10/06/2026
🌱 MEET OUR GUESTS — ROOTED IN RESILIENCE: “HOPE GROWS” 🌱
We are incredibly excited about the amazing group of scientists, foresters, educators, knowledge holders, health professionals, nature connection practitioners, storytellers and community supporters joining us for Rooted in Resilience – “Hope Grows,” October 23–25 at the Canadian Ecology Centre!
This special weekend, held during National Take Me Outside Week, brings together science, nature connection, land-based learning, healing and community as we continue to learn from the changes to our landscape following the June 2025 downburst storm.
And YOU are invited to be part of it. 🌲
🔬 FREE Citizen Science Days
📅 Thursday, Oct. 22 & Friday, Oct. 23 | 10 am–3 pm
Help us collect meaningful data documenting how the land is renewing following the June 2025 storm. No experience necessary!
🌲 Rooted in Resilience Weekend Retreat
📅 Friday, Oct. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 25
🏡 Full weekend retreat events FREE with your cabin rental ($200 + HST)
🎟️ Saturday afternoon passes available for $20/person
🌎 MEET OUR GUESTS!
🌲 Wayne Reid — Retired Forester
With 40 years of experience in Ontario forestry—including 25 years in Forest Science, Growth and Yield—Wayne will share his extensive knowledge while helping participants plant trees and take part in citizen science. Through his Green Side Up Program, Wayne has helped put more than half a million seedlings and saplings into the hands of others and has been instrumental in the current set-up of the new citizen science plots at the CEC.
🍃 Andrea Prazmowski — Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide
Andrea will guide participants through a gentle nature connection experience, exploring how mindful time outdoors can support us during periods of stress, anxiety, grief and change. She will also co-lead our Saturday evening Sharing and Healing Circle.
🌎 Dr. David Pearson — Earth Scientist, Climate Change Expert & Science Communicator
Founding Director of Science North and an internationally recognized science communicator, David brings decades of experience in Earth sciences and climate change. Join him Friday evening to explore climate change and adaptations affecting the Far North, and again Saturday for a fascinating look at geological extreme events.
🌲 Scott McPherson — Professional Forester
With more than 25 years of forestry experience in Ontario and British Columbia, Scott specializes in forest science, inventory, planning, forest dynamics and silviculture. Join Scott for "Understanding Forest Resilience: Science Foundations for Restoring and Conserving Biodiversity" - restoration and resilience of forests
🪶 Tim Yearington — Artist, Author & Storyteller
Tim is a Métis artist, author, storyteller and wilderness guide from North Bay. Join Tim for a guided medicine walk that invites participants to experience the land through knowledge, story and connection.
🌿 Jane Lagassie — Traditional Knowledge Holder
Jane will share knowledge of the Indigenous archaeological and cultural heritage of the Mattawa Valley, helping us deepen our understanding of and relationship with the land.
💚 Nazneen Mehdi — Registered Nurse & Nurse Psychotherapist
With extensive experience in rural and remote Northern Ontario health care, emergency response management and community health, Nazneen joins Bill Steer to lead “Are You Ready?”—an interactive exploration of mental and physical preparedness and building resilience before a natural event occurs.
🥾 Bill Steer — “Back Roads Bill” & CEC Founder
A longtime environmental and outdoor educator and founder of the Canadian Ecology Centre concept, Bill brings decades of experience in outdoor education and risk management. Together with Nazneen, he’ll challenge participants to consider: Are You Ready?
🎶 John Pineau — Biologist, Forester & Musician
Former Executive Director of the Ontario Woodlot Association and a longtime friend and supporter of the CEC, John brings both his passion for forest science AND music. Saturday night, join John around the campfire for songs, stories and legends!
🥁 Mattawa Shadow Drummers
This local Indigenous women’s drumming and singing group will help us close our weekend Sunday morning with a special Good-night Land Ceremony, sharing songs and drumming as we honour the land and bid it a season of rest.
💚 Rooted Heart Psychotherapy and Counselling
Angela and Karen will be joining us Saturday afternoon to provide support and activities focused on nature connection, adding another dimension to our weekend of resilience, reflection and healing.
🌱 Laura Kielpinski — Event Host & Organizer
CEC Director of Education and Operations, qualified teacher and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Laura will help guide the weekend and co-lead Saturday evening’s Sharing and Healing Circle, bringing together the themes of community, nature connection, resilience and hope.
What an incredible collection of knowledge and experience to have in one place!
Together we’ll explore forest science • climate change • geology • citizen science • traditional knowledge • nature connection • preparedness • healing • storytelling • music • and resilience.
💚 All event proceeds support the CEC’s Educational Foundation, helping provide school trip subsidies and summer camp bursaries.
👉 Meet our guests, explore the full schedule & REGISTER:
www.canadianecology.ca/rooted
🌱 From the Storm We Grow. Hope Grows. 🌱
Rooted in Resilience Hope Grows Thursday October 22 to Sunday October 25, 2026 Join us for a restorative experience at the Canadian Ecology Centre as we celebrate National Take Me Outside Week and the theme of “Hope Grows”. This retreat blends science, nature connection, and land-based healing, ...
