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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2012-02-22, Page 9Wednesday, February 23, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 11 Wight family donates to future generations QM' Agency Lakeshore Advance Frank Wight brought arti- facts to life for the children, shared his knowledge and appreciation of nature, and answered all their questions patiently. Frank Wight has passed away but his name will con- tinue to be linked with nature and Camp Sylvan. The family of Frank Wight has honoured his memory through a memorial donation to Ausa- ble Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF). 1'he donation will help reduce the costs for classes of Grade 6-8 students from several schools to attend the Sylvan Conser- vation Program over the next three years. Elementary schools located in the Munic- ipality of North Middlesex, Township of Warwick, or Municipality of Lambt(en Shores, are eligible. "We thank the family of Frank Wight for this generous donation which will help the next generation to learn at Camp Sylvan and connect with their natural surround- ings through active outdoor experiences," said Ernie Miatello, Chairman of the Ausable Bayfield Conserva- tion Foundation (ABCF). "It is a fitting tribute to the mem- ory of Frank Wight for students to develop an appreciation for nature, Just as Frank had." Frank Wight farmed his whole life in the former Bosanquet Township. He lived on the family farm near Thedford, a short distance across the Ausable River from Camp Sylvan. One of his special interests was a collection of indigenous arti- facts, the stone tools and points left thousands of years ago, that turned up in the fields above the Ausable Val- ley. He was a lifelong student of nature who subscribed to National Geographic maga- zine for 30 years and he knew a great deal about the Carolinian Forest of this region. Much of his knowl- edge carne from careful observation and exploration, from listening to others, and from reading on his own. Ile shared his respect and love of the outdoors with others, especially Scouts and stu- dents at Camp Sylvan. A new generation of stu- dents will now have the opportunity to experience outdoor learning themselves at Camp Sylvan, thanks to the donation in Frank's memory. Educators at elementary schools in Township of War- wick, or municipalities of North Middlesex and Lamb - ton Shores, are encouraged to contact Tulle Steltingwerff, Conservation Education Spe- cialist, at 519-235-2610 or toll- free 1-888-286-2610 to find out about this new and rare opportunity. A downloadable teacher's guide about the Syl- van Conservation Program is available at abca.on.ca. The Camp Sylvan Conser- vation Program is the longest - running outdoor education program of its kind. Educators can choose from three field trip durations: one day, one- night, or two -night visits. Edu- cators have a local opportu- nity to help their students attain environmental educa- tion expectations of the Ontario curriculum and to bring students to an acclaimed outdoor education site. Students will gain knowl- edge of local ecosystems and obtain tangible skills through active outdoor learning expe- riences, while also acquiring lifelong memories. OffK:F Of 1Nf fllE MAISHAI - MCA Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Foresby and Land Stewardship Specialist Ian Jean with the late Frank Wight. The family of Frank Wight has made a generous donation to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, which will reduce the costs over the next three years for classes of students from North Middlesex, Lambton Shores, and Township of Warwick to attend the Sylvan Conservation Program at Camp Sylvan, the longest -running outdoor conservation education program of its idnd in Ontario, a that combines curriculum - based learning of environmental education concepts th roug active outdoor interaction with nature and activities, and creating lifelong memories.