Conservation Halton launches Pride in Nature series, earns national Rainbow Registered accreditation

Conservation Halton has launched its annual Pride in Nature event series in celebration of Pride Month, while also announcing it has been accredited as a Rainbow Registered organization by the 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce of Canada (CGLCC). Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Conservation Halton launches Pride in Nature series, earns national Rainbow Registered accreditation

Conservation Halton has launched its annual Pride in Nature event series in celebration of Pride Month, while also announcing it has been accredited as a Rainbow Registered organization by the 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce of Canada (CGLCC).

The Pride in Nature series began Sunday, June 1, and includes a month-long roster of inclusive, nature-based events at Mountsberg, Kelso and Area 8 Conservation Areas. Events are open to all members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, along with their allies, friends and chosen family, and are presented in partnership with PRISM Halton, Pride Toronto, and Queer@ROCK.

“At Conservation Halton, we believe nature is for everyone,” said Craig Machan, Director of Parks & Operations. “As a recently accredited Rainbow Registered organization, Pride in Nature represents a key part of our ongoing commitment to making nature accessible to the 2SLGBTQI+ community and helping community members feel safe, welcome and celebrated in our parks.”

The Rainbow Registered designation is a national accreditation for businesses and organizations that meet rigorous standards for inclusivity, including training, policies and operational practices. Fewer than 500 organizations in Canada hold the designation.

Conservation Halton’s recognition was made possible by the work of its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Group—a staff-led initiative dedicated to aligning the agency’s practices with Rainbow Registered criteria.

“Diversity is a strength for our organization,” said Chandra Sharma, President and CEO of Conservation Halton. “Beyond our training, policies and procedures that foster safe environments for staff, our community partnerships and events help make Conservation Halton a welcoming and accepting space for all—because nature is for everyone.”

The Pride in Nature event series began with Birds of ALL Feathers at the Mountsberg Raptor Centre on June 1 and will continue with a Pride in Nature Weekend at Kelso Conservation Area on June 7 and 8. Activities include watercraft rentals, a challenge course and a guided hike up the Kelso Escarpment Trail.

The series concludes on Friday, June 20, with I’m Coming Out to a BBQ & Bonfire at Area 8 Conservation Area. The evening will feature music, lawn games, bonfires and barbecue fare from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Conservation Halton’s Pride in Nature began in 2021 and has since become a key part of its broader commitment to equity and belonging in the outdoors.

For more information or to register for events, visit conservationhalton.ca/pride-in-nature.


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