In fall 2022, MMLT partnered with the Upper Canada District School Board to oversee the completion of a nature project at High Lonesome Nature Reserve. This project was undertaken by Mrs. Hewitt’s enthusiastic grade 4/5 class at Pakenham Public School, who researched, designed, and prepared informational plaques to showcase the nature highlights of the property. These plaques display interesting facts about bear safety, beaver diet, glaciers, and so much more! 

Work on this project culminated in late spring 2023 when the carefully crafted plaques were installed along a 2.2 km stretch of Beaver Pond Trail. Visitors of all ages can now study the plaques and scan the QR codes with a cell phone to learn more about each nature-related topic. This is MMLT’s first self-guided interpretative trail!

What an excellent opportunity for MMLT and the Pakenham Public School to foster curiosity for science and nature in the younger generation. MMLT would like to thank the entire class for their dedication and efforts throughout this project. Special thanks are also due to Mrs. Hewitt and Mrs. Wilson who helped facilitate this ‘real life’ learning experience for the students, and to Rienne Moore, MMLT’s Conservation Coordinator (2021-2023), who provided guidance each step of the way. 

Below, you can view photos showcasing Mrs. Hewitt’s class and their remarkable creations. We encourage you to plan your visit to High Lonesome today and experience it all for yourself!

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Please note that these posts with informational plaques will be temporarily removed before the onset of winter to prevent weather-related damage. Following the spring melt, they will be re-installed along Beaver Pond Trail.