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what to learn, visit and see this summer BY JOHANNA BERNHARDT
Black joy on the Bruce
Zwena Gray
Followers of the Trent University environmental studies and science student’s Instagram account (@just.zee) indeed witnessed much joy – dancing, laughing and encountering new friends – even as the Detroit native faced tough terrain and challenging weather. I caught up with Zwena for a quick telephone chat in May when she was hiking near Headwaters with her hiking partner Sima Fabricant.
This summer you’ll find a range of activities set against a backdrop of the best local flower crops. In Mono, head to Avalon Lavender Farm’s summer yoga series in their Celtic stone circle. In Caledon, Davis Family Farm offers sunflower yoga, as does Campbell’s Cross Farm – the latter also offers floral and painting workshops. In Erin, Stonewell Farm hosts lavender-field yoga and workshops in zentangle, botanical ink drawing and woven arts. Hungry? Escape for the day to Creemore for Purple Hill Lavender Farm’s luxury picnic series.
Here’s what she shared about her experience: “For me, nature and being outside provide a sort of liberation and ease of mind. I’m just soaking up every bit of it and spending a lot of time in silence. My hope is for Black people to be engaged on the trail and be visible, but also find ways of liberating ourselves through connecting with nature. “During my research I discovered there was a connection between the Underground Railroad and the Bruce Trail. I met with a historian in St. Catharines and learned that the city was one of the points where people stopped while escaping slavery in the U.S. I want this trip to be a continuation of these stories and legacies. “Moving into Headwaters, the Caledon section was a drastic change from what we saw in Niagara. It was a lot less rocky, with beautiful rolling hills and pine trees. The Bruce Trail is unique because you must rely so much on community support as it is not necessarily meant to be a thru-hike. As I’m hiking I’ve been expanding my circle and building community, which is going to be one of my biggest takeaways on this journey.” This interview has been condensed and edited.
JENNY LORITO
COURTE S Y Z WENA GR AY
One of hiker Zwena Gray’s goals in tackling the entire Bruce Trail from Niagara to Tobermory late April to early June was to publicly showcase what she calls Black joy in nature.
Fields of dreams
Camp alert! It’s not too late to book an enriching summer camp experience for your little one or teen. For local camp ideas, dates and website links, visit our Kids’ Camps in the Hills page at www.inthehills.ca/ kids-camps-in-headwaters M O R E O N N E X T PA G E
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