Connect and Protect, in collaboration with Brown Girl Outdoor World, has returned to Ontario. First piloted in 2022, this program was created to provide space for racialized communities and their allies to connect with and protect nature.
On October 5th, join us for a full day event filled with knowledge sharing, community building, and placemaking. Folks will meet at the Eden Mills Presbyterian Church at 9am, have a short safety and orientation meeting, then hike 10-20 minutes to the event location. The day will involve two main activities: conservation, and recreation.
CONSERVATION
Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) will lead participants through buckthorn removal at a restoration site. European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a non-native shrub that has become a significant threat to native plants and ecosystems in Ontario. Buckthorn is a larger under story shrub that can quickly become a wide vast forest of trees that dominates the landscape. Its dense thickets outcompete local vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt natural habitats.
By removing European buckthorn, we help restore the health of our native woodlands, riparian zones and promote the growth of indigenous plants and wildlife. Your efforts will directly contribute to the preservation of Ontario's natural environment.
Work will include:
- Using hand saws to cut down buckthorn trees and shrubs
- Removing buckthorn stumps from the ground using tools
- Dragging chopped trees to a central area for chipping in the future
RECREATION
Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW) will lead an "intro to fly fishing" session, covering introductory information about fly fishing and the importance of conservation to the sport, followed by time on the water putting what we’ve learned into practice.
Topics to be covered include:
- Introduction to fly fishing equipment
- How to use equipment
- Basic knots
- Casting
Participants are responsible for having a valid Ontario Outdoors Card and/or Fishing licence at the time of the event if they want to fish. Without a valid licence, participants can only practice in casting on land.
The Guelph BIPOC Gear Library will also provide a short talk over lunch about their gear rental services and can provide hiking shoes or appropriate footwear if needed.
After the event, participants are also invited to join BGOW and TUC on site for a small campfire. Folks can unwind, chat about the day, and are free to leave at any time.
EQUIPMENT
TUC and BGOW will provide all participants with:
- Chest waders (please provide shoe size upon registration)
- Conservation tools and equipment
- Conservation PPE (i.e. safety glasses, work gloves)
Participants are expected to bring their own:
- Long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from thorns
- Hiking shoes or other close-toed footwear for the buckthorn removal
- Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses as needed
EVENT REGISTRATION
This event is for those 18+. As space is limited, we ask that you only register for this event if you are a member of a racialized community. We will update this page and post on our socials if space becomes available for allies to attend.
We are charging a small fee for the event as a commitment fee. This fee will go towards snacks for the event. While we understand that cancellations may happen, we ask that you please inform us of any changes in plans ASAP, so that we can free up your spot for other interested participants.
We are striving to make this an inclusive and accessible event for individuals of all abilities; for inquiries about accommodations and accessibility, please contact Mike McKenzie at 437-522-4710.
We look forward to seeing you there!
