The 9th annual Luther Marsh Youth Outdoors Day will be held Saturday, September 18, at the Luther Marsh Conservation Area.

In announcing the date, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) said area students are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as space is limited to 250 students. They can register online at www. youthoutdoorsday. com

Last year, 250 students attended the event, which offers young students an opportunity to participate and enjoy a variety of hands-on hunting and wildlife conservation activities. The one-day event targets students who have an interest in the outdoors.

Activities will include bird identification, banding and calling, birdhouse building, supervised target shooting, wetland habitat rehabilitation and fly fishing. There will also be a number of demonstrations such as the use of retriever and pointer hunting dogs, humane trapping techniques, bow hunting, and a falconry demonstration.

Luther Marsh, the GRCA’s multiple-use, 5,666-hectare wildlife management area, is home to a variety of both wetland and upland wildlife.

“The great outdoors has so much to offer kids, but sometimes they need a little nudge to discover it – whether it is fishing, birdwatching, camping or simply hiking and enjoying wildlife including the acrobatic osprey,” said Sharon Grose, the GRCA’s Youth Day Publicity Board Member.

Luther March is located 25 kilometres northwest of Orangeville, near Colbeck.

“This event was designed to expose kids to the benefits of the great outdoors and help them develop a greater appreciation for the outdoors,” said Ms Grose. “Hopefully the day provided them with some new leisure activities or possible career opportunities.

Kids from the city don't often get a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Youth Outdoors Day exposes a lot of kids to the great outdoors and an opportunity to discover so fun activities. We have a number of volunteers who are ready to share their passions – from hunting to fishing to bird banding and wood carving .”

The day’s activities include:

• Bird identification and banding: Retired biology teacher Dave Lamble of Fergus will spend the morning bird banding. You can discover how to identify various birds and get up-close and personal with waterfowl during banding activity

• Archery: Participants have an opportunity to try shooting at targets with various types of bows.

• Bird house building: Build a wood duck box or owl box that provides essential nesting locations for these species. Participants can donate the completed box to be placed for increased nesting opportunities or can take it home with them.

• Camping: What tools are needed for camping? Visit this station and find out some of the tricks used by experienced campers.

• Falconry: Get a chance to get close to these skilled birds and watch a live demonstration.

• Fish ID and casting: Try your hand at casting and identify local fish species.

• Fly fishing: Learn the skill of fly tying and casting a fly-rod.

• Nature's Corner: Skilled Craftsmen demonstrate their trades – examine the details of wood carver.

• Pointer and Retriever dogs: Learn about these useful hunting companions and watch them demonstrate their skills.

• Target shooting: Bob Armstrong from Mount Forest will organize a supervised target range. Test your skill at target shooting.

• Taxidermy: Learn how trapping is done here in Ontario – find out what tools are used-test your skill at identifying pelts.

• Trapping: Learn how trapping is done here in Ontario – find out what tools are used-test your skill at identifying pelts.

“We want to provide a fun, yet educational day for kids aged 10-17 years old, where they can come and safely enjoy a wide variety of hands on hunting, fishing, trapping and outdoor-related activities,” Ms Grose said.