RBC Tech in Nature grant supports Talking Forest app enhancements
APRIL 20, 2021 – Thanks to the generous support of the RBC Foundation and the RBC Tech for Nature program, Kawartha Conservation will be able to enhance and expand our Talking Forest app across the Kawartha watershed.
“Since we launched the Talking Forest app at Ken Reid Conservation Area earlier this year, interest has been tremendous,” explained Kawartha Conservation Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands Kristie Virgoe. “The app has really allowed the public to enjoy and engage with Ken Reid Conservation Area in a whole new way that wasn’t possible before.
“This very generous grant from the RBC Foundation will allow us to enhance and expand the Talking Forest app across all of our conservation area properties and provide even greater opportunities for learning about and enjoying nature,” Ms. Virgoe added.
The RBC Tech for Nature grant will provide for the expansion of the app, first to include a Talking Forest Trail at Durham East Cross Forest, and then roll out of other conservation areas. The grant will also facilitate the purchase of tablets to be used by school groups who visit the Talking Forest trails as part of their education program.
Since launching the Talking Forest app earlier this spring, hundreds of families and individuals have downloaded the app and experienced the Talking Forest at Ken Reid Conservation Area.
“The reaction and feedback to our Talking Forest has been nothing short of amazing,” said Ms. Virgoe. “We are thrilled to be a recipient of the RBC Foundation’s Tech in Nature grant and can’t wait to be able to roll out even more innovative technologies to enhance how the public views and experiences nature at our conservation areas.
“We have a wonderful relationship with the RBC Foundation and can’t thank them enough for this donation that will have a huge impact on families and school groups visiting our conservation areas today and long into the future,” added Ms. Virgoe.