The 2014 Ontario Nature Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Community Action

Last weekend, I and my two friends, Alana and Andreana, visited Orillia's beautiful Lake Couchiching for Ontario Nature's Youth Summit. This is an annual event where a hundred like-minded teens from all over the province gather to learn about environmental issues and to share their passion for the outdoors.

Throughout the weekend, we attended several workshops of our choice. My first one was called "Maps that Croak, Peep, and Slither," and it was all about reptiles and amphibians. We discovered toads, Leopard Frogs, Wood Frogs, salamanders, and a lonely Garter Snake on our hike. Best of all, we had the chance to hold each one! Entranced by the life of herps, we were introduced to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas, a citizen science initiative that establishes population data for each species and supports the conservation of herps across the province. Since this project relies entirely on the wildlife sightings of regular people, I strongly encourage you to report your observations to the atlas! Please see the link for more information: http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/herpetofaunal_atlas.php

Leopard Frog

Another one of my workshops was "Foraging Foods from Forests," in which we learned about foraging practices, identification, and sustainable harvesting. It was a very delicious guided hike led by Alex Boulet, who pointed out the uses of various forest plants. Our group ate wild grapes and raw Puffball mushrooms right off a log, and many other edibles. I never knew forests were so full of food!


This year's Youth Summit was a super success, and was memorable for all participants. We all shared an appreciation for nature and we inspired each other to engage our communities in action. It was motivational to see so many youth passionate about the environment because it makes us believe that change is possible!

Youth Summit participants!

For more information about the annual Ontario Nature Youth Summit, please see: http://www.ontarionature.org/connect/nature_guardians/youth_summit.php