SNC Launching Live Educational Video Series to Engage with Families at Home
Beginning May 7th, South Nation Conservation (SNC) will be live streaming family-friendly educational videos on Facebook every Thursday at 1:00 pm as part of a new series called Nature at Home.
The weekly videos streamed over Facebook Live will see the Conservation Authority bring its environmental outreach offerings onto smartphones and in living rooms across Eastern Ontario as people continue to stay home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Nature at Home’s first episode, May 7th at 1:00 pm, will feature a guided walk through the Oschmann Forest Conservation Area in North Dundas, home of SNC’s flagship Maple Syrup Education Program. Viewers will learn about the history of maple syrup production and forest ecology while being guided along the Forest’s interpretive trail from home.
The rest of Nature at Home’s May lineup will bring viewers to various locations across SNC’s 4,441 square-kilometer jurisdiction to learn about tree planting, water control structures, and invasive species to coincide with National Invasive Species Awareness Week later next month.
SNC typically delivers hands-on environmental outreach and educational programming to more than 2,000 students every year; but with schools closed and physical distancing measures in place, the Conservation Authority is exploring new virtual ways to connect people to nature.
“We’re excited to be bringing natural spaces and environmental education directly into the homes of families during these uncertain times,” said Taylor Campbell, SNC’s Communications Specialist. “Our videos will cover a variety of SNC’s operational functions; everything from dam operations, to tree planting, to watershed monitoring; with ample takeaways for kids, teenagers, and adults too.”
To tune in, people are encouraged to “Like” SNC on Facebook prior to May 7th at www.facebook.com/SouthNationConservation. The videos will be live streamed directly from
SNC’s Facebook page every week.
Campbell adds that delivering live broadcasts allows for more flexibility in content delivery and an intimate level of engagement with people. Videos will be delivered in English only for now.
“Shooting live allows us to grab our camera, go into the field and deliver content almost instantly,” he explained. “We hope that people will feel as if they’re onsite with us in real-time, learning about the natural environment and the work that we do.”
Appropriate COVID-19 precautionary measures are in place to support staff while outside. People must maintain distances while on trails, for a list of properties still available for walking visit: www.nation.on.ca/coronavirus.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Taylor Campbell, Communications Specialist, 613-551-7158, tcampbell@nation.on.ca.
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