Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority staff member standing at registration desk

Katie waiting for hikers to arrive at the Nature Centre for the September 1, 2021 guided climate change hike at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area.

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) Education Team was excited to kick off the Climate Change Guided Hike Series on September 1st at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area in Bradford West Gwillimbury. This hike was the first of five free hikes that LSRCA is hosting for members of the public at various conservation areas this fall.

The purpose of the hike was two-fold:

  • To spark conversation about climate change and provide members of the community with a chance to learn about how climate change is impacting us locally.
  • To provide people with a safe and fun way to connect with nature and with our Education Team; the people who know and love Scanlon Creek!

It was a perfect crisp morning for a hike, and LSRCA’s Outdoor Educator Katie was happy to lead the way. Once the participants arrived, the whole group set off on the Red Maple trail and observed the beautiful fall bloom of asters and goldenrod growing along the trail. Along the way, several topics were discussed including the global causes of climate change, the local climate projections, and how we can adapt to and mitigate for climate change. The group hiked all the way to the Discovery Play Garden, which is the future home to LSRCA’s new Nature Centre. The hike participants all came to an agreement that environmental education plays a crucial role in our climate change response; we need to provide youth with the opportunity to learn about the environment and connect to nature so they can become the next generation of environmental leaders.

One hike participant shared their experience about the hike:

“Katie was top notch, and willing to alter her plan and engage with all of us on a personal level. We were a group coming from multiple different backgrounds, and it was great to unite with a specific interest in climate change and it’s local effects.”

There is still time to join us on one of the four remaining hikes! Click below to learn more.

Register for Guided Climate Hikes