In Sync with Nature

In this special episode of In Sync with Nature, we share a beautiful conversation between Cynthia Brink, our nature educator and Carolyn King, a Indigenous leader in the community.

Carolyn King is the creator of the Moccasin Identifier project in partnership with Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and the Ontario Green Belt, to promote public awareness of significant cultural historic sites and the ancestral presence of First Nations, Metis and Indigenous Communities.

We invite you to listen, continue to educate yourself and ask questions. Each of us needs to decide how we meet the challenge of reconciliation. This is an opportunity to commit yourself to contribute to a better future, one that recognizes the harmful past and uplifts the resilience, wisdom and gifts of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.

Learn more about the Moccasin Identifier here https://moccasinidentifier.com/

Find your reflection guide an information about the Long Point Biosphere Region: https://longpointbiosphere.com/podcasts/

In this episode of In Sync with Nature, we talk about adaptation, specifically in relation to local agriculture.

From the beginning of the local agriculture industry which gave rise to the height and eventual demise of the tobacco era to becoming an agro-tourism destination, the Norfolk County farming community has had to adapt in order to survive. This podcast explores some of the challenges and successes in this journey of adaptation.

Our guests are:

Ian Bell, a Canadian folk musician and storyteller with a deep connection to the Biosphere’s history

Anita Buehner, a local lifelong farmer who transitioned out of tobacco to create a new purpose for their farm – growing lavender and wine grapes and turning the farm into an agro-tourism destination.

Amy Webster, a small-scale farmer who is passionate about growing food naturally and sharing it with her community.

Download our reflection guide: https://longpointbiosphere.com/podcasts/

In this episode of In Sync with Nature, we explore the idea of biophilia - the ​​innate human tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.

From small-scale garden naturalizations to emerging sustainability practices in the built environment, we explore together what biophilia means and the benefits it delivers to humans.

Our guests are: 

- Kevin Kavanaugh, the owner of South Coast Gardens, who provides landscape design services with a focus on helping his clients naturalize their space.

-Sherry Shrubb, a local resident who had an epiphany, and, with Kevin’s help, started a naturalization project on her property.

- David Premi, a Hamilton-based community leader and award-winning architect. David introduces the concept of biomimicry, or translating nature’s strategies into design. 

We invite you to download our reflection guide for this episode: https://longpointbiosphere.com/podcasts/

In this episode of In Sync with Nature, we discuss the littering problem and the current garbage crisis, with engaging guests.

It’s a challenge not to see the garbage that is all around us. On our streets, parks, beaches and trails, we can see pieces of trash just about everywhere. Who is actually littering? Have we become so lazy or are we simply lacking awareness? Perhaps it is learned behaviour?

First, we meet Mac, a “garbage fairy” and local activist on a mission to bring awareness to this issue. Next, we meet Kristina Simms from Ontario Parks. With her, we find out the impacts of littering on the ecosystem.

Finally, our last guest, Dr. Myra Hird from Queen’s University sheds some light on the current garbage crisis.

Download our reflection guide at https://longpointbiosphere.com/podcasts/

What is it about that moment in Nature that allows us to get into the state of 'flow' or 'in the zone' - that sense of fluidity between your body and mind, where you are totally absorbed by and deeply focused on something. Time feels like it has slowed down. Your senses are heightened. You are at one with what you're doing; action and awareness are in sync. The state of flow is accessible to everyone - whether you’re engaged in a physical activity, a creative pursuit, or even a simple day-to-day task.  

How do people interact with nature and get into the zone?  Listen in as we chat with Ben Porchuk, the first Canadian Forest Therapy Guide, Jennifer Bennett, an avid local Mountain Biker and racer who loves the thrill of moving fast in the woods and Larry Monczka and Kathleen Pickard, Norfolk based photographer duo to find out how they find their flow. 

Download our reflection guide here: https://longpointbiosphere.com/podcasts/