Komoka Community Centre - 133 Queen Street, Komoka, Ontario
Thank you for joining our gathering of friends, family and community in celebration of Mother Nature.
Get to Know Native PlantsVisit the Native Nursery Showcase and exhibitors to learn about plant-pollinator relationships and our interconnected roles.
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Listen & LearnTune in to three expert speakers explore various nature themes and share how we can connect with and support nature.
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Chat & ShopMeet local organizations to learn about environmental projects. Shop with local vendors for their nature-related products and services.
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PlayRoll up your sleeves for some workshops, a scavenger hunt, a tour of Ethan's Garden and other fun activities,
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Keynote Speakers
The Impact of Non-Native Species and the Nature Conservancy's Workwith
Nicholas ArmstrongGrowing up on a farm outside of London, Ontario, and spending much of his time outdoors, Nicholas gained a deep appreciation for the land and its resources. He completed the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Technician program at Sault College and the honour’s Bachelor of Environmental Management Program at Lakehead University. He has worked with Nature Conservancy Canada since 2019, and is currently an Assistant Conservation Biologist in Norfolk County.
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The Importance of Native Trees, Forests and Naturewith
Larry CornelisLarry is a retired conservationist, horticulturist and a naturalist. He is passionate about all things nature. He has received many awards from naturalist and conservation groups including local clubs, Ontario Nature, Carolinian Canada, and the Ministry of Natural Resources. Larry has recently moved to the family farm (Honeylocust Homestead) near Wallaceburg, Ontario on the Sydenham River with his family, where they are engaging in regenerative agriculture.
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Creating Native Plant Pollinator Habitats in Your Yardwith
Rick GrayRick has been gardening with native plants for over 15 years and has over 300 species in his backyard in southwestern Ontario. His garden has been part of several organized garden tours in recent years. Rick is very active on a number of native plant gardening Facebook groups and regularly posts articles about native plants on his website nativeplantgardener.ca.
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Master of Ceremonies (MC): Sue CatesSue Cates is the local municipal Councillor for Komoka Kilworth Middlesex Centre and a local Realtor. She is also the VP of the Komoka Kilworth Business Association and VP of the Komoka Kilworth Optimists Club and proud to be a big supporter of The Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team.
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Opening Ceremony by:
Warrior Womyn of Positive Drum
We are honoured that Warrior Womyn of Positive Drum will open our event with ceremonial smudging, drumming and song.
They are a collaborative group from different Nations, paths and ages. Warrior Womyn were brought together through a mutual desire to sing and drum in their traditional ways and to share song of healing with all.
They are a collaborative group from different Nations, paths and ages. Warrior Womyn were brought together through a mutual desire to sing and drum in their traditional ways and to share song of healing with all.
Left to right:
Mina Antone from Oneida Nation of the Thames, wolf clan;
Nikki Peters from Muncey Delaware Nation, proud drummer of 5 years with other drum sisters of the Warrior Womyn;
Diane Simpson from Oneida Nation of the Thames, turtle clan, proud mom, grandma and great grandma, language learner for the last 5-6 years, drummer with the group for 5 years; and
Leona Antone from Oneida Nation of the Thames, wolf clan.
Native Nursery Showcase
We will be showcasing a special selection of plants from these Southwestern Ontario native plant nurseries. Learn about the plants and the work of these nurseries. Plants will be available for purchase (at cost) - bring home one or a few!
The showcase will be located outside at Ethan's Garden.
The showcase will be located outside at Ethan's Garden.
“Nature surrounds us, from parks and backyards to streets and alleyways. Next time you go out for a walk, tread gently and remember that we are both inhabitants and stewards of nature in our neighbourhoods.”
David Suzuki
Activities
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Ethan's Garden TourTake a tour of Ethan's Garden. This is native pollinator habitat garden created in 2020 in memory of Ethan Fonseca and other loved ones in the community. The garden is outdoors so please dress accordingly.
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Nature QuestGet curious about nature with our Nature Quest scavenger hunt! Children and adults are welcome. Dress for the weather as this will be an outdoor activity at Ethan's Garden.
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Craft Activities
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Workshops & DemonstrationsLearn about different seed sowing methods including Jarmination, Winter Sowing and Seed Balls; how to use window decals to keep birds safe from window collisions; and more!
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“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
Rachel Carson
Exhibitors
Great Veggie Bites
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Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team |
Sweetwater Native Plants |
Warrior Womyn of Positive Drum
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“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Event Location:
The Komoka Community Centre
133 Queen Street, Komoka, Ontario, Canada
The Komoka Community Centre
133 Queen Street, Komoka, Ontario, Canada
Street View Map
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Satellite View Map
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FAQs
When is the event?
Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 10am to 4pm.
Where is it happening?
The Komoka Community Centre and Ethan's Garden at 133 Queen Street in Komoka, Ontario, Canada.
How much does it cost to attend?
This event is FREE to attend.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is free parking in the community centre parking lot. The 2 spots nearest to the entrance are designated accessible parking spots.
Is the event wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the building has accessible parking and entry. To get to Ethan's Garden, there is a paved path that winds around the north-west side, between the street and baseball diamond, up towards the water tower and around to the garden. There is an unpaved and slighty uneven shortcut from the north-east corner of the parking lot, between the junior baseball diamond and the pickleball court.
Will there be food?
Our event food vendor, Great Veggie Bites, will be selling plant-based food at the event. Gluten-free and nut-free options will not be available.
How can I pay for purchases?
We recommend bringing cash. There is no ATM on-site. The nearest bank and ATM is BMO, located at 9952 Glendon Drive, Komoka, N0L1R0 - 1.8 km away (2 minutes by car).
Plants at the Native Nursey Showcase, Ethan's Garden and the Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team booth will be available for purchase via cash or e-transfer.
What are your public health rules?
If you are sick, please stay home. You are welcome to wear a mask at your personal discretion. Part of the event will be indoors and part of it will be outdoors.
Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 10am to 4pm.
Where is it happening?
The Komoka Community Centre and Ethan's Garden at 133 Queen Street in Komoka, Ontario, Canada.
How much does it cost to attend?
This event is FREE to attend.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is free parking in the community centre parking lot. The 2 spots nearest to the entrance are designated accessible parking spots.
Is the event wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the building has accessible parking and entry. To get to Ethan's Garden, there is a paved path that winds around the north-west side, between the street and baseball diamond, up towards the water tower and around to the garden. There is an unpaved and slighty uneven shortcut from the north-east corner of the parking lot, between the junior baseball diamond and the pickleball court.
Will there be food?
Our event food vendor, Great Veggie Bites, will be selling plant-based food at the event. Gluten-free and nut-free options will not be available.
How can I pay for purchases?
We recommend bringing cash. There is no ATM on-site. The nearest bank and ATM is BMO, located at 9952 Glendon Drive, Komoka, N0L1R0 - 1.8 km away (2 minutes by car).
Plants at the Native Nursey Showcase, Ethan's Garden and the Middlesex Centre Pollinator Team booth will be available for purchase via cash or e-transfer.
What are your public health rules?
If you are sick, please stay home. You are welcome to wear a mask at your personal discretion. Part of the event will be indoors and part of it will be outdoors.
