September 8th 2022
Riparia
Inspiring young women to protect freshwater ecosystems
Allowing youth to connect with nature and science is at the core of the Gault Nature Reserve's mission. We were therefore thrilled to host a part of Riparia's day camp program in August for a second consecutive year.
Riparia is a female-led non-profit organization co-founded by three women, including McGill alumni Dr. Andrea Reid and Dr. Dalal Hanna. They organize free canoeing expeditions and outdoor camps centred around streams, rivers and lakes for young women interested in connecting with science and nature who otherwise have limited access to outdoor learning opportunities.
Riparia co-founder and McGill alumni Andrea Reid (left) is teaching two young women how to assess water quality on the Gault Nature Reserve’s experimental dock (photo: Alex Tran)
Adapting to a changing world
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Riparia, like many others, to do something scientists are very good at: adapting. For two consecutive summers, Riparia pivoted its signature sleepaway program, which they typically host at the Poisson Blanc Regional Park, to a shorter urban day camp in and around Montreal. Therefore, Gault was a natural place for the two McGill alumni to return to, as they both describe it as playing a significant role in their development as scientists.
During their visit, program participants got to experience science firsthand through hands-on learning opportunities like looking for invertebrates in the stream running along our wooden boardwalk and monitoring the water quality of Lac Hertel.
Participants experience science firsthand by observing invertebrates, which are indicative of a stream's health. (Photo: Alex Tran)
Experiencing different ways to approach science
Riparia program participants include a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth of all identities. Together, they participate in numerous activities that introduce them to both Indigenous and Western sciences. Art and storytelling also play an essential role in the programming of this camp, which incorporates photography and nature journaling as tools for self-expression and science communication.
(Photo: Alex Tran)
If you think science is rigid and not a domain for creative individuals, well, think again! Organizations such as Riparia will hopefully continue to break the stereotypes surrounding science, and we hope to continue to help them to do so.
(Photo: Alex Tran)
Want to know more about Riparia’s work or know someone who would be interested in participating? Visit their website for more details.
Frédérique Truchon
Communications Associate
Gault Nature Reserve of McGill University
Header: Photo by Alex Tran
