Conversations for Conservation: Raising the Earth Stewards of Tomorrow with Jacob Rodenburg

Children across the country are growing up with constant reminders that our planet is under strain: shrinking wildlife populations, climate change, pollution, and habitats in decline. It’s a heavy weight for young shoulders, and many feel overwhelmed by what psychologists now call “eco-anxiety.” For children, the future seems daunting and hopeless.

Yet hope is within reach.

It begins with simple, joyful experiences outdoors, supported by caring adults and rooted in the places that children call home. When young people can explore nature, feel its rhythms, and take age-appropriate action on its behalf, they discover confidence, belonging, and their own capacity to make a difference.

In Peterborough, Ontario, a community-rooted initiative, recently honoured by the United Nations University as an Outstanding Flagship Project, is charting a new path forward. The Pathway to Stewardship & Kinship is a practical, inspiring guide for parents, educators, conservationists, and community leaders who want to help raise the next generation of Earth stewards.

Rooted in local ecosystems and strengthened by caring adult mentors, the Pathway model shows how simple, consistent engagements with nature can grow into a lifelong ethic of stewardship. It offers a hopeful, actionable roadmap for communities seeking to protect the places they love by empowering the young people who will inherit them.

This talk will share the story behind the Pathway and explore how conservation groups, educators, and citizens can work together to cultivate a generation ready to care for and care about the natural world.

About Jacob Rodenburg

Jacob Rodenburg is an award-winning environmental educator with more than 35 years of experience inspiring children, youth, and communities to connect with the natural world. As Executive Director of Camp Kawartha and an instructor in Environmental Education at Trent University, he blends ecological literacy, experiential learning, and sustainability into innovative programs. Jacob is the co-creator of the Eco-Mentor Program and co-author of The Big Book of Nature Activities and The Wild Path Home: A Guide to Raising the Earth Stewards of Tomorrow as well as the author of the Book of Nature Connection. He co-led the development of the Pathway to Stewardship & Kinship Program, recently recognized as an Outstanding Flagship Project by the United Nations University.

Pay What You Can

rare strives to host community events for everyone with a ‘pay what you can’ model. If you are in a position to make a contribution, all proceeds help us to offer meaningful events and activities for our community to engage with and learn about our natural world.

Venue

During the colder months, the Conversations for Conservation series will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 (Preston), located at 334 Westminster Dr N, Cambridge.  Parking is available on site.

The Conversations for Conservation series is supported by the City of Cambridge.

Questions? Contact Amanda Humphreys, Events & Development Coordinator, at Amanda.Humphreys@raresites.org or (519) 650-9336 x122.

Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/7270328/chk/c351/?modal_widget=true&widget=true