Free the Fern was very honoured to be invited to attend the 24th annual Earth Fest on Saturday, April 27, 2024, organized by the Everett Crowley Park Committee.
The day before the event, on Friday, April 26, 2024, 5 volunteers gathered on the Red Alder trail to help us gather ivy and flowers (common invasive plants or weeds: wild chervil, bluebells, annual honesty, forget-me-nots, and yellow archangel). These plants would be used for an ivy crown craft at Earth Fest.
Normally, Earth Fest is held at the beautiful Everett Crowley Park. However, the day before th eevent, due to forecast of heavy rain, the Evertt Crowley Park Committee members did a quick pivot and changed the location to the nearby Champlain Heights Community Centre.
On the day of event, 10 Free the Fern volunteers gathered to help. We set-up 3 tables right at the entrance to the community centre.
There we ran:
- ivy crown crafting
- ivy basket weaving
- a nature “pop quiz” (with lollypops as prizes)
Check out our Earth Fest video reel in Instagram here.
The Earth Fest Event also included: a Musqueum blessing, a drumming circle, a performance by the Carnival Band, a Mushroom Walk led by Cody Labossiere, and a native plant seeding event. Despite the grey, rainy day, several hundred people gathered to celebrate the earth!
Thanks to the Everett Crowley Park Committee for oganizing such a successful event. We look forward to joining you next year on the 25th anniversary of Earth Fest!
Special thanks to our volunteers: Catherine, Connor, Ellie, Erin, Genieve, Grace, Jeannine, Joe, Joshua, Liam and Sylvia.