What we’ve learned through our nature-based older adults and seniors pilot program, and where we hope to go from here.
Sharing Knowledge and Fun through Elderberries
Sharing Knowledge and Fun through Elderberries
Written by Akira Ourique
Left: Elderberries with their shale pigment paintings
Right: Elderberries and project lead by EcoHouse and blooming magnolia tree
In the spring of 2026, we ran a land-based pilot program for older adults and seniors– the first of its kind not only at Green Venture, but Hamilton at large. The communities familiar with us often know that Green Venture has long had programming for children and youth, and drop-in events for all ages, but never dedicated programming for older adults and seniors.
This changed in March, when we launched Elderberries.
Elderberries was a program with big, yet simple goals: increase opportunities for older adults and seniors to meet and socialize with peers; create meaningful engagement with land and nature; share skills and knowledge within a group setting; and reduce social isolation through thoughtful and genuine programming.
“I liked getting to see the same people each week, and going from it being a bit awkward, to knowing these people and seeing them as friends.”
- Elderberries participant
Left: Group enjoy tea and coffee while painting with pigment from crushed shale
Right: Elderberries on a site tour with a Green Venture staff member learning about native plants
Our program ran for four sessions. In our first, we met one another and discussed gardening strategies and ideas as participants learned how to save seeds. In our second session, we welcomed guest speaker Sheldon McGregor to teach the basics of birding, and its value as a hobby. Our third session brought art into the mix as we used sustainably harvested shale to create pigment for painting; and explored wild fibres and a method to turn them into cordage. And on our final session, meant to function as a social day of relaxation and storytelling, we made a fire together as a group to prepare hot drinks to enjoy alongside chili.
The four sessions ran over four weeks, and saw an average of 4 - 8 weekly participants despite the maximum capacity being 10. Our plan for improving our Elderberries program includes a more well-rounded and robust outreach and recruitment strategy.
Left: A Green Venture staff member tends to a cooking fire while a second holds up a bowl of chilli.
Right: A bowl of chilled soba noodles and fresh vegetables, the meal at Elderberries week 2
Lunches throughout the program were vegan, allergen-informed, healthy, and delicious, including a white bean Tuscan skillet, roasted vegetable sandwiches on ciabatta bread, chilled soba noodle bowls, and a hearty chilli. Good food, just like fun activities and pleasant conversation, was integral to the satisfaction and enjoyment of Elderberries and was prepared weekly by volunteer and talented cook Yuki Hayashi (@thegyotakukid on Instagram) in our community.
The program design, safety measures, and other overhead development were made possible with the support of community partners, including the Hamilton Council on Aging, Shalom Village, Trees for Hamilton, and McMaster University’s Occupational Therapy program.
Left: A Green Venture staff member presents Green Venture’s program and needs to a class of ~30 students in the McMaster Occupational Therapy Program.
Right: A resident at Shalom Village tests out our all-terrain wheelchair at their town hall.
A comprehensive overview of the program, as well as a site visit to EcoHouse, was conducted by students in McMaster’s Occupational Therapy Program. Students conducted multi-week projects aiming to provide integral insights, suggestions, and feedback on Elderberries; which were then presented to program lead Akira Ourique and executive director Giuliana Casimirri. We are eternally grateful to these students for their time, effort, knowledge, and care.
Their work will help us to make Elderberries better for everyone.
“A wonderful experience. The facilitators, Akira and Angie, were informative, friendly, and inclusive. We learned about EcoHouse and its mission while enjoying nature-based activities and wholesome meals. I would love to do this again!” - Sheila, 67
In all, Elderberries was an experience with a lot of joy, learning, and fun for both staff and participants. Program participants overwhelmingly shared that the educational and fun activities, knowledgeable and compassionate staff facilitators, and consistent social inclusion and group collaboration were key factors in their enjoyment, continued attendance, and feelings of security and belonging in the program.
We have big dreams for Elderberries, and hope to run more seasons of the program soon pending funding opportunities. If you are interested in being put on a waitlist, or represent a community organization hoping to start up your own land-based programs for older adults and seniors, please email our team at [email protected]
If the work that we do resonates with you and you have the means, please consider becoming a donor to support what we do.
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