Climate Action Conference Inspires the Next Generation of Changemakers

On a sunny October day in Owen Sound, Ontario, 125 middle school students gathered with a shared purpose: to become climate action leaders in their communities. The 2025 Youth Climate Action Conference brought together young people from across Grey Bruce to learn, collaborate, and develop projects that will make a real difference for Lake Huron and the planet.

Building a Movement, One Student at a Time

This wasn't just another field trip. The fourth annual Youth Climate Action Conference was designed to spark something bigger—a movement of young environmental stewards equipped with knowledge, connections, and the confidence to create change.

Students from 25 schools across the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board participated in hands-on workshops, heard from local changemakers, and developed action projects to bring back to their communities. They weren't just learning about climate change—they were learning how to do something about it.

"The conference showed me that even small actions can make a big difference," shared one student participant in a CBC interview the day after the event. "Now I know what I want to do at my school."

From Inspiration to Action

The conference opened with powerful remarks from Indigenous leaders including Saugeen First Nation Chief Conrad Ritchie and Chippewas of Nawash Acting Chief Jessica Keeshig-Martin, alongside Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. Their words set an inspiring tone for the day ahead.

Throughout the morning, students dove into workshops covering everything from tiny forests and pollinator gardens to Indigenous fisheries and shoreline health. Three of the five workshops took students outside, including one led by Water Walker Carlene Keeshig that helped students develop a personal connection to Lake Huron's waters, and another that resulted in a tiny forest of 160 trees being planted by the local Conservation Authority.

The keynote presentation featured John Watkins and his St. Mary's High School class, who shared their journey of designing and caring for community garden spaces at their school, including pollinator gardens and First Nations cultivation methods.

Community Leaders Listening to Student Voices

One of the most powerful moments came at the end of the day, when students presented their project ideas to an audience that included municipal councilors and community CEOs. After a morning of inspiration and learning, students had the spotlight to share their visions for creating positive change.

"Your Climate Thing" pitch presentations by community leaders demonstrated the diversity of climate action, from renewable energy to local food systems, showing students that there's no single path to making a difference.

Over 15 secondary school students showed up as volunteers and presenters, acting as role models and proving that they care deeply about environmental stewardship.

Supporting Projects Beyond the Conference

The impact doesn't end when students return to school. Schools received seed funding to launch their action projects, along with connections to volunteer community mentors who will support teachers and students throughout the year. This proven strategy, developed by partner organization Learning For A Sustainable Future, keeps schools connected to the climate action community year-round.

While students participated in workshops, teachers engaged in a full day of professional development on integrating climate into their curriculum—building the confidence and enthusiasm needed to weave environmental literacy into lesson plans.

The Lake Huron Connection

Shoreline health was woven throughout the conference agenda, appearing in workshops, presentations, and even the view outside the venue windows overlooking Lake Huron. The tiny forest planting was intentionally designed with bioswales to slow water movement—a nature-based solution to climate impacts that protects water quality.

These connections matter. As students develop personal relationships with Lake Huron through experiences like Carlene Keeshig's Water Walker workshop, they become advocates for clean drinking water and healthy shorelines for the future.

The Ripple Effect

When 125 students return to their schools energized and equipped with project ideas, when teachers feel confident integrating climate into their lessons, when community mentors connect with youth changemakers—that's when the real work begins.

The 2025 Youth Climate Action Conference planted more than 160 trees. It planted ideas, connections, and hope for a generation ready to protect the waters and landscapes they love.

A Community Effort

The 2025 Youth Climate Action Conference was made possible through collaboration among The Sustainability Project, Community Foundation Grey Bruce, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Stewardship Grey Bruce—all contributors to the Lake Huron Forever network. Major sponsors included Bruce Power, Community Foundation Grey Bruce, and the Town of Blue Mountains, with additional support from numerous community groups and municipalities.

Schools participating included Sullivan Community School, Notre Dame Catholic School, Hillcrest Elementary School, École catholique St-Dominique-Savio, East Ridge Community School, Beaver Valley Community School, Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Ripley-Huron Community School, Bruce Peninsula District School, Hepworth Central Public School, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Hanover Heights Community School, École John Diefenbaker Senior School, Highpoint Community School, Egremont Community School, Spruce Ridge Community School, St. Peter & St. Paul Catholic School, Chesley District Community School, Arran-Tara Elementary School, Huron Heights Public School, St. Anthony Catholic School, Northport Elementary School, Saugeen District Senior School, and Georgian Bay Community School.