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Wind phone on trail to help people deal with grief

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A photo of the new Wind Phone at Ausable River Cut Conservation Area.

 

Lambton Shores Nature Trails installs Wind Phone at Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
Wind phones are not connected to phone system but offer chance for people who are grieving to use this phone in nature to speak to the people they have lost

Lambton Shores Nature Trails (LSNT) has installed a Wind Phone, on the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area (ARCA) trail, in partnership with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). The ARCA is located west of Highway 21, between Port Franks and Grand Bend. 

What is a wind phone? A wind phone (also called Phone of the Wind) is an idea that began in Japan. The phone is not connected and there is no dial tone but it is located in nature for people who want to speak to loved ones who have died. A wind phone is a chance to deal with their grief by speaking words meant for their loved ones. To learn more visit mywindphone.com. "Let the wind take your words ..."

Nathan Schoelier is ABCA Stewardship and Lands Manager. Connecting with nature is something many people find benefits their mental health, and it can help when dealing with grief, he said. 

“I was not familiar with the Wind Phone when Lambton Shores Nature Trails approached us with this inspirational idea,” he said. “Community partnerships help bring new perspectives to our conservation areas,” he said. “The Wind Phone is a great example of how these partnerships benefit the needs of the community.” 

The wind phone is a distinctive opportunity for people to become aware of some of the mental health benefits nature provides to them, according to Schoelier.

Since the phone was installed this spring, there has been a great deal of interest by the public and by media, he said. “The positive public response to the wind phone has really been exceptional,” he said.

The Ontario Conservation Areas website, at ontarioconservationareas.ca, helps people locate conservation areas to visit.

“I encourage people to visit a conservation area and to explore these incredible natural spaces and take some time to recharge,” said Schoelier.

May 1-7, 2023 is Mental Health Week in Canada. The theme this year is #MyStory

Conservation authorities across Ontario are promoting healthy hikes and a step into nature as one way to improve mental health. 

#HealthyHikes #StepIntoNature

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