A new crop of Nature Guardians at the 2011 Youth Summit Brendan Toews

2011 Youth Summit for Biodiversity and Sustainable Living

Ontario Nature’s second annual Youth Summit was hosted on September 23-25, 2011. Part of our Nature Guardians program, the summit brought together 80 teenagers from 39 communities across the province. Participants joined outdoor activities and workshops related to the theme of biodiversity and sustainable living including:

Animal tracking
Bird banding
Cooking with local food
First Nations traditional recipes
Green building design
How to lead a nature hike
Protecting Ontario’s species at risk
Sustainable high schools
Water sustainability
And much more!

Outdoor educator and sustainability expert, Lisa Glithero, delivered an inspirational keynote speech that got everyone thinking about the power of youth to protect the environment. A high-energy team challenge and relaxing campfire allowed youth to get to know each other and build friendships that will last a lifetime.

To bring the summit to a close, participants shared their reflections about key learning moments and things they plan to integrate into their lives. The responses are inspirational.

“I have learned so many things from the guest speakers on sustainability, animals, plants, etc. I will take this knowledge back home and will promote sustainability in my school.” – Rowan, Kingston ON

“I have learned that even the smallest change to the natural world can (and will) make a huge impact to the environment… And the fact that time for change is now!!” – Pirmin, Midhurst ON

“I am starting the first environmental group at my school and am putting my words into action.” – Alexandra, Mississauga ON

“I am going to take back with me a sense of spirit, a sense that there are so many people out there willing to work for a cause. I learned so many new things, perhaps most importantly that as youth, we have the power to change the world.” – Aimee, Southampton ON