Growing the idea to connect Canadians to nature
Plants from Great Marram Grass Plug Plant CV event on PEI (Photo by Mike Dembeck)
Every so often, a big idea emerges from a smaller one and, in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) case, it can turn into something larger than imagined. This is exactly what happened for NCC’s Conservation Volunteers...
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...
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...
How we can save our songbirds
Cerulean warbler (Photo by Bill Hubick)
By now, I'm hoping that many of you have heard about declining songbird populations and the numerous threats that these birds face, which are, typically, physical threats to their survival. However, I’d like to discuss a different type of...
Saving our planet: 10 good news conservation stories from 2016
The choices we make about our planet in the next decade are going to impact nature and the well-being of people for generations to come. Both nature and human well-being face some big challenges. Biodiversity continues to be threatened by habitat...
Bees and wasps a buzzin'
Bees have a good reason to be wary of crab spiders. (Photo by Dr. Diana Bizecki Robson)
Through social media, I learned about the humble bumblebee’s need for drinking water. A need, no doubt, that has arisen as a result of prolonged droughts, loss of wetland habitats and loss of biodiversity. I was asked to incorporate a bee...
Keeping Kettle Island out of hot water
Volunteers clear debris from Kettle Island (Photo by NCC)
On a sunny Saturday morning in early fall this year, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) team prepared to meet 20 or so members of the community from the Ottawa River Valley area, who all had one thing in common: they all cared deeply about the...
Getting my hands dirty for conservation
Volunteers got their hands dirty for conservation (Photo by NCC)
I started volunteering with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) about a year and a half ago, after becoming overwhelmingly “itchy” at my office job. I had been working in the environmental field for the past 20 years but was, for...
Down by the river
Group shot from CV event on Legacy Island, AB (Photo by Amy McClelland)
Volunteering for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and Trout Unlimited tree planting and clean up on Legacy Island was a great learning experience for me. I feel like I contributed to helping keep our province beautiful for years to come. And...
