More than 2,000 Grade 6 and 7 students from 23 schools across the Thames Valley and London District Catholic school boards will be heading outdoors this week for the annual Carolinian Forest Festival at Springwater Conservation Area.
Throughout the week, students will explore forest ecosystems, learn about biodiversity and species at risk, and examine the impacts of climate change through 37 hands-on activities—all designed to align with the Ontario curriculum.
“The Festival is about giving youth the chance to step outside the classroom and experience the forest firsthand,” says Festival Coordinator Betsy McClure. “Spending time in nature helps students build a deeper understanding of the environment while fostering a lifelong connection to the health of our trees and forests.”
The event runs from October 6th to 9th, with students visiting daily from schools across Elgin, Oxford, London, and Middlesex counties, including several from St. Thomas-Elgin. This includes Assumption, Davenport, St. Mary’s, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Southwold, June Rose, Summers Corners, Port Burwell, Éva Circé-Côté, Elgin Court, John Wise, and Locke’s.
The Carolinian Forest Festival is powered by volunteers from conservation authorities, environmental organizations, and more than 120 high school students.
It’s a fully self-funded initiative supported by the Thames Valley and London District Catholic school boards, the Elgin Stewardship Council, and a range of community partners and businesses.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
