Aylmer, October 1, 2018 - Celebrating its eleventh year, the Carolinian Forest Festival is helping local students step into nature. "Many students have never had the opportunity to walk in the woods, let alone explore a true Carolinian forest," says Festival Coordinator Betsy McClure. "It is well documented that the health and well-being of humans are linked to the health of our trees and forests. The goal of the Forest Festival is to allow students to experience the wonders in our own backyard."

The Forest Festival, which runs from October 1 to 4 at Springwater Conservation Area, will see over 2,000 grade six and seven students from St. Thomas, London, Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford Counties participate. The students will explore the Carolinian Life Zone through 38 hands-on and dynamic activities centred around five themes including: climate change, biodiversity and species at risk, forest resources, forest ecosystems, and stewardship and conservation.

The Festival relies on volunteers from conservation authorities, environmental organizations, and over 150 local high school students. The Festival is also entirely self-funded and is generously supported by the Thames Valley District School Board, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and many other community organizations and businesses.

Schedule of Schools