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Grand Bend, ON – Local environmental group Lakeshore Eco-Network (LEN) is hosting a celebration of trees and forests on Saturday, October 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Lambton Heritage Museum in Grand Bend. Museum admission is free during this event in support of this initiative.
The Spirit of the Forest Festival will include fun children’s activities, tree story time, walks, live animals, informative displays, food, and more. It is being held in conjunction with the native tree and plant sale co-hosted in the spring and fall by LEN and Friends of Pinery Park.
“Trees are certainly worth celebrating,” says LEN co-Chair James Corcoran. “They clean the air, shelter wildlife, reduce flooding and erosion, and reduce noise pollution. Most important of all, they sequester carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, playing an important role in fighting climate change.”
A unique aspect of the Festival is the opportunity to experience forest bathing with practitioner Katie Van den Berg. Developed in Japan during the 1980s, forest bathing is the contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. The benefits of forest bathing include decreased anxiety, a strengthened immune system, reduced blood pressure, increased energy, and increased ability to focus.
Festival participants can also create “seed bombs”, clay covered mounds of wildflower seeds and growing soil that can be used to create pollinator gardens to support butterflies and bees. The first 200 participants will receive a free maple or hemlock seedling to plant at home, courtesy of Corcoran.
“We’re happy to support this unique event. The museum grounds provide the perfect backdrop with its oak savannah surroundings,” said Lambton Heritage Museum Curator/Supervisor Dana Thorne. “We hope this event raises awareness of environmental matters and provides fun opportunities for learning.”
“The event is for everyone who loves trees, and surely that’s everyone!” says LEN co-Chair Max Morden. “While there’s a serious message, it will be a fun and festive occasion for all ages.”
For more information on the event, visit the Lakeshore Eco-Network website or visit the Festival’s Facebook page. Follow Lambton Heritage Museum on Facebook or visit our website for more information on upcoming Museum events and exhibits.
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Please contact:
Dana Thorne
Curator/Supervisor, Lambton Heritage Museum
County of Lambton
519-243-2600 ext. 3151
Email Dana Thorne
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