Planting a Legacy: Honouring Barbara MacKenzie-Wynia

Join Barbara’s family, friends, colleagues and members of the Nature Network as we gather at Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve to celebrate Barbara’s life and honour her lasting legacy through the planting of a white oak tree.

Barbara served as Ontario Nature’s beloved Nature Network Coordinator from 2006 until her retirement in 2024. She was known for her warmth, kindness and boundless positivity, and for the deep relationships she built across Ontario’s conservation community. Barbara believed that conservation begins with people. She invested in communities, nurtured connections and inspired countless individuals to do more for nature. Her influence continues to be felt throughout the Nature Network and beyond.

As a farmer’s daughter, Barbara carried a lifelong love and respect for the land and the species that depend on it. In recognition of that legacy, we will plant a white oak, a tree known for its strength, longevity and deep roots. Just as Barbara cultivated connections that continue to grow today, this tree will stand as a living reminder of the care, stewardship and sense of community she fostered throughout her life.

The afternoon will begin with an opportunity to gather, enjoy refreshments, view photo displays shared by Barbara’s family, and reconnect with those whose lives she touched.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., guests will gather for a brief commemorative ceremony, including the symbolic planting of the tree. Those who wish to do so will also be invited to share reflections, memories and stories of Barbara.

This event will take place primarily outdoors and will proceed rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, portions of the gathering will be moved indoors to the historic gatehouse.

We hope you will join us as we honour Barbara and establish a living legacy that will continue growing for generations to come.

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve

18462 Bathurst St, Newmarket, ON L3Y 4V9

Schedule:

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Arrival, refreshments, informal gathering

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Welcome, remarks, commemorative planting, sharing memories

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Continued gathering, refreshments

Parking

Please note that parking is limited. We encourage carpooling wherever possible. If required, overflow parking details will be provided closer to the event date.

Registration

Space is limited and advance registration is requested. Please register by September 18.

Event Notes

• Light refreshments and finger foods will be provided
• The event will take place primarily outdoors on natural terrain
• Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear
• The tree will be planted close to the trail entrance, and no lengthy walking is required to attend the commemorative planting. Guests are welcome to enjoy the trail system during the event at their leisure
• The event will proceed rain or shine

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah at 416-444-8419 ext. 241.

Donations

Those wishing to honour Barbara’s memory through a contribution may make a donation to Ontario Nature in support of the conservation work and community-building that she cared so deeply about.

Make a Gift in Memory of Barbara