b'Dogwood Forest (continued from page 2)phasized. The students are educated Ladybug, was born three years ago,Eachgrouphas10-15membersabout pond rehabilitation, removing Michelle was inspired to start up theled by three facilitators. There are 11invasive species, studying varieties of RootsandShootsParentsandTots.facilitators, and each has a fun-filledtrees and learning how to respectfully Nowtherearetwofullclasses,andnature-based nickname such as Owl,walk like deer single file on a trail theirnewbaby,Elaina,alsoknownPine, Otter and Clover. leaving no trace behind.asFirefly,iscommencingherforestThe names break down the barri- Dependingontheirages,astu-education. ers between the adults and the kids,dent may be busy part of their day Programs are offered for all ages,Mosquito commented. filling a bird feeder, building a fire, fromkindergartenkidsallthewayNature names give a connection toplantingatreeorclimbingone! up to youth aged 11-14 in the Forestthe space, added Doe.Animal prints are followed to find RangersLeadershipprogram.SomeThegroupnamesincludeSeeds,scat or evidence of a habitat. Ash isThe entire forest becomes the classroom. oftheForestRangersstartedoutatSaplings and Sprouts. Two of the land- spread on the icy ground to improve Theres no water in the forest of course,Dogwood Forest five years ago.marks are known as Big Stump andtraction. so Mosquito and Ladybug show how theMichelle and Brad and their staff re- Mushroom Valley.A fun learning experience, using water station works. ally enjoy getting to know the parents,Wildernesssurvivalskillsarenumerous Ontario curriculum skills, and seeing the children grow up andtaught. There are two shelters on thewas the vegetable scavenger hunt. It develop knowledge and an apprecia- property, a cabin and a teepee, wherewas like an Easter egg hunt, only for tion for nature.everyone can warm up on cold days. produce.ThechildrenroundedupThe teepee is as cool inside as it is outside.SincetheyearaftertheCOVIDOnefunactivitythechildrenen- all of the sweet potatoes, onions andMichelle, who is brainstorming some closure,BradandMichellereportedjoyed was forest tracking. Scents suchsquashhiddeninthewoods,thenprogramming for grown-ups.that their forest school programmingas dill pickle juice or lavender wereidentified them and counted them. The WoodChucks, kids working togetherFormoreinformationonallof has expanded from three to five daysput on small pieces of brown felt andJournaling, games, crafts, and ac-a week, and continues to grow.attached to trees. The kids task was totivities, hands-on and oral learning into complete a community job. the wonderful opportunities offered, Young people come from all oversniff their way through the forest likeconversation circles, are all part of aed how to make nature accessible ingo to www.dogwoodforest.ca or the DurhamRegion.Somearehomelittle hound dogs. typical day at Dogwood Forest. Thean urban setting by holding outdoorDogwoodForestFacebookpage, schooled, and others take time out ofEnvironmentalsustainabilityandDogwood Digest is like a newsletterclasses at Durham Catholic schools. which features great photos of all the The chickadees eat right out of your hand. regularpublicschooltoattend.Itsmindfulness in nature are both impor- reporting the days events. Adultscravetobeoutsideandfun learning experiences.The lesson is to be patient and still.about 50:50, Michelle said. tantlessons,BradandMichelleem- The Graves have also demonstrat- be part of nature too, pointed outBy Lynn Campbell, Focus on ScugogAll-Stars Realty Inc.Brokerage independently owned and operated.Carolyn Wilbur Margaret BallSales Representative Sales Representative905-439-7297 905-809-7946Professional Mother / Daughter TeamREMEMBER ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADESACRIFICESAre you thinking you would like to make a move?Move to a bigger or smaller house.or buy an investment/income property?Let us help you choose the right strategies best for you. This market is not a one size fits all!DIRECT LINE 905-439-7297144 Queen St. Port Perry, ON L9L 1A6www.GettingYourMoveOn.comFOCUS - NOVEMBER 20225'