Why I believe that zoos help conservation
Riley snaps a photo with the Toronto Zoo's alpacas (Photo courtesy of Riley Harding)
As a conservationist and wildlife supporter, I get a lot of head turns when I say that I support zoos. I’m the first to acknowledge that some have a history of being grim tourist destinations; however, I know first-hand the positive impact...
Heard it from a Scout: Tips for safe sailing
Sarah out on the sailboat (Photo courtesy Scouts Canada)
Coast to coast, there are endless opportunities for sailing in Canada. From hauling the lines to watching the sails fill and being pulled across the water by the sheer force of the wind, sailing is an exhilarating experience and offers a unique...
Five Canadian songs that connect us to nature
(Photo from Pixabay)
For me, listening to music can have similar effects to a walk in the woods. Hearing a good song can make me feel freer, more connected and sometimes can even make me breathe a little bit easier after a stressful day. Like roots under a tree, music...
Connecting to nature through volunteering
Volunteers cleaning-up the Prairie Garden (Photo by NCC)
About seven years ago, I went on a tree planting field trip with my Grade 11 biology class. Although it was optional, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity for me to connect with my fellow classmates and nature. I had a blast on this trip...
Broaden your view of nature
Enjoying the view at NCC's exhibit on Wideview at the Art Gallery of Regina. (Photo by Bill Armstrong)
Put your hand up if you would like to experience plains bison grazing their way around your living room walls. Sure, as long as they don’t make a mess on the carpet, you might say. Well, recently Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) offered...
Top 10 forests to visit across Canada
Lusicich, Crowsnest Pass, AB (Photo by NCC)
Canada is rich in forest habitats, with many unique forests in each province. Over half of our country is covered in forests, and Canada is home to almost 10 per cent of the world’s forests. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is...
Women in conservation: Mhairi McFarlane
Mhairi McFarlane with leucospora (Photo by NCC)
In honour of International Women’s Day (March 8), we’re celebrating eight female conservationists at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) who are working to create a stronger future for Canada’s landscapes.For Mhairi McFarlane,...
Finding peace in nature
Walking through a BC forest dripping with witch's hair lichen (Photo by NCC)
Do you ever just wake up in a bad mood? Or something, or someone, has you unsettled? Sometimes the best way to clear your mood, and silence those “mice talking to each other in your head” (as my brother-in-law puts it), is to go for a...
Almost missing nature's boat
Volunteers at the Broom Bash event on James Island, BC (Photo by Ann MacDonald)
The alarm went off much too early that early winter morning. My body was heavy with sleep, covered in a sea of cozy blankets and it hurt to open my gluey eyes. I was tempted to silence the disturbance. The forecast was calling for rain and it was...
Heard it from a Scout: Hiking tips for rookies
Hiking in the Swiss Alps (Photo courtesy Scouts Canada)
The worst mistake I ever made while hiking was unintentionally stepping on a fresh cow patty. I would have been less embarrassed if it hadn’t happened while leading a group of giggly international Scouts. At the time, I was guiding in the...
