Join us on Wednesday, April 24 in the heart of Earth Week at the College of the Rockies (COTR) main campus in Cranbrook. There will be nature appreciation activities throughout the day and evening starting at 10:00 AM topped off with a short AGM Snack + Social starting at 8:00 PM. This day has been made possible by a collaborative effort between the Humanity Network and College of the Rockies as part of our celebration of United Nations International Mother Earth Day.
Check out the great activities happening throughout the day. Make sure to register early to avoid disappointment.
10:00 – 11:30 AM | Prescribing for a Healthy Forest with Randy Harris
Join Randy on a one kilometre walking tour through recently treated forest near the College of the Rockies campus. Discussed will be historic fire regimes, indigenous land management practices, healthy ecosystem functions, “proper forest structure”, tree versus grass land growing conditions, interface issues and ongoing research in the Cranbrook Community Forest. Brought to you by the Humanity Network.
- Register Online: YES; limited space
- Fee: $5
- Meet: before 10am at the Cranbrook Community Forest main trailhead at COTR
- NOTE: Download the tour reference document HERE!
1:00 – 2:30 PM | Who’s Here? Following the Spring Migration with Gretchen Whetham
Join Rocky Mountain Naturalists on a little adventure through the forest. Walking quietly, looking and listening, many of perhaps 50 bird species can be observed. Ones that are residents year round, passing through on their long journey home, or arriving ‘home’ after a winter away. The small ponds and wetlands will be particularly rewarding. Come out to add to your knowledge of native plants, shrubs and trees, in addition to bird species. You will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity in Cranbrook’s back yard. Brought to you by the Rocky Mountain Naturalists.
- Register Online: YES; limited space
- Fee: $5
- Meet: before 1pm at the Cranbrook Community Forest main trail-head at COTR
2:00 – 4:30 PM | An Introduction to Forest Bathing with Sharon Cross
Need a break from the concrete, pavement and synthetic materials at work or home? Just as we are one of nature’s creatures, we also belong in our natural surroundings. Come spend a few hours in the forest in a mindful way. This could become one of your self-care strategies. Join us for a casual experience among the trees, (with your clothes on!) unburdened by expectations, oriented to simple pleasure. Brought to you by the Humanity Network.
Bring something to sit on outside (natural fibres) and a small pack for your journal, pen and water. We will be walking for two kilometres or more (at a slow pace). Please wear sturdy footwear, a bring a light jacket.
- Register Online: YES; limited space
- Fee: $5
- Meet: before 2pm at the Aboriginal Gathering Place at COTR
5:00 – 6:30 PM | Prescribing for a Healthy Forest with Randy Harris
Join Randy on a one kilometre walking tour through recently treated forest near the college of the Rockies campus. Discussed will be historic fire regimes, indigenous land management practices, healthy ecosystem functions, “proper forest structure”, tree versus grass land growing conditions, interface issues and ongoing research in the Cranbrook Community Forest. Brought to you by the Humanity Network.
- Register Online: YES; limited space
- Fee: $5
- Meet: before 5pm at the Cranbrook Community Forest main trail-head at COTR
- NOTE: Download the tour reference document HERE!
5:50 – 7:30 PM | Celebrating the Tree through Yoga with Sharon Cross
In this Hatha yoga class we will explore, through our own self-discovery, the Tree pose (Vriskshasana). Using warm-ups, relaxation, journaling and the symbolism associated with Tree, students can have insights for reflection and journaling. For those accustomed to physically intense or rigorous Hatha traditions, the Hidden Language of Hatha Yoga will be a change of pace, a chance to go deeper into the body and the mystical potential of this asana. Brought to you by the Humanity Network.
You will need: loose comfortable clothing, a journal & pen, hatha mat and blanket.
- Register Online: YES; limited space
- Fee: $5
- Meet: inside the Aboriginal Gathering Place at 5:50 pm to get organized before the class begins promptly at 6 pm.
6:00 – 7:30 PM | Kids Nature Connection with Brooke Leyenhorst
Join Brooke for an evening of awareness, belonging and connection. We will open the activity by finding our gratitude for all aspects of nature and life, then practice sit spots and journal in our Passports to Nature, which will go home with the kids for home nature exploration. There will be an opportunity for unstructured exploration, and enjoyment in fast paced games before closing with a gratitude circle to express those important connections. Brought to you by Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook.
- Register Online: YES; limited space – Kids must be between the ages of 6 and 12
- Fee: FREE!
- Meet: before 6pm at the Cranbrook Community Forest main trail-head at COTR
- Note: Participants must have a guardian available to sign a waiver before the activity starts. Please provide your child with water, a light snack, any medications needed (i.e. puffer epipen, etc.), backpack and make sure they come dressed for the weather.
8:00 PM | Wildsight KimCran AGM Snack + Social (Everyone Welcome)
As always, members and non-members are encouraged to attend, though members are the only ones allowed to vote. Our short AGM starting at 8 PM will expect to go no longer than 30 minutes followed with a snack and social. This is your chance to connect with the community and see what we have been up to in 2018.
- Register Online: NO
- Fee: FREE!
- Meet: inside the Aboriginal Gathering Place at COTR
Biographies
BJ Randall Harris is a Registered Professional Forester living in Cranbrook. Recently retired he has 40 years of experience in forestry, land management and biology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Forestry from University of Alberta. For eight years he coordinated the Rocky Mountain Trench Ecosystem Restoration program; a multi partnership that tried to restored the overstocked forests of the Rocky Mountain Trench to a state of health, more resembling historic ecologic function. This photo is of Randall chairing a meeting!
Gretchen Whetham has lived in the Rocky Mountain Trench and Cranbrook area for over 35 years and has explored many of its ridges and valleys. She grew up along the Grand River in Waterloo County, Ontario, and spent most of her free time exploring around the woods, swamps and rivers. She completed a Bachelor of Environmental Studies at the University of Waterloo, and most of her career was in accounting and instructing at College of the Rockies. Nature always offered a source of peace and wonder, and after retirement she has become more involved with the Rocky Mountain Naturalists, participating in weekly birding as well as other outings and serving at its treasurer.
Sharon Cross is a certified Yasodhara Ashram Yoga teacher, teaching since 1998 and re-certifying approximately every three years. Having been an avid canoeist and back-packer for many years, she has developed a deep connection to our natural surroundings. These days you’ll most likely find her walking in the community forest or other local areas, finding inspiration and returning to calm and relaxation. While not a certified Forest Bathing guide, Sharon brings her understanding of yoga, meditation and mindfulness to woodland walks as a way of reducing stress through returning to the natural environment in a deep and meaningful way.
Supporting Organizations
Humanity Network
