A student-created mural is now on display at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre.
The mural was unveiled on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in a celebration that brought together Bluewater District School Board staff, Bluewater Education Foundation representatives, media, and other guests near Wiarton.
Titled Our Home Ontario, the wall-sized acrylic on canvas artwork was envisioned and created by Walkerton District Community School student Leopold Baker, with support from fellow students Scarlett Thornton and Reece Collins.
The project took shape after Leo, encouraged by teachers, applied for and was awarded a Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) grant through the Town of The Blue Mountains in April 2025. What began as a concept focused on inspiring action and building awareness quickly developed into a detailed mural highlighting endangered and threatened species, species of special concern, and animals “under watch” in Ontario. With the intention of permanently installing the piece at the BOEC—where thousands of local students visit each year—some species were selected based on their proximity to the centre. The mural features a wide range of wildlife and plant life, including the common snapping turtle, red-headed woodpecker, butternut tree, wolverine, cougar, and round-leaved ragwort, all rendered in a vibrant and carefully detailed composition.
Through collaboration with members of the Blue Mountains YCAF Committee, Leo was able to connect with BOEC representatives to develop a piece designed to promote awareness of local species and encourage interest in nearby trails and the natural environment. Research for the mural drew on nature blogs and government resources, while the canvases were assembled at home and later stretched at school in preparation for installation.
A preview of the artwork was shared with students from across Grey-Bruce at the Youth Climate Action Conference in Owen Sound last October, where Leo also led a mental health workshop centred on connecting personal strengths to artistic expression.
Before finding its permanent home in the front lobby of the BOEC’s Bruce Power Environmental Learning Classroom Building, the mural was on display from November through January in Wiarton’s art district.
Set within the calm, natural surroundings of the BOEC, the mural is intended to serve as a lasting reminder for visiting students of the impact people can have—both positive and negative—on the world around them. Its message emphasizes that with effort, individuals can play a role in supporting these species and preserving their biodiverse ecosystems for future generations.
As they complete Grade 12 and prepare to begin postsecondary studies, Leo, Reece, and Scarlett say they are proud to help inspire a new generation to engage with both the arts and climate awareness through the lasting piece now showcased at the BOEC.
