drawing attention to our concerns. Pictured here are one of the walks I led, this one with a record 80 in attendance!
