Prairie Day at Aldverille Black Oak Savannah

Prairie Day took place this morning at Alderville Black Oak Savannah, and I was asked to take photos of the event.  It was an entertaining event although the poor weather (overcast with some rainy periods) seemed to deter people from coming.

Volunteers in front of the building welcoming guests.


The 6th Annual Prairie Day

The last time I was here was more than two months ago with the Trent field course.

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)


The schedule.


Still setting-up.


The opening ceremony, and proudly announcing that Black Oak Savannah (and Wildlife Preservation Canada) won an award from the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC).


People in attendance.


While it was chilly outside, there were delicious food for warm people up.


Exhibitors.

People learning about the different kinds of turtles in Ontario.

Native plants for sale.


"Savvy Plants A Seed" by the Paddling Puppeteers.


Mr. Rick Beaver, a well-known artist and important figure of the community (puppetified), and Savvy the sparrow.


Teaching children about the importance of protecting natural habitats.




Other interesting booths include ones about Monarch butterflies, including one that involved students from Brighton Public School.  For more information, visit this site.

One of the captive-bred Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) to be released.  Not today though, because the weather condition was not optimal.

Monarch caterpillars waiting for their turn to become butterflies.


Love the wonder and amazement in youngster's eyes when they witness the beauty of nature, e.g., Monarch chrysalises.


Pretty butterflies.

The event was very lucky to have someone like Mr. Ken Whiteley, one of Canada's roots music legends, to come and perform for the attendees.  I actually heard Ken and his brother Chris perform as the Whiteley Brothers at the Mariposa Folk Festival three years ago.

Ken played multiple instruments during his show.

And even invited the audience (myself included) to come and be his back-up band.  It was a lot of fun.

The event thanked Ken by presenting him with an event t-shirt.

Ken liked it!

 I had to depart early shortly after lunch, but I definitely enjoyed my time at the event and would love to come back if possible.  And thanks to Nature Conservancy for inviting me to come and help out with the event.