Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards听

On a sunny afternoon at Pittock Conservation Area (PCA) on July 24th, our amazing team came together for the annual鈥疭taff Social BBQ鈥攁 well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and team spirit.

The event featured a classic summer menu of juicy鈥痟amburgers, sizzling鈥痟ot dogs prepared by master chefs Steve and Elijah, and a sweet treat of鈥痠ce cream topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It was a chance for staff to relax, share laughs, and enjoy each other's company away from the daily hustle of park operations.

The event was made extra special with the presence of鈥疶racy Annet, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA)'s General Manager, along with other听UTRCA staff. Their support and kind words reinforced how valued the Pittock team is throughout the organization.

But this social wasn't just about good food鈥攊t was also an opportunity to reflect on the important work being done at the park. We held an open discussion on鈥痵afety precautions, highlighting some of the鈥痬ost common workplace hazzards and how to prevent them. Keeping each other safe is always a top priority, and it was encouraging to see how engaged and aware our team continues to be. Andrew and Kaitlin, our Health and Safety Representatives for Pittock and Kailee, UTRCA's Health and Safety Specialist, shared some health and safety tips to keep in mind for the summer and how to be safe in hot weather.

One of the highlights of the event was the鈥疭taff Awards presentation, where team members were recognized for their outstanding efforts and contributions. These small tokens of appreciation go a long way in showing our gratitude for the energy and commitment our staff bring to Pittock every single day. Three staff in particular were our recipients of the Pittock Employee of the Summer (PEOTS Awards). The PEOTS are selected and voted by staff for the staff at PCA. This year's awards were presented by Tracy Annet to Crystal, Colin, and Ethan. If you are around Pittock this season, please be sure to congratulate our 2025 award winners!

We were also excited to share some鈥痭ew and upcoming projects鈥痶hat will help improve both the park and staff experience. From infrastructure upgrades to enhanced programming, the future at Pittock is looking bright. Our very strong Seasonal Camper numbers are a wonderful reflection of our great camping and fun activities.

Throughout the day, Amy Bumbacco, UTRCA Communications and Marketing Specialist was working on a video for hiring, recruitment and promotional viewing pleasure. She was able to meet and interview all the PCA staff on what they do, how do they do it, and all the great learning opportunities that have been shown to them with their employment! Thanks Amy for your attendance!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped organize this memorable event, and an even bigger thank you to our incredible staff. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed, and this BBQ was just one small way of saying how much you're appreciated.

Here's to a safe, successful, and sunny season ahead!

Steven Musclow, Superintendent, Pittock Conservation Area

听

UTRCA鈥檚 Nature School Programming available this spring (糖心直播, March 11, 2025)

The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) is offering a drop-in program for children and caregivers to explore and play in the wilderness this spring.听听

Nature School for Falcons and Fledglings is aimed at 18 months to six-year-olds. This program focuses on the power of play. Through play we hope to build the connection between nature, participants and caregivers. Activities will include exploring Spruce Grove, story time and forest free play. The program will run Wednesday mornings beginning on April 2nd and will take place at Wildwood Conservation Area outside of St. Marys.听听

鈥淲e have some really fun activities planned with a unique theme each week. Wildwood Conservation Area provides the perfect location for little ones to explore and interact with their environment,鈥� said Matthew Marchioni, Community Education Technician.听听

The six-week program runs from Wednesday, April 2nd until Wednesday, May 7th from 9:30 am to 11 am. For more information or to register, parents and caregivers can visit: https://bit.ly/3F6bjUG 听

Media contact:听

Matthew Marchioni,听Community Education Technician

(519) 284-2292 ext. 423听

TD Tree Days Planting at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations听

On September 25th, 2024, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) supported a tree planting generously funded by TD Friends of the Environment Fund. Student volunteers from the University of Western’s Masters in Environmental Studies program joined community members to help with the planting. The day began with the students visiting the Mount Elgin Residential School Memorial to learn about the ongoing impacts of a colonial institution that operated at Chippewas of the Thames First Nations from 1841-1949. The tree planting took place close to the memorial in a naturalized area that at one time was a field where residential school children were forced to work. Trees that were planted included Bur Oak, Downy Serviceberry, Eastern White Pine, Hackberry, Red Maple, and Red Oak. 听

Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Monday, September 30, marks the fourth , also known as . This day was created to promote awareness of Canada’s Residential School System, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission鈥檚 Call to Action #80 鈥� to honour survivors, their families, and communities.

Commemorating the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital step in reconciliation. People wear orange to remember and mourn the children who never came home from residential schools. The last federally-run residential school, the Gordon Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, closed in 1996.

The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) encourages its staff to take this opportunity to remember and recognize the legacy of residential schools through reflection, learning, and participation.

Events and Resources

There are many events to mark the day and resources to explore, including the following:

• Sunrise ceremony at (Woodstock) (September 30 @ 7 am), hosted by
• (September 30, 6 am – 6 pm)
• (speakers and resources)
• (interactive web map)
• (free, online course)

We encourage everyone to make a commitment to take personal acts of reconciliation and will continue, as an organization, to expand and strengthen our relationships with the local First Nations communities.