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A Natural Legacy: The Friends of Algonquin Park In 1983, a group of like-minded individuals created a volunteer charitable organization to further the educational and interpretive programs at one of Canada’s most beloved and cherished natural institutions, Algonquin Provincial Park. This legacy continues to inspire, educate, and promote the conservation of the natural world today. This organization is called: The Friends of Algonquin Park. The contributions of The Friends of Algonquin Park to Algonquin Park have been significant over its nearly 40-year history. The Friends have enhanced and promoted educational programs available to Park visitors, like hosting special education events, developing interpretive trails, or securing funding for wildlife research studies. These things don’t just happen; many activities that Park visitors enjoy simply would not be possible if it weren’t for the dedicated work of The Friends of Algonquin Park. The role of The Friends of Algonquin Park has grown and
evolved over the years, leading to an incredible list of accomplishments and triumphs. If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting Algonquin Park, then you likely benefitted from the contributions of The Friends of Algonquin Park. Whether it was walking an interpretive trail, getting information at the Visitor Centre, strolling the exhibits at the Logging Museum, participating in an Experience Algonquin workshop, or reading one of the many specific Park publications to learn something more about the Park. Algonquin Park’s natural and cultural history is bountiful, and The Friends’ mission is to help everyone who visits learn about its flora and fauna and its long cultural history. By learning about Algonquin Park’s diverse history and its vast ecological fabric, visitors learn to appreciate it and therefore value it. The Friends of Algonquin Park encourages everyone to be a steward of this incredible place; once someone understands how the natural world works and appreciates the history
of a place like Algonquin Park, they become advocates for it. Thanks to The Friends of Algonquin Park, hundreds of thousands of resource materials, maps and books about Algonquin Park have been published. Historical documents have been preserved, Group Education programs have inspired young people to learn about the natural world, and new trails have provided generations of visitors with countless outdoor experiences. The Friends of Algonquin Park invite you to join them as they continue to foster unforgettable adventures for visitors while also upholding their commitment to enhancing the park visitor’s knowledge of Ontario’s oldest and most treasured Provincial Park. If you’d like to learn more and support their efforts, visit The Friends of Algonquin Park at algonquinpark.on.ca or email friends@algonquinpark.on.ca Make a donation at algonquinpark.on.ca/donate or call 613 637-2828 ext 239
For people passionate about Algonquin Park ALGONQUINPARK.ON.CA
Augmented Reality Exhibit in New York Looks at Impact of Climate Change ‘Arcadia Earth’ is an immersive environmental art exhibit in New York City that uses augmented reality to spread awareness about the impact of climate change, said the museum’s founder, Valentino Vettori. The exhibit has locations in both New York and Las Vegas and is the first immersive augmented reality journey through planet Earth. The environmental storytelling platform is designed to inform, inspire, and activate our community to impact our planet positively. As visitors wander throughout the rooms filled with immersive installations,
such as one made of 44,000 plastic bags—the amount used in New York state every minute before the plastic bag ban— they wear an AR headset that brings the installations to life, teaching environmental facts. Each exhibition is brought to life through immersive technology, animated by augmented reality, virtual reality, projection mapping, and interactive environments where visitors will learn how their small lifestyle changes will impact the future of our planet. Vettori said the Manhattan exhibit is meant to be seen in a fun way.
“The intention is to inspire people to come and... to deliver a message,” Vettori said. “I really think that this technique, it’s super fun and will work for everybody.” To ensure the exhibit is accessible to all, Arcadia Earth partnered with financial partner Aspiration. Together they are working to make climate education accessible for everyone. The HoloLens tour at Arcadia Earth was developed with metaverse platform company Enklu and showcases ecosystems such as forests and the open ocean and environmental issues such as
single-use plastic waste and overfishing. The team creates large-scale multi-sensory journeys, and uses augmented reality, virtual reality, projection mapping, and interactive environments to create uniquely immersive learning opportunities. Through these exhibitions, visitors will learn about how they can make a positive impact on the future of our planet through small and accessible lifestyle changes. “I have kids, and I feel the responsibility to do something for their future,” said Vettori. “Today, if we don’t do something, there will be a
challenging future. And I want to make sure that I’m one of those people that will stand by the fact that we try everything we can.” The New York location is on Broadway and along the strip in Las Vegas. Enjoy a visit through underwater worlds, fantasy lands, and inspirational art installations for a fun and inspirational experience. Proceeds from tickets sold will go towards planting mangrove trees, which are better at storing climatewarming carbon than most other trees. (Source: Reuters)
VALENTINO VETTORI © ALL IMAGES REUTERS/ROSELLE CHEN
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Live the Garden Life
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Gardening, no matter what you choose to grow, is a celebration of life and a therapeutic way to connect with plants. Living and working in urban settings can mean less time spent in natural, green spaces, but whether you live in a house, condo, or apartment, gardens big and small can bring enjoyment to your life. The House of Commons u n a n i m o u s l y vo t e d t o recognize 2022 as Canada’s Year of the Garden in celebration of the ornamental horticulture sector centennial and its contribution to the development of the country. From container kitchen g a r d e n s o n a b a l c o n y, landscaped backyards with colourful flower beds, or a community vegetable garden providing food to the neighbourhood, there is a way for everyone to enjoy the benefits of gardening and plants while contributing to a sustainable future. Nurturing your connection to plants through gardening
can improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Aside from personal benefits, gardens also bring beauty, culture, quality of life, and biodiversity into our communities, across the country. The Canadian Garden Council invites gardeners, new and old, green thumbs and blossoming horticulturalists alike, to engage with the Year of the Garden 2022, a celebration of everything related to gardens and gardening, Canada’s garden culture. The Year of the Garden 2022, offers many opportunities to “Live the Garden Life”, get involved, enjoy garden experiences, and get inspired in the garden. Plant Red in your garden and honour front-line workers. Sign up your garden as a 2022 Celebration Garden and get your certificate. Celebrate your Garden Heroes, the Canadians who stand out in your gardening community and share their knowledge and passion to improve our
YEAROFTHEGARDEN.CA
garden culture. Follow the weekly Therapeutic Garden Invitation provided by CHTA. Check all activities offered throughout Canada on the Live the Garden Life Agenda. Celebrate Garden Days, June 11 to 19 and our National Garden Day on June 18. Take a Garden Road Trip on Canada’s Garden Route, featuring Public Gardens, Parks Canada Heritage Gardens, Destination Garden Communities, and Garden Centres. Get your Gardens Canada— Live the Garden Life legacy book at Indigo-Chapter-Coles or your favourite garden centre or boutique. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate our country’s rich garden culture and heritage, and help grow legacies for a sustainable future.
Find tips, inspiration, and more ways to get involved at yearofthegarden.ca
