The Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is inviting young voices to take the stage in its newest marketing initiative, If Nature Had a Voice, launching April 1, 2025. This campaign aligns with OHTO’s commitment to its Wander Sustainably approach to tourism and is part of a broader marketing effort to highlight sustainable tourism and give nature a “voice” by sharing the stories and information it would want visitors to know.

The If Nature Had a Voice contest invites students in Grades 1 through 8 from across Ontario’s Highlands region to imagine what Mother Nature might say—if she could speak. The contest encourages students to respond through original writing or artwork.

Entries will be accepted from April 1 to April 30, 2025. Winners will be announced by May 15 on OHTO’s social media channels.

“This campaign is about inspiring our communities to think about all of the rejuvenating experiences they have enjoyed through nature and reflect on innovative ways to protect it,” said Nicole Whiting, Executive Director of OHTO. “We know that young people have powerful perspectives and often the clearest voices when it comes to caring for nature. This contest gives them a chance to be heard.”

Students in Grades 1 to 4 may submit a drawing with a short, written response to complete the sentence: “If Mother Nature could speak, she would tell us…”

Students in Grades 5 to 8 may choose to submit either a written piece (up to 250 words) or an artistic creation (such as a drawing, painting, or collage) with a caption.

One winner will be selected from each grade, with each receiving a $50 gift card to a local business of their choice within Ontario’s Highlands. Winning entries will be featured on OHTO’s social media platforms.

Submissions must be sent digitally by a parent, guardian, or teacher to info@ohto.ca with the subject line: “Mother Nature Contest Submission – [Student’s Name] – [Grade].” 

For full contest rules and eligibility contact info@ohto.ca or click here.

About OHTO

Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) is a not-for-profit organization mandated and funded by the province of Ontario to support tourism within the counties of Haliburton, Lanark, and Renfrew and portions of Frontenac, Hastings, and Lennox and Addington. Find out more at www.ohto.ca.  

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Media Contact:

Luisa Sorrentino

Marketing Director

613-629-6486 x202

luisa.sorrentino@ohto.ca

 

Responsible Tourism