11th annual Youth Outdoors Day at Luther Marsh Conservation Area
Logan learning to help turtles
Zachary enjoying the day
Adopt-A-Pond took part in the 11th annual Youth Outdoors Day at Luther Marsh Conservation Area outside of Guelph on September 15th. Youth Outdoors Day is an annual event organized by a team of dedicated volunteers from various local organizations and groups. The day encouraged over 300 hundred youth ages 9 – 16 to put down their electronics, turn off the TV, and get outdoors! Nature inspired fun activities and interactive learning stations were provided by a host of volunteers to get kids active, and influence greater respect and enjoyment of nature. Event activities included: falconry demonstrations, archery, bird box building, wetland walks, camping, bird banding and fly fishing demonstrations. Adopt-A-Pond played an important role in educating youth about Ontario’s reptiles and amphibians with a display including life-size models of all Ontario turtle species for kids to get up close and personal with. We spoke about why many of these animals are Species at Risk, the importance of protecting wetland habitat, and the advantages of contributing to environmental stewardship activities. What a fantastic day! We hope see everyone again next year!