Wild Weather is set to arrive at the Grey Roots Museum and Archives in May 2026. This exciting traveling exhibit, created by Science North in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre, will highlight our local connection to the changing weather patterns in Grey County.
To enhance this exhibit, six members of the Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team are collaborating with Grey Roots staff. They are on a mission to gather local stories about how the weather and environment have shifted over the years. These real-life experiences are crucial for understanding how climate changes impact our daily lives, livelihoods, and landscapes.
We want to hear from local residents, farmers, and business owners. If you have lived in the area for ten years or more—preferably thirty or longer—your insights are especially valuable. Multi-generational farming families hold rich experiences that can shed light on how conditions have transformed. Whether you’re growing apples, making maple syrup, or simply observing the local wildlife, your perspective matters.
What changes have you noticed? Have rainfall patterns shifted? Have temperature extremes affected your work or daily routine? Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in growing seasons or severe weather events. Understanding these impacts helps us grasp how climate trends manifest in our immediate environment.
Loss is another critical aspect of these changes. Flooding can have lasting effects on one’s home and livelihood. How do you connect your experiences to larger climate patterns? What trends are concerning, and have they changed your perspectives or practices?
Some of you may have adapted to these changes. Farmers might have adjusted planting schedules, updated equipment, or experimented with new crop varieties. Have these changes worked? What are your plans moving forward?
If you have any visuals to share, such as photographs showcasing the “then and now” of your experiences, we would love to see them. Pictures can powerfully illustrate how our environment has evolved over time.
Sharing your story helps us create a richer understanding of the local impacts of climate change. These experiences are not just statistics; they shape our future and community.
If you’re interested in sharing your story, please provide a brief description—around 300 words—along with any pictures you might have. Send your submissions to a2gbcat@bmts.com. Thank you for contributing to this important dialogue.
Sincerely,
Committee of the Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team
Recent trends indicate that weather events are becoming more extreme. According to a 2022 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), extreme weather events have significantly increased in frequency and intensity since the 1980s. Understanding our local experiences in light of these findings can help us adapt and respond more effectively.
By engaging with the community, the Georgian Bluffs Climate Action Team aims to create a collective narrative that highlights both personal and shared experiences of climate change. This approach fosters a deeper connection and awareness of how these global trends affect us right here in Grey County.
