Biodiversity Festival Brings Environmental Education to Ridgetown Students
On October 22, students from grades 6-8 at St. Michael Catholic School in Ridgetown, along with their peers from the Lambton-Kent District School Board, participated in an engaging Biodiversity Festival held in the St. Michael schoolyard. This event, organized in partnership with Rondeau Provincial Park and the Friends of Rondeau, aimed to inspire students to care for biodiversity and their local environment. Supported by a grant from Enbridge’s Fueling Futures fund, the festival emphasized environmental education and sustainable practices.
The day began with a captivating presentation by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, where students marveled at various birds of prey and watched impressive flight demonstrations. This engaging talk underscored the importance of preserving diverse bird species, particularly raptors, leaving many students fascinated. Later, participants engaged in hands-on activities, including nature journaling to explore species diversity and constructing bat boxes to protect endangered species. These interactive stations allowed students to connect with real environmental issues, enhancing their learning experience.
A highlight of the festival was the presentation by Sciensational Sssnakes, where students discovered both native and non-native snake species. Those willing to take a chance had the opportunity to touch or hold the snakes, creating unforgettable memories of their wildlife encounters.
“Our students had a wonderful time engaging with nature and learning about the importance of biodiversity,” said Kelly VanBoxtel, principal of St. Michael. “The excitement they showed throughout the day was incredible, and it’s clear this event left a lasting impression. We are so grateful to our community partners who made this day possible.”
The sunny weather contributed to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, allowing students and staff to fully enjoy the outdoor learning experience. The event’s success showcased the strength of the partnerships among the school, Friends of Rondeau, Rondeau Park staff, and community sponsors like Enbridge, all of whom played a vital role in making the day both educational and enjoyable.
The festival highlighted the power of community collaboration in delivering environmental education to young people, and it was evident that students left inspired to take action in preserving the natural world around them.
#ENBFuelingFutures
