In a normal year, the Kids 'N Nature educational program offered by the Friends of Presqu'ile would involve over 1300 children from local schools. Unfortunately, COVID -19 forced cancellation of Kids 'N Nature in 2020 and again this year. The question for the Board was how to continue this program when we were not able to place an interpreter in the classroom. The answer was to go virtual with Kids ‘N Nature. The Board approved a plan to develop a series of 30-minute curriculum related videos focusing on the biodiversity of Presqu’ile Park geared to students in kindergarten through grade eight. These videos will be posted on our website www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca and promoted to local school boards and educators. Teachers will be provided with worksheets and activities to correspond to the videos adding to the educational value. Thanks to funding from Canada Summer Jobs and the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund two summer students will be hired and equipment provided for the project which starts in mid May.

The first to be hired is Sydney Stewart as Project Coordinator. A Grafton resident, Sydney has just completed her third year at Western and is working towards an Honours BA in psychology with plans to attend Teacher’s College after graduation. Sydney has an impressive record of work with children and volunteer involvement in both her community and at university. In recognition for her outstanding volunteer contributions and community involvement, the Town of Cobourg presented her with a Civic Award in 2018 and again in 2019. Hiring is underway for the second student position, a videographer to work with Sydney on the production of the videos. These videos when produced will be posted on the Friends website.

Development funding for the Kids ‘N Nature Online Education project was supported by a generous gift from Audrey E. Wilson a long time member of the Friends of Presqu’ile Park