CEC's Annual Earth Day Fundraiser Event
8th Annual Earth Day Event
with Dr. Garrett Herman, April 19, 2025
Stay for the Weekend Package for the ultimate experience! Accommodations, meals and additional programs!
Dr. Garrett Herman
Author and renowned expert on Charles Darwin, Garrett has a collection of more than 5,000 volumes of Darwin’s works (most now residing at Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University of Toronto) and “Darwinalia”. Dr. Herman is a philanthropist and Chairperson of Galapagos Conservancy Canada (www.galapagoscanada.org), formerly called “Charles Darwin Foundations of Canada” as well as Grapes for Humanity (www.grapesforhumanity.com).
His deep passion for “all things Darwin” has placed him in contact with members of the Royal family, famous Darwin biographers, celebrity scientists and several of Charles Darwin’s descendants, many of whom have visited Dr. Herman’s Darwin library at his Toronto home. He has made presentations to distinguished groups around the world and was awarded with honorary degrees from the University of Edinburgh and Concordia University for his Darwinian passion.
His book “Darwin and Me” is the chronicle of an antiquarian book collector that found his life forever changed by his relationship with his subject, Charles Darwin. Garrett Herman outlines the origins of his fascination with collecting, as well as the unlikely events and interesting characters he meets, thanks to Darwin. This book is a very personal project that includes many intimate stories of book dealers, fellow collectors, friends and family – and at times acts as a photo journal, such as the account of the trip to the Galapagos Islands. It is an inspiring read that will appeal to everyone, but especially collectors and fans of Charles Darwin and his contemporaries.
For more information about Dr. Garrett Herman, visit https://www.grapesforhumanity.com/garrett-herman
Books
This is the chronicle of an antiquarian book collector that found his life forever changed by his relationship with his subject, Charles Darwin. Garrett Herman outlines the origins of his fascination with collecting, as well as the unlikely events and interesting characters he meets, thanks to Darwin. This book is a very personal project that includes many intimate stories of book dealers, fellow collectors, friends and family – and at times acts as a photo journal, such as the account of the trip to the Galapagos Islands. It is an inspiring read that will appeal to everyone, but especially collectors and fans of Charles Darwin and his contemporaries.
Book Talk Event
- Saturday Cocktails, Dinner and Book talk with Dr. Garrett Herman (4 to approx 9pm)
- Purchase a table:
- $500* for a table of 4 (discounted to $125/per person)
- $600* for a table of 6 (discounted to $100/per person)
- CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT FOR FULL AMOUNT PROVIDED.
- *Plus HST
FULL Weekend
BEST VALUE- Single occupancy
- Additional participants to package $200* each (max 3 extra)
- Friday and Saturday night private accommodations
- Saturday Breakfast & Lunch/Sunday Brunch
- Saturday Book Talk Ticket (incl. dinner)
- Friday/Saturday special programs (see schedule below)
- CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT FOR FULL AMOUNT WILL BE PROVIDED
- *Plus HST
Weekend Package Schedule
Laura Kielpinski - Event Host
Laura works full time as the Assistant General Manager at the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC). She is a certified Forest Therapy Guide with ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) and has recently completed her training as a Forest School Practioner. She looks forward to sharing these practices with guests at the CEC.
Laura is also a qualified teacher, GPS Instructor and Instructor Trainer for the National Green Check GPS Certification program, Instructor for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s “Project Wild” and “Below Zero” programs. She holds an honours degree in Physical and Health Education (specializing in Outdoor Adventure Leadership) and a diploma in Environmental Science from Laurentian University, as well as her Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University in Outdoor Experiential Education. Laura holds certifications in Standard First Aid and CPR, Wilderness First Aid (80 hour WFR), ORKCA (canoe training) as well as risk management and safety planning. Her passions and interests include sharing her love of the natural world with all those around her and helping others to find comfort and enjoyment from spending time in the outdoors. She enjoys being active in a variety of outdoor activities (mountain biking, running, canoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing) with her friends, family and two children.
Backroads Bill - Event Host
Bill Steer a.k.a. “Back Roads Bill” is the General Manager and the “originator” of the Canadian Ecology Centre. He holds degrees and diplomas from Laurentian University, Nipissing College, McMaster University and Durham College. Most of his work experience is within the field of environmental education and special education with the Near North District School Board and the Simcoe County Board of Education. He is also the Director of the National Green Check GPS Certification Program (www.greencheckgps.ca), which administers three levels of geomatics certification.
Bill also has a variety of research interests. He studies “lost person” behaviour and spatial awareness as it pertains to human behaviour in the outdoors, and has worked with Dr. John and Mary Theberge on wolf research in Algonquin Park. He has also authored a variety of natural and cultural books and thematic maps.
He is a Trustee with the Near North District School Board. He teaches senior geography for Nipissing University’s Faculty of Education. Additionally, he teaches a geomatics (GIS/GPS/imagery) course within the Environmental Technician Program at Canadore College.