The Rekindle Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Watershed Interpreters’ Network (WIN) Awards.

If you know someone who is passionate, dedicated and has made a significant contribution to Conservation Education over the years, please nominate them for the Outstanding Achievement Award. 

We have 'pivoted' our Innovation Award this year to reflect the times. We are still looking to celebrate a Conservation Authority Education Department that has shown leadership in creating new and innovative opportunities, but this year we are also wishing to highlight innovations that captivated and engaged in an inventive way during COVID-19. Vote for the Innovation Award!

Rekindle the Sparks Planning Committee will be hosting webinars from September to December with a 'cluster' of online activities during our traditional workshop week in November. Please join us!

Virtual Rekindle will be offered as a gift, free of charge. And all online presentations/webinars will allow ‘live’ or ‘watch later’ options to better fit into everyone’s ever-shifting schedules!

2020 WEBINARS - VIEW RECORDINGS

Creating Successful Environmental Education During the Time of COVID-19
Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

A panel of Conservation Educators discuss their experiences, opportunities, challenges and achievements pivoting to meet the needs of our ever-changing educational and watershed communities.

MODERATOR: Keren Bromberg, Credit Valley Conservation

PANELISTS:

Melissa Levi - St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
The SCRCA delved into the virtual world this spring with online curriculum connected Field Trips for students from Kindergarten through to the Secondary level. Melissa Levi will discuss the development process, including management approval, self-promotion, key teacher/student partnerships and platforms, Apps and editing adventures!

Nicole Hamley, OCT, BScH, Manager of Education - Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Nicole Hamley will describe new revenue opportunities created over the summer, including online teacher PD courses and DIY hike opportunities at a Conservation Area. She will also describe how a new Facebook initiative has attracted more than 1,000 followers.

Kristin Ives, Curator/Education Coordinator - Essex Region Conservation Authority
Kristin will discuss the development of a new PD program to support classroom teachers in embracing nearby greenspaces in cross-curricular education experiences. ERCA is also offering a ½ day outdoor education program for students (COVID protocols permitting) led by Environmental Educators (B. Ed), at/near the school to demonstrate the potential of outdoor education.

Will Sorley - Toronto Region Conservation Authority
Will is an educator/coordinator at the TRCA who has helped innovate and produce virtual/online opportunities for the people in their watershed and beyond. TRCA will discuss the live streaming and online blended learning opportunities they have explored and executed to date.

Shauna Hasselman - Conservation Halton
Conservation Halton staff will outline their Bubble Programs - day camp programs, and community programs, that are designed for groups of kids who are in the same "bubble", (family, small group of friends). This approach has allowed Conservation Halton to offer fee-based, in-person programs which are expanding in subject area as the fall progresses. Shauna will also discuss Conservation Halton's innovative Interactive Virtual Tours.

Including the Next Generation in Climate Change Decision-Making
Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

A new generation is becoming increasingly energized over the need to halt climate change. How can we, as environmental educators, support this enthusiasm to help students protect their future? The impacts of climate change are evident in the Windsor-Essex region, where Claire Sanders lives and works. Windsor-Essex spent more than six months of 2019 under an extended flood watch where record high lake levels saw significant shoreline erosion that closed municipal roads, washed away others, and threatened homes and property. At the same time, 2019 also saw the creation of a student summit on climate, student climate protests, as well as, the development of climate action plans and partnerships around the Windsor-Essex region.

Join Essex Region Conservation Authority’s Climate Change Specialist, Claire Sanders, to hear how ERCA and its partners are empowering students and others to action around climate change.

Land-Based Education and Reconciliation
Monday, November 16th, 2020 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Steve Styers, B.A., BEd
Principal/Director of Education, Hillside School, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation

The Scoop on Benthic Invertebrates
Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Straszynski, BSc(Hons), MSc, BEd
Biology/General Science Teacher, Envirothon & Environmental Science Coach, University of Toronto Schools

Virtual Forest Therapy Walk (no recording available)
Thursday, November 19th, 2020 | 2 sessions
Morning session: 10-11:30 a.m. with Q&A 11:30-11:45 a.m.
Afternoon session: 2-3:30 p.m. with Q&A 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Stana Luxford-Oddie
Certified ANFT Forest Therapy Guide, Mentor & Trainer
Senior Conservation Educator, Cataraqui Conservation

Virtual Campfire: Bright Spots, WIN Awards and Campfire Music
Friday, November 20th, 2020 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Dan Schneider
Nature Interpreter, Conservation Halton