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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, N ov em be r 26 ,2 02 0 | 8 to a wetland, forest, trails, waterways and more. "It's a nice dynamic of ecology that support differ- ent types of wildlife," said ecology centre executive director Tunde Otto. "When you come (to Willow Park), you get that enrich- ment of being immersed in nature." Prior to the pandemic, Willow Park was busy run- ning education programs for school groups and out- door events for the commu- nity -- undertakings that have been put on hold for the time being. One thing that has con- tinued is outdoor program- ming for small cohorts of home-schooling families, with COVID-19 safety pro- tocols being followed that strictly adhere to public health guidelines, noted Otto. Among those taking ad- vantage of the opportunity is local home-schooler Sha- sa Vidal, who said her daughter enjoys interact- ing with the other children and having the freedom to explore nature safely. "My daughter has seen turtles, snails, different types of birds, fishes, toads and so much more," she said. Vidal's family also takes part in the centre's volun- teer program, along with the seasonal drumming circles that were held be- fore the pandemic. "It (Willow Park) allows kids and adults alike to un- plug and connect with na- ture, each other and what really matters," she said. "We believe that teaching children to be responsible stewards of nature is part of a holistic education, and is also the only way this planet and our species has a chance of survival. We ad- mire Tunde's ability to lead the programs effectively." While the Willow Park property might be a bit qui- eter these days, a small but dedicated group of volun- teers have continued to come to tend to the gardens, and perform other seasonal maintenance, said Otto. The ecology centre op- erates in partnership with the Town of Halton Hills and Credit Valley Conser- vation (CVC), with the trio also working together over the past five years on the Hungry Hollow Collabora- tive (HHC) -- a project that saw targeted removal of in- vasive buckthorn from 26 hectares in Hungry Hol- low. "We're now looking at the next steps for the ra- vine," said Otto, noting the CVC has a Sustainable Neighbourhoods Action Plan in the works that will be piloted in the HHC pro- ject area. Willow Park is also plan- ning to do a local tree plant- ing with its supporters in the spring. For further details, visit willowparkecologycentre- .wordpress.com. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: With climate change and environmental sustainability being key issues in today's society, we took a closer look at what's being done locally to pre- serve the natural environ- ment, such as the efforts of the Willow Park Ecology Centre. NEWS Continued from page 1 HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS CONTINUE AT PARK DURING PANDEMIC Willow Park Ecology Centre offers a nature immersion experience, says executive director Tunde Otto. Graham Paine/Torstar "We believe that teaching children to be responsible stewards of nature is part of a holistic education, and is also the only way this planet and our species has a chance of survival." - Shasa Vidal, Willow Park program participant