It was the beginning of Spring and, on March 21st, it was an exciting day at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre (OEC) in Bruce County when an exquisite environmental artwork found its permanent home.
In April of 2025, local high school student, Leo Baker, qualified for a Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) grant through the Town of The Blue Mountains. The grant focused on Climate Action and Awareness, which spurred the idea to create a mural featuring Endangered and Threatened Species, Species of Special Concern – animals and vegetation “under watch” in Ontario.
“We are very excited and appreciative to have this wonderful artwork here at the OEC,” said Manager Debra Diebel. “It was through a grant from Blue Mountains that this incredible piece of art was created.”
Through collaboration with members of Blue Mountains’ YCAF Committee, Baker was put in contact with representatives, including Manager Debra Diebel, at the OEC and worked to create a statement piece to promote both animal and vegetation species awareness, and interest towards valuable local trails, the outdoors and nature, a major focus of the OEC.
Together, high school artists, Leo Baker (Lead Artist), Reece Collins and Scarlett Thornton began to envision their mural but had to start at the beginning. They began by creating the frames of the three-panel artwork and stretching the canvas on each that would end up to be some 10.5ft. in width. Then, it was time to decide on the artwork itself. From animal species at risk to vegetation, the students researched Ontario’s endangered species and, for some, applied their Latin names. Once completed the artwork was sealed on both sides for protection.
“All materials were paid for through the Blue Mountain grant,” said Baker, “otherwise we never could have done it.”
While most research was conducted by reading through nature blogs and government websites, Baker also said that, “My fellow artists and I are often out and about in nature.”
‘Our Home Ontario’ was recently displayed in the Deep Water Gallery in Wiarton and then was relocated to its permanent home at the OEC educational facility.
“This mural acts as a reminder to students who will visit it in the future of the impact that we as young people have, positive and negative, on the world around us,” said Baker. “Each of us, with effort, can help support these species and their biodiverse ecosystems for generations to come.”
Baker was also excited to share a recently received acceptance into the four-year Sheridan College program for Bachelor of Illustration and, art colleague, Reese Collins, has also been accepted into the arts program at Fleming College in Peterborough. Both students also excel in mathematics, proving that art and math can go hand-in-hand.
