All in-person Education, Stewardship programs cancelled for summer 2020

April 21, 2020 – Kawartha Conservation has made the difficult, and appropriate, decision to cancel all in-person Stewardship, Education and Conservation Lands programs and events until further notice. The cancellation includes all summer and nature camps, parent and tot programs, forest bathing, seniors’ walks, in-person stewardship consultations and tree planting initiatives.

“As our communities continue to deal with this unprecedented global pandemic, we felt the right course of action was to make a determination on our programming early to provide longer-term clarity for our staff and for the community,” explained Kawartha Conservation CAO Mark Majchrowski. “Our main focus needs to be on the health and safety of our staff and the public. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but we believe it is a positive step and cautionary measure that continues putting our community first.”

Among the programs cancelled will be the entire 2020 Day Camp schedule for July, August and September, Nature Explorer week-long camps in July and August, Junior Nature Explorer Camps in July and August and the Parent and Tot program.

“These were definitely not easy decisions or ones we made lightly,” explained Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands. “Our summer camp and education programs are always popular each year and we appreciate the support of parents, families and our community.

“At this time, the uncertainty of COVID-19 and with the well-being of our participants and staff in mind, we realized this wasn’t only the best decision, it was the only decision, we could make,” added Ms. Virgoe.

Additional events and activities cancelled for this summer include all forest bathing and seniors’ walks which would have taken place during the next few months.

In-person Stewardship activities are also being put on hold for the summer-season, including any community tree planting initiatives, site visits, special talks, demonstrations and workshops.

“This has been a very difficult time for everyone; for our communities, our partners and our staff,” said Mr. Majchrowski. “We know that the decisions we are making today and the actions we are taking as an organization will help to support the health and well-being of our communities, our staff and our families.”