Nature Notes Winter Edition: Episode 1 TRACKING
Join Camp Kawartha’s Executive Director, Jacob Rodenburg, in learning about how to read the stories written in the snow by the creatures that live in our neighbourwoods!
Video: The Wild Path Home
n 2016, the Peterborough-Kawartha-Haliburton region in Ontario, Canada was recognized by the United Nations as a “Regional Centre of Expertise in Sustainability Education”, one of only 150 communities worldwide to be awarded this prestigious designation. Locally, leading specialists in the environmental, health and educational fields were becoming alarmed by the increasing draw of technology and how it was impacting daily lives. Children were becoming more disconnected from the natural world than ever before.
They designed a simple framework of age-linked experiences to address a wide range of global issues through a local focus and widespread community support. It encourages educators and families to integrate these basic life-long teachings to build resilient, engaged and empowered young adults. The movement began to guide youth back to the great outdoors to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and improve social and leadership skills and to help physical and mental wellbeing through connection to the environment and their community. The results exceeded expectations. This documentary is a call-to-action for parents, educators and youth to embrace nature as a way to heal, reconnect and grow an appreciation for the earth, our communities and all living things.
Squirrel Thoughts
This activity is a nature-themed exercise in memory-building. It provides an opportunity to review what the students learned at the Environment Centre, while also providing a new challenge with which to engage. Begin with some fun squirrel stretches and movements. Review what sorts of food squirrels prefer to eat and discuss how these small creatures ensure that they have food available all winter long.
Nature Sound Map
A great way to get to know your local woodlands is to venture out, find a sit-spot, and listen to your surroundings. Create a Sound Map to help you remember what you heard!
