Walk gently through Bois-des-Esprits

Royalwood

Readers are invited to join Save Our Seine (SOS) volunteer facilitators for “Walking Gently: Learning from the Plants Along the Seine River,” on Saturday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to noon in the Bois-des-Esprits.

The event will begin at the River Valley Drive entrance and take participants on the main trails, allowing families with strollers and those with mobility supports to join. Learn how plants like milkweed, dogwood, yarrow, and willow protect pollinators, strengthen riverbanks, and restore damaged ground.

“This walk is about slowing down, noticing, and considering how we might care for the places that care for us,” said Dr. Anju Bajaj, SOS board director, chair of the summer team advisory committee and event creator, who lives near the Bois.

“It is part of our newly-funded Outreach-Education Project,” Dr. Bajaj explained. “Facilitators will share Indigenous stories, ecological knowledge, and plant teachings drawn from the Bois.”

While there is no cost to attend, registration in advance is required on Eventbrite, as locally brewed tea will be offered as part of a sharing circle at the end of the walk.

The event builds on SOS’s urban restoration and enhancement initiative, linking hands-on ecological restoration with community education and awareness.

“I was inspired by the Bois itself to propose this type of programming,” Dr. Bajaj shared. “As an educator and research scientist, I give deeply to my work. Each morning, I walk in the Bois to reflect and to soak in its serenity and wonder. For me, it is not just exercise, it is a spiritual connection.”

“I also know from my work that everyone, especially youth, learn best when all the senses are engaged,” Dr. Bajaj added. “That is part of the goal for the walk and for the broader project. On behalf of SOS, I want to acknowledge our supporters: funder Manitoba Habitat Heritage Conservancy — Conservation Trust, and consultant Eclectic Communications.”

This year also marks the 35th anniversary of Save Our Seine, a milestone in the organization’s long-standing efforts to protect and restore the river while building community connections to nature.

Dr. Bajaj noted the walk will proceed rain or shine. Participants should dress for the weather, wear walking shoes, bring water, insect repellent and a cup or mug for the tea if possible.

Readers can contact SOS by email at www.saveourseine.com with any questions. Again, there is no cost to attend, however donations to SOS are welcome and an official receipt for income tax purposes will be provided.