rev-digital-FINAL-PRESS-2023-PAGES-AHCC-QUARTER-BLEED - Flipbook - Page 10
ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Establishing your
PHOTOGRAPHY
H
Roots
in Almaguin
BY Dave Gray, ACED
Wendy MacCrimmon
ave you ever noticed that we tend to pay special attention to the nature around us during the growth
season when the trees are in full bloom or when the flowers have blossomed? It’s kind of curious really, how
many of us tend to gravitate towards something when its producing visible fruit or shining vibrantly. Take this
magazine for example. Did the beautiful photo on the cover catch your eye? Did it stand out amongst other
documents that you could have chosen? Curious indeed.
Perhaps a different perspective could be found when we take a deeper look below the surface. Much of the
beauty that we embrace in our nature here in Almaguin (al-mag-win) can be attributed to the roots systems that
feed its growth. In the same way, the vibrance of our region is a product of the many people, organizations, and
businesses that fuel the amazing experiences, services and supports that we enjoy as well as meet the needs of
those who live and visit here. In other words, they make up our communities’ roots systems.
Over the last few years, all of us have been subject to a great deal of change, collectively and individually. For
some, that meant picking up their lives and families and relocating somewhere more comfortable; for others,
it meant finding a new place to relax and unwind. For others still, it meant taking the leap and pursuing a new
career path or perhaps just finding a new way to ‘weather their storms’. As a region, we have been blessed to
have so many come to find our region as a part of their positive change. Like all major changes in life, having
some guidance and support is hugely valuable as we navigate new environmental and social landscapes. Just
like a root strives to find the nutrients that fuel growth in good soil, so to do we look for favourable conditions
to establish and strengthen our own roots.
As you journey through the pages of this guide, you’ll discover a wealth of stories, resources, and information
that will serve as a field guide for navigating the region and becoming connected with Almaguin’s communities.
You’ll get an introduction to some of our dynamic business owners as they share how they have established their
roots both for their families and their livelihoods. Appropriately to our theme this year, several of our resilient
and creative agricultural producers have shared about the abundant opportunities that they have found in our
nature. We’ve also included a pile of great resources to help you plan your nature-based adventures including
listings of our trails, introductions to some self-guided experiences, and locations for many points of interest.
As with previous issues, you will also find a directory of local information including event listings, municipal
information, links to our membership and business directories, and so much more.
Whatever your reason for picking up this community guide, I’m glad you did. For many of you, whether you
have experienced a lot of what Almaguin has to offer, or whether you’re considering making your first journey
to the region, this publication invites you to explore ways to be inspired by our nature and establish roots of
your own.
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