Festival of the Wild Child returns to Pakenham Aug. 24

The Festival of the Wild Child – Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust’s (MMLT) most popular event – is back this year.

This fun-filled family event will take place at High Lonesome Nature Reserve in Pakenham on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (August 25 rain date).

This year’s theme is “Be a Wild Child. Roar Against Climate Change.”

“We want to share some amazing nature experiences with you and your family,” says a media release from the MMLT. “Join us for a variety of activities including guided nature walks, a storybook trail, and unique workshops.”

Biologists, naturalists, and researchers will be on hand to show participants pollinators in the meadow, frogs in the stream, porcupines in the trees, and beavers in the pond.

“And if you’re very quiet, you might meet some magical fairies in the woods.”

The Festival of the Wild Child is free for children or youth under 16 and $10 for adults, 16+. Get your tickets HERE. Click on the “Get Tickets” button to register yourself and the rest of your family for this nature-themed event.

Activities include:

• Fire Prevention (learning presentation – in partnership with the Mississippi Mills Fire Department)
• Land Acknowledgment (New this year! – educational activity)
• Research Tent (New this year! – educational booth – in partnership with Carleton University)
• Pond Life (activity station)
• Storybook Trail (New this year! – self-guided walk – in partnership with the Mississippi Mills Public Library)
• Storybook Tent (guided activity – in partnership with the Mississippi Mills Public Library)
• Pollinator Path (guided discovery walk – in partnership with the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists)
• TickTalk (New this year! – educational activity – in partnership with Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit)
• Fairy Trail (scavenger hunt)
• Tree I.D. (guided walk)

Visit the online shop HERE to pre-order a Wild Child T-shirt for your little hiker(s). The shirts will be ready when children arrive at the festival. People are asked to order before noon on Aug. 23.

Please note that there’s parking on site and organizers will have food and cold drinks for sale.

“Please leave your pets at home – the wildlife will thank you,” the release states.

Participants are reminded to complete their waiver digitally. Send it to admin@mmlt.ca or print, sign and bring it on festival day. Click HERE for the waiver.