About this Event
Brown Girl Outdoor World has once again teamed up with Trout Unlimited Canada to bring you Connect and Protect! First piloted in 2022, this program was created to provide space for racialized communities and their allies to connect with and protect nature.
THE EVENT
This year we are taking it back to the streams!
We will be restoring a creek that is beginning to over-widen and fill with sediment. They day will see us building sediment mats using recycled Christmas trees (Christmans in September for wildlife) and other woody materials to trap the sediment in order to create an artificial streambank by catching the sediments flowing downstream. We will also be removing parts of an old structure and rocks that are affecting the flows and restore the stream's natural meander. This work will keep the creek fast, cool, and clean, better fitted to support a vibrant aquatic community.
THE SCIENCE
Streams can over-widen over time for a few reasons, including bridges, dams, channel incision, and weak streambanks from clear cutting. Streams that have become too wide & shallow will overheat, as there is more surface area for the sun to heat up. These streams have a lower water velocity too - slow moving water cannot keep itself clean by flushing soft sediments, becoming dirtier as sediment settles. Warmer water and dirtier habitats don't allow the aquatic community to thrive, impacting population and smothering habitat.
RECREATION
Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW) will lead an "intro to fly fishing" session, covering introductory information about fly fishing and the importance of conservation to the sport, followed by time on the water putting what we’ve learned into practice.
Topics to be covered include:
- Introduction to fly fishing equipment
- How to use equipment
- Basic knots
- Casting
Participants are responsible for having a valid Ontario Outdoors Card and/or Fishing licence at the time of the event if they want to fish. Without a valid licence, participants can only practice in casting on land.
The Guelph BIPOC Gear Library will also provide a short talk over lunch about their gear rental services and can provide hiking shoes or appropriate footwear if needed.
After the event, participants are also invited to join BGOW and TUC on-site for a small campfire. Folks can unwind, chat about the day, and are free to leave at any time.
EQUIPMENT
TUC and BGOW will provide all participants with:
- Chest waders (please provide shoe size upon registration)
- Fly fishing equipment
- Conservation tools and equipment
- Conservation PPE (i.e. safety glasses, work gloves)
- Snacks
- Water
Participants are expected to bring their own:
- Long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from thorns
- Hiking shoes or other close-toed footwear for the buckthorn removal
- Lunch
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses as needed
EVENT REGISTRATION
This event is for those 18+. As space is limited, we ask that you only register for this event if you are a member of a racialized community. We will update this page and post on our socials if space becomes available for allies to attend.
We are charging a small fee for the event as a commitment fee. This fee will go towards snacks for the event. While we understand that cancellations may happen, we ask that you please inform us of any changes in plans ASAP, so that we can free up your spot for other interested participants.
We are striving to make this an inclusive and accessible event for individuals of all abilities; for inquiries about accommodations and accessibility, please contact Mike McKenzie at 437-522-4710.
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Both BGOW and TU waivers and photography consent will be provided upon registration. We capture images of our events to ensure folks can see themselves represented in different outdoor activities. If for any reason you do not wish to be photographed, please ensure this is noted on the waiver. While we aim to respect all wishes, any photos taken specifically as a group will be shared with the BGOW community but will not be used to generate any financial compensation.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Marden Park, 7391 Marden Road, Guelph, Canada
CAD 11.98