MILTON, ON – May 5, 2022 – Conservation Halton is bringing its family-friendly, nature-based event, Pride in Nature, to Area 8 in Milton on Saturday, June 11, from 11 am to 8 pm to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Halton and the surrounding area.

“Conservation Halton has always been committed to providing safe, sustainable and equitable access to nature for everyone,” said Hassaan Basit, President and CEO. “This year, we are proud to be supporting and celebrating our 2SLGBTQ+ community with our Pride in Nature event.”

Pride in Nature was introduced to the community with a tree planting event at Palermo Park in Oakville in 2021. This year, Conservation Halton has moved the event to Area 8, formerly known as Kelso Quarry, so that we can welcome more members of the community, as well as more food, drinks, activities and entertainment.

Pride in Nature is set to feature 2SLGBTQ+ community information booths, drag queen performances, storytime for children, youth mindfulness sessions, outdoor yoga classes and guided hikes with educators from Conservation Halton, each with a focus on the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“The 2SLGBTQ+ staff members at Conservation Halton are proud to offer this opportunity for a welcoming and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community to celebrate together in nature. Pride reminds us that there is more work to do for the progress of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and this event will work to foster connections to each other and to nature.” said Nigel Finney, Project Manager, Restoration & Conservation.

Event participants will also have an opportunity to plant shrubs and wildflowers as part of continued efforts to restore the area. Conservation Halton spent more than 20 years turning the former gravel quarry into a beautiful natural area with a crystal-clear lake at its centre, native plant species and other wildlife habitats.

“The Positive Space Network is thrilled to be a part of Pride in Nature again this year! We love that this is a family event for of all ages. It truly feels like a reflection of all that PSN strives to achieve within our community. We are very honored to be a beneficiary of this awesome event,” said Kelly Giuliani, Manager of Community and Youth Development, Positive Space Network / ROCK Foundation.

All are welcome at Pride in Nature, including members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, friends, families and allies. Tickets can be purchased at conservationhalton.com/pride.

Ticket proceeds will be donated to the Positive Space Network in support of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Halton.

Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services. Learn more at conservationhalton.ca.