Engaging New Canadians with Nature

The purpose of this Experiential Learning Guide is to share information about OLTA’s Engaging New Canadians with Nature Program to our Land Trust Members for developing similar programs, for those interested. We provide an overview of this program, key lessons learning and future programming opportunities for Land Trusts.

What is a land trust? How well do you know your local wildlife? You don’t need to leave your home or neighbourhood to experience some of the incredible wildlife that land trusts in Ontario work to protect! Learn about the unique wildlife living in and around urban spaces. We’ll also explore some of resources you can use to get the most out of exploring nature in your own neighbourhood.

Take a pleasant virtual hike through Happy Valley Forest, a beautiful property located in King Township that is managed by Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC). Using this species checklist, you can guide participants through the property and talk about the unique wildlife in the area, and some tips & tricks to identifying them!

Nature is for bikers and hikers alike! In this webinar, we looked at how cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy Riverwood’s trails safely together, and why trail etiquette matters to both people and local ecosystems. Participants also learned about the wildlife they might spot on their visit, and opportunities to take part in programs led by CultureLink’s Newcomer Cycling Programs and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.

In collaboration with the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and CultureLink, OLTA helped host a virtual Monarch Butterfly Festival. Audrey Armstrong, a butterfly expert of 15 years, led participants through a deep dive into the life of the Monarch Butterfly.

The event provided an interactive (videos, polling, Q&A) exploration into the life of the Monarch Butterfly. Participants learned all about Monarch biology, distribution, the tagging process and how to protect them.