It was an absolutely beautiful day as the students of ERS 265 — Social and Environmental History of Water — paddled down the Grand River.
As part of their transdisciplinary studies of water history, they learned about the changing ecology of the riverscape, the urban history of Paris and Brantford, indigenous politics, culture and geography of the Six Nations and the Neutrals, the evolving and important role of the Grand River Conservation Authority, and the family/farm-based gypsum mines dotted along the river. Plus, we learned about medicinal plants and trees, and sighted green herons, a bald eagle, monarch butterflies, osprey and belted kingfishers.
Thanks to Dean Andrey, the Faculty of Environment and SERS for supporting this experiential learning adventure. And thanks to Taig, Tara, Garth and Cliff of Grand River Rafting for sharing their wealth of knowledge about the river.
