Barbara
Keaveney teaches love of nature along bird walks
2015 Urban Hero award winner -
Environment category, sponsored by Humbertown Shopping Centre
Etobicoke Guardian - July 5th. 2015
Barbara Keaveney’s passion for teaching reaches beyond her four decades
in an Etobicoke classroom to spearheading environmental education along the
waterfront.
The Alderwood woman has been with Citizens Concerned About the Future of
the Etobicoke Waterfront (CCFEW) since 2001 when she read an article in The
Guardian about bird walks in Colonel Samuel Smith Park.
Her then 14-year-old son found fellow bird enthusiasts on the walks.
Soon after, Keaveney was organizing them.
Today, there are 193 different bird species on CCFEW’s bird checklist.
“The interest is growing and growing,” Keaveney said of the park’s
annual bird festival she helps organize. It is now in its sixth year.
“At first, people thought it was just for birders. But it’s for anyone
who wants to get out and see and walk the park. Mainly, it’s to get people into
the park.”
Colonel Samuel Smith Park is a rare naturalized waterfront park at the
foot of Lake Shore Boulevard West and Kipling Avenue, little-known beyond area
residents. Keaveney sits on its stewardship organization, Friends of Sam Smith
Park.
Debbie Wagdin nominated Keaveney for an Urban Hero Award for her
“enormous impact” on environmental education of the public, and local school
children.
“Barbara uses her quiet determination to bring her love of nature to
countless members of the public and thousands of school children,” Wagdin said.
Four years ago, Keaveney reached out to Humber Arboretum staff to
encourage them to offer their nature programs in the park. Last year, 1,800
local elementary students took part.
“It feels great. The classes really took off last year,” she said. “Once
they go, the same people are coming back, and teachers are telling other
teachers.”
