Credit River Water Ceremony

Join the Credit River Waterwalkers for their monthly Water Ceremony. This month, we are meeting at the Shelagh Law Parkette in Glen Williams rather than our usual spot at the confluence of the Credit River and Silver Creek in Norval.

Rooted in Anishinaabe water teachings, the ceremony is held to honour the Spirit of Nibi (water) through prayer, song, and offerings, so that rivers, lakes, and oceans will remain healthy for future generations and in gratitude to our ancestors. Together, we begin with a smudge, pray for the water, sing to the water, and make offerings to feed the water.

This ceremony follows Anishinaabe teachings, and we ask participants to honour the following protocols:

- Women are asked to wear long skirts and men to wear long pants, honouring our Grandmothers, Mother Earth, and ourselves.

- Women on their moon-time (menstruating) are in their own powerful ceremony and are asked not to join the circle, though they are welcome to support with prayers from a distance.

- Please remember this is a ceremony: it is not a time for photos or casual conversation.

- Drugs, alcohol, and dogs are not permitted.

- Participants are welcome to bring a drum or shaker if they have one.

- People from all nations and all walks of life are welcome.

Please visit the Credit River Waterwalk website for more information including protocol and directions.

The Credit River Waterwalkers

The Credit River Waterwalk is led and guided by Mary Anne Caibaiosai, Bear Clan Anishinaabe kwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, now residing in Warsaw, Ontario. Mary Anne was guided by Josephine-baa Mandamin, the first Anishinaabe Water Walker, and continues her work by leading and walking for the waters of the Credit and Grand Rivers. Monthly ceremonies in Norval are facilitated by Laurie Minor, a Métis-Anishinaabe helper.

Come Celebrate this Milestone

Hungry Hollow SNAP: Five Year Celebration

Join Credit Valley Conservation at Cedarvale Park for a fun family-friendly day to celebrate five years of Hungry Hollow SNAP!

Immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk to learn how to identify local trees and birds and roll up your sleeves for some hands-on invasive species removal and learn how to recycle the buckthorn branches into witch's broomsticks for some fun seasonal crafting! Explore interactive booths will be hosted by local community organizations. Enjoy free halal hot dogs generously provided by Maple Lodge Farms and indulge in cake and other refreshments as we mark this milestone.

This event is part of the Hungry Hollow Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP)

Consider walking, wheeling or taking public transit to this event.

Presented by Halton Hills EcoFilm Fest

This Film is Garbage! is a family-friendly and informative adventure through our everyday garbage. Filmmaker and environmental activist Andrew Nisker investigates our relationship to household waste by enlisting the help of an average urban condo couple and a typical rural family.
Learn more about the film here: www.thiswebsiteisgarbage.com

Film begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm - come early to connect with local eco-groups.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Available online or in person at the John Elliott Theatre box office (in the Georgetown library)

Watch the trailer.

Halton Hills Pollinator Right-of-Way Planting

Help Support Biodiversity

Join Credit Valley Conservation in planting native wildflowers to support the Town of Halton Hills' pollinator right-of-way. This meadow will create habitat for local wildlife and add beauty to your community.

There are two planned time slots on October 19: 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. When registering on Eventbrite, select 'check availability' to register for your desired time slot—you are welcome to register for both time slots. There will be a break between noon and 2 p.m., during which lunch will be provided.

Help Remove Invasive Plant Species

Glen Williams Community Invasive Species Removal

Join Credit Valley Conservation to help control the spread of invasive plant species at Glen Williams Park. Participants will be removing European buckthorn, an invasive shrub that is impacting the survival of native plants and animals. We will use tools like shovels and extractigators, as well as our hands, to remove small and medium sized shrubs.

Art for the Birds Exhibition Closing and the

Halton Hills’ Official Town Bird announcement

Join us at the Helson Gallery for a special afternoon celebrating the closing of the Art for the Birds exhibition and the announcement of the results of the Town Bird Vote!

The event begins at 2:30 p.m. with an informal meet-and-greet with the artists and the Bird Friendly Halton Hills team. At 3:00 p.m., we’ll move into the formal program featuring live entertainment, an artist spotlight, a sneak peek at our upcoming Bird Friendly Pledge, and the official Town Bird reveal by Mayor Ann Lawlor.

Guests will also have the chance to become Early Bird Champions during this special pre-release — with prizes to be won!

Come be part of this milestone moment for our community as we honour art, nature, and our feathered neighbours.

Celebrate the New Acton SNAP

Tanners Woodlot Tree Planting

Join Credit Valley Conservation to plant native trees and shrubs in ­­­­­Tanners Woodlot. Trees help fight climate change by storing carbon dioxide and providing natural cooling on hot summer days. They also create habitat for local wildlife and add beauty to your community.

Help us make the Acton SNAP neighbourhood more sustainable and ready for a changing climate. This event is part of the new Acton Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP).

Trees For Halton Hills is excited to plant trees again but we need volunteers to help us out. If you, your friends, and families would like to join us for a fun morning please contact us at treesforhaltonhills@gmail.com

This is also a great opportunity for any high school students in need of community hours!

One Book, One Halton Hills - An Evening with David A. Robertson

We are honoured to welcome David A. Robertson to the John Elliott Theatre as we celebrate his book 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing, our One Book, One Halton Hills selection for 2025. David A. Robertson is a bestselling, award-winning author, a proud member of Norway House Cree Nation, and a powerful voice in Canadian literature. He's also the founder of Swift Water Books, the first Indigenous children's imprint within a major Canadian publishing house.

52 Ways to Reconcile is more than just a book. It's a guide, a call to action, and a hopeful roadmap for how each of us can take small but meaningful steps toward reconciliation, one week at a time. It meets people exactly where they are, whether they're just starting the journey or already walking the path. In a time when Canadians are seeking unity, strength, and a deeper understanding of our shared identity, this book offers us 52 achievable acts of reconciliation - things like watching Indigenous TV shows, supporting Indigenous artists, or engaging with Indigenous voices on social media. Many of these actions are enjoyable, eye-opening, and best of all, doable.

Celebrate the opening of the Art for the Birds Exhibition!

Anishinaabe Bird Names Talk

Join Joseph Pitawanakwat and Junaid Khan of Creators Garden for a special afternoon talk at the Helson Gallery, held in celebration of the opening of The Art for the Birds exhibit.

Discover the meaning of bird names in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) and how these names reflect deep connections between birds, people, and the environment. This engaging presentation will also spotlight the three bird species currently in the running for the Town Bird vote, weaving together cultural teachings, community art, and local conservation action.

Registration is not required, but it does help us with planning.

Learn about our gardens as we prepare them for the fall, increasing your mindfulness and sense of purpose.

Join Joseph Pitawanakwat and Junaid Kahn of Creators Garden for a guided bird walk in Hungry Hollow. Learn about local birds and the meaning of their names in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language), where the interconnectedness of birds and the natural environment is often reflected. These names are spiritually and culturally significant, offering unique insight into each bird’s characteristics and ecological roles.

Please note: space is limited and registration is required by October 3.

To register: click the button below, and click the blue outlined date & time box.

Trees For Halton Hills is excited to plant trees again but we need volunteers to help us out. If you, your friends, and families would like to join us for a fun morning please contact us at treesforhaltonhills@gmail.com

This is also a great opportunity for any high school students in need of community hours!

Presented by Chantal Garneau - Becoming Present

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the sound of leaves moving in the wind, the scent of cedar, the rhythm of your own breath. This is where Forest Meditation begins, with intention, sensory awareness, and an invitation to land in the moment.

As we move slowly through the forest, each step becomes an intention, each breath an invitation to receive and share with the living world. Through gentle meditation practices guided by Chantal Garneau we begin to settle and sense the relationships that sustain us.

Blending forest bathing, mindfulness, and a philosophy of interconnection, Forest Meditation offers a way to feel grounded and uplifted, relaxed and renewed, all at once. It is not about striving, but about remembering: you already belong.

Come as you are. The forest will meet you there.

Please note: space is limited and registration is required. To register, visit the link below and click the blue date and time box.

Keep it Smart: Trails and Signs

The sparkling Silver Creek trail leads to the wetland and Credit River. When people (and pets) stay on trails, it protects native wildlife (e.g. birds, turtles) whose home we are visiting. Join us to enhance the trail by adding woodchips, while we foster social connections, learn and develop skills, and enjoy stories about the Ecology Centre.

Credit River Water Ceremony

Join the Credit River Waterwalkers for their monthly Water Ceremony at the confluence of the Credit River and Silver Creek in Norval. Rooted in Anishinaabe water teachings, the ceremony is held to honour the Spirit of Nibi (water) through prayer, song, and offerings, so that rivers, lakes, and oceans will remain healthy for future generations and in gratitude to our ancestors. Together, we begin with a smudge, pray for the water, sing to the water, and make offerings to feed the water.

This ceremony follows Anishinaabe teachings, and we ask participants to honour the following protocols:

- Women are asked to wear long skirts and men to wear long pants, honouring our Grandmothers, Mother Earth, and ourselves.

- Women on their moon-time (menstruating) are in their own powerful ceremony and are asked not to join the circle, though they are welcome to support with prayers from a distance.

- Please remember this is a ceremony: it is not a time for photos or casual conversation.

- Drugs, alcohol, and dogs are not permitted.

- Participants are welcome to bring a drum or shaker if they have one.

- People from all nations and all walks of life are welcome.

Please visit the Credit River Waterwalk website for more information including protocol and directions.

The Credit River Waterwalkers

The Credit River Waterwalk is led and guided by Mary Anne Caibaiosai, Bear Clan Anishinaabe kwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, now residing in Warsaw, Ontario. Mary Anne was guided by Josephine-baa Mandamin, the first Anishinaabe Water Walker, and continues her work by leading and walking for the waters of the Credit and Grand Rivers. Monthly ceremonies in Norval are facilitated by Laurie Minor, a Métis-Anishinaabe helper.

National Day of Action! For People, For Peace, For the Planet!

We refuse to stand by while the government and Canada's richest corporations hoard wealth, gut our public services, fuel climate collapse, attack migrants, exploit Indigenous lands, and prop up a genocide in Palestine.

They think that if they can overwhelm and divide us, we won't fight back. But climate justice, migrant justice, economic justice, Indigenous rights, and anti-war movements are uniting to prove them wrong.

On Saturday, September 20th, we're drawing the line - for People. For Peace. For the Planet.

ECO FAIR - Community groups promoting sustainability

FILM: Later is Too Late

RALLY / PARADE with signs and banner along Guelph Street

SPEAKERS: MP Kristina Tesser Derksen - Federal Climate Initiatives

Councillor Jane Fogal - Climate and Democracy and Economy

Dani Lindamood. Water Watchers - Climate and Water

Matthew Tyhurst - Climate and Youth

Danny Beaton, Turtle Clan, Mohawk - Climate and Indigenous Rights

An afternoon of connection, conversation and community fun

Help shape a greener, more climate-resiliant Acton! The Acton Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) is being developed with your input to improve Fairy Lake, Black Creek, Bovis Creek, and surrounding neighbourhoods. Join Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), in partnership with the Town of Halton Hills and Halton Region, at our Acton SNAP Open House to learn more and share your ideas.

Consider walking, rolling, or carpooling to this event.

Drop in anytime to:

• Explore the draft action plan

• Share your feedback

• Chat with CVC staff and get your questions answered

• Interact with kids’ activities

• Enjoy light refreshments

“Art for the Birds” Exhibition

We invite artists from Halton Hills to submit their work for the second bi-annual “Art for the Birds”, a community exhibition celebrating the rich diversity of birdlife in our Town. This year’s show coincides with Round 2 of voting for the Town of Halton Hills' official bird and will spotlight the 3 finalists — Eastern Screech Owl, Great Blue Heron, Northern Cardinal, as voted by the community.

While we especially encourage artwork that features these three species, submissions depicting any local or migratory birds of Halton Hills are welcome. Whether inspired by backyard songbirds or elusive seasonal visitors, we invite you to explore the importance of birds to our community through your art.

The exhibition will run September 23rd through October 19th at the Halton Hills Cultural Centre, Upper/lower level of Sisnett Lobby.

The submission deadline is August 24th.

Credit River Water Ceremony

All are welcome to participate in a monthly traditional Anishinaabe ceremony on the edge of the Credit River to honour the Spirit of Nibi (water). The ceremony will begin with a smudge; we will pray for the water, sing to the water, and feed the water.

Please visit the Credit River Waterwalk website for more information including protocol and directions.

Connect With Your Neighbours

Join Credit Valley Conservation for a family-friendly guided walk to discover the birds that call the forests and ravines in the Credit River Watershed home. Learn why these natural spaces are vital for their survival, how trees, shrubs and wetlands provide food, shelter and nesting habitat and what you can do to help protect the Hungry Hollow ravine so birds and people can thrive together.

This event is part of the Hungry Hollow Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP).

Consider walking, rolling or carpooling to this event.

Credit River Water Ceremony

All are welcome to participate in a monthly traditional Anishinaabe ceremony on the edge of the Credit River to honour the Spirit of Nibi (water). The ceremony will begin with a smudge; we will pray for the water, sing to the water, and feed the water.

Please visit the Credit River Waterwalk website for more information including protocol and directions.

Credit River Water Ceremony

All are welcome to participate in a monthly traditional Anishinaabe ceremony on the edge of the Credit River to honour the Spirit of Nibi (water). The ceremony will begin with a smudge; we will pray for the water, sing to the water, and feed the water.

Please visit the Credit River Waterwalk website for more information including protocol and directions.

Presented by Halton Hills EcoFilm Fest

Deep Rising

Deep Rising narrated and executive produced by Jason Momoa, takes viewers on an epic journey from the ocean’s depths to the future of sustainable energy. Through awe-inspiring footage of the deep’s most dazzling creatures, this feature-length documentary illuminates the secrets of the deep ocean and how its fate holds the key to our survival.

Doors open at 6:30pm, come early to connect with local eco-groups.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Watch the trailer.

Discover top native plants for creating beautiful bird-friendly yards that support local and migratory birds

Hosted by Credit Valley Conservation

Birds bring colour, music and joy to any yard. Join CVC’s Melissa Creasey to discover the most common - and most unique - birds in your neighbourhood. Discover how native trees and shrubs can attract birds, while also adding colour to your yard and neighbourhood. Trends, common threats and how to keep birds safe will also be covered.

Learn more about The Arboretum by Trees for Halton Hills (also known as the Georgetown Arboretum) at their website 65000trees.ca

Event Notes

• Registration is required for this event

• The Georgetown Arboretum is on the southeast side of Joseph Gibbons Park across Delrex Blvd., between Jessop Court (to the north) and Regan Crescent (to the south). Street parking is available.

• Dress for the weather and the conditions

• Rain date: May 15, 2025

• This event is subject to change or cancellation due to inclement weather. We will make efforts to contact registrants via email if the status of this event changes or is cancelled. 

Invite a neighbour to attend with you!

This workshop is designed for urban residents living in Hungry Hollow SNAP, but anyone is welcome to join.

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with a scenic bike ride and guided birding adventure!

Hosted by: Bike It Halton Hills & Bird Friendly Halton Hills

Location: Rural Acton
Start/End Point: Fairy Lake/Prospect Park Parking Lot, Acton, ON
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Distance: 15 km

🐦 About the Event

Join us for a unique blend of nature and movement as we ride through the scenic landscapes of Rural Acton in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. This event combines the joys of biking and birding, offering a guided 15 km ride with stops at local birding hot spots. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started, this is a chance to connect with nature, enjoy fresh air, and learn more about Halton Hills' bird-friendly initiatives.

Throughout the ride, you’ll receive educational notes and resources, helping you spot and learn about our feathered friends along the way. Don’t forget your binoculars, cameras, or the Merlin Bird ID app to enhance your experience!

🌎 What is World Migratory Bird Day?

World Migratory Bird Day celebrates birds and the crucial roles they play in our ecosystems. This year’s theme is "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird Friendly Cities & Communities". Halton Hills proudly became a certified Bird Friendly City in 2022, recognized by Nature Canada for its commitment to protecting bird habitats, reducing threats, and promoting education and conservation.

🚲 The Route

We'll explore a scenic loop through Rural Acton, starting and ending at Fairy Lake.
Stops Include:

1. Fairy Lake (Start) – Warblers, loons, bald eagles, and more

2. Farmers Field – Swallows, cedar waxwings, catbirds

3. Wetland Area – Trumpeter swans, red-winged blackbirds, waterfowl

4. Field/Forest – Mixed habitat bird species

Note: We’ll stop at additional spots if we encounter exciting bird activity along the way!

🧢 What to Bring

• Road, gravel, or mountain bike

• Helmet (required)

• Water bottle

• Bright or reflective clothing

• Binoculars, camera, or smartphone with Merlin app

• Dress for the weather – we ride rain or shine!

🗺️ Route Overview

• Right onto Mill Street

• Left onto Dublin Line

• Right on 25 Sideroad

• Left on Nassagaweya-Esquesing Townline

• Right on 15th Sideroad

• Right on 6th Line Nassagaweya

• Right on 25 Sideroad

• Left on Dublin Line

• Right on Mill Street back to Fairy Lake

📲 Before You Go

We recommend downloading the Merlin Bird ID App for identifying bird calls and species during the ride. It’s a great way to enhance your experience at each stop!

Have questions? Reach out via email hhcycling@haltonhills.ca or follow us on social media @BikeItHaltonHills for updates.

Let’s ride and celebrate the birds that make our ecosystems thrive. See you on the trails!

Get ready for the second Art for the Birds Exhibition in October 2026

The call to artists will be announced in early May 2025. Please join our e-newsletter list to be sure to receive the call.

Art for the Birds is a bi-annual show and celebrates our feathered friends who live and migrate through Halton Hills.

Our 2023 call to artists is available here.