Every great journey begins with one small step.
An acorn starts small before growing into a mighty oak tree. A tiny tadpole transforms into a frog, and a caterpillar slowly becomes a butterfly. In nature, change happens one step at a time – and the same is true for our own connection with the natural world.
For twelve years, the Festival of the Wild Child has encouraged children and families to take their own small steps toward exploring and appreciating the outdoors. Organized by the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT), this annual event welcomes approximately 150 participants and 70 volunteers each year for a day of hands-on learning and outdoor adventure.
Held at High Lonesome Nature Reserve on August 22, this year’s festival invites visitors to take small steps of discovery throughout the landscape. Peer into a pond to find tiny aquatic creatures, learn to identify pollinators, follow clues left behind by wildlife, or slow down to observe the details of a leaf or piece of tree bark.
Returning favourites include Pond Life, Pollinator Path, and Who Pooped?. Visitors can also follow the magical fairy trail, create leaf and bark rubbings, test their navigation skills with Map It Out!, learn about ongoing scientific studies at the Research Tent, try nature journaling, or follow the self-guided Nature’s Sanctuary of Wellness.
This year, we are excited to introduce First Nations Connections to Nature, a new activity led by Roses Moses (Ojibwe from Henvey Inlet in Central Ontario) and Marcia Chum (Cree from Constance Lake in Northern Ontario). Through traditional teachings, hands-on activities, and displays of natural materials, families will explore First Nations connections to the land and learn about the many ways nature has been used for clothing, art, medicines, music, and more. Visitors can also create a dream catcher and experience drum song teachings.
Every small step matters – whether it’s discovering a creature in a pond for the first time, learning the name of a native plant, or gaining a new appreciation for the living world around us.
The Festival of the Wild Child is made possible through the dedication of our volunteers, community partners, and supporters. MMLT gratefully acknowledges the support of the Municipality of Mills whose Community Climate Grant is helping bring this year’s festival to life.
Join us at High Lonesome Nature Reserve, 867 Carbine Road, Pakenham, ON, on August 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day of exploration, discovery, and family-friendly fun. Admission is free for children under 16 and $10 for adults. Visit mmlt.ca/events for registration details and more information.
