Never underestimate the importance of socks in nature
Nature-themed socks definitely help me track butterflies and flowers in the field (Photo by Megan Quinn/NCC staff)
Life is too short for boring socks! At least, I've adopted that as my motto when I carry out my job as the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) acting coordinator of conservation biology for eastern Ontario. If you see me hiking up...
Take a step off Highway 1
Valley View, SK (Photo by Jason Bantle)
The sun shone brightly as the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced the conservation of the Valley View property. It was a beautiful time to be in the gorgeous Qu’Appelle Valley, only 20 minutes from Regina. The media event for the...
How to prepare for your next hiking trip
Hiking is a great choice for enjoying an adventure that contributes to physical and mental fitness (Photo by Simon CC0)
Hiking is a great choice for enjoying an adventure that contributes to physical and mental fitness. Whether you're an expert hiker or a novice, you'll want to accomplish two things: having lots of fun and staying safe. Here are some helpful tips...
Nature calling
Carys Richards in Waterton, AB (Photo by Carys Richards)
I grew up in the mountains, and it was this landscape that shaped my love and appreciation for nature. I was born in Banff and grew up in Canmore, Alberta — in the heart of the Rockies. My parents were the kind of people who decided when my...
Tails from the Field: On the trail for wonder
The Forks Prairie Garden is a great outdoor classroom. (Photo by Thomas Fricke)
There are many kinds of nature trails, for many kinds of nature lovers. Some people are happy to scramble over rocks, cut across shallow rivers or squeeze past thorny vegetation during their hike. Others prefer terrain that's a bit more level,...
Top 10 invasive species to stop this summer
Man fishing in New Brunswick (Photo by NCC)
Our Canadian summers are short and fleeting. Warm and sunny days are best spent enjoying the outdoors and connecting with nature. While you are out exploring nature’s wonders, you can also help control the spread of invasive...
Top 10 backpack essentials for any nature lover
Hiking gear (CC0 Public Domain)
Nature enthusiasts know there is nothing better than experiencing all of the sights, sounds and smells that nature has to offer. With an abundant variety of beautiful landscapes in Canada, it’s no wonder the great outdoors call to...
Heard it from a Scout: How we can take a LEAP for the environment
Hiking allows you to explore nature and get moving! (Photo courtesy Scouts Canada)
No matter who we are, where we live or what we do, we interact with the environment daily. For children, nature is often a playground. For some adults, it can be a place of silent refuge. Regardless of one’s relationship with the outdoors,...
Heard it from a Scout: Five summer camping safety tips
Scouts with their camping gear (Photo by Scouts Canada)
Summer is officially underway, and with it comes prime camping season. Scouting is all about connecting with nature and experiencing the exhilaration and challenge of outdoor adventures, such as hiking, rock climbing, paddle sports and, of course,...
One million steps: A hike to honour the legacy of conservation (Part two)
Snow-covered trail sign at Hockley Valley, ON (Photo by Dan Kraus/NCC staff)
Hiking north, we crossed the height of land that defines the watershed between Lake Ontario and Lake Huron. This landscape includes Hockley Valley and Mono Cliffs, provincial parks I had only rarely visited in the past. Over a century ago, much of...