Celebrate the environment
People spending time in nature (Photo by Joe McFarlane/iStock)
Canadian Environment Week, celebrated every year on the first week of June, gives Canadians an opportunity to celebrate the environment and encourage conservation efforts year-round. The week kicks off with World Environment Day.
We’ve polled Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) staff to see how they’re connecting with nature to celebrate nature and the environment this week. Here are a few submissions that will hopefully inspire your own Environment Week activities:
Linda Stephenson, regional vice-president for the Atlantic Region
My daughter, Rae, birdwatching from the deck (Photo by Linda Stephenson/NCC staff)
“On World Environment Day, I plan to be at my off-the-grid camp (not cottage), on Oromocto Lake, in southwestern New Brunswick. The camp is truly special to me, having been hand built by my dad, primarily from trees that he cleared to make room for the structure. I lost my dad in 2001, but always feel his presence when I am at the lake. It’s quite isolated and I rarely see or hear another human being when I am in my happy place. It is where I recharge my batteries, watch the waves for hours on end and fall asleep to loon songs. It brings me joy that my daughter has inherited my love of camp.”
Kate Williams, Conservation Volunteers assistant in Alberta
Vista at Johnson Lake (Photo by Kate Williams/NCC staff)
“I’m celebrating nature’s wonders by heading to the still waters of Johnson Lake in the Rocky Mountains to try stand up paddleboard yoga (aka SUP yoga). This beautiful area near Banff inspires awe and leads me to wonder why we sometimes forget to appreciate the grander cycles of our environment.
“The North American Cordillera, raised by tectonic action, eroded by weather and carved by glaciers, has provided habitat for grizzlies and is a sublime spot for stand up paddleboarders alike. And like my spine, it is made up of elements that slowly shift and realign, adapting with every movement nature sends our way. I’m looking forward to trying this new activity. Whether I end up in the lake or stay afloat, I’m grateful for the chance to be immersed in Canada’s fresh and wild landscapes.”
Kathy Unger, conservation assistant in Newfoundland and Labrador
“I’m really excited to be headed to Ontario this weekend (and part of next week) to spend some time with family and friends. My dad lives in Ontario and my brother lives in Nigeria so it makes getting together sort of tough, as you can imagine. We’ve decided to make the most of our short time together and take a family day and head to Bon Echo Provincial Park. I haven’t been there since childhood so I’m excited to return and soak in the scenery. I love Ontario’s Parks!”
Dan Kraus, Weston conservation scientist and senior director of conservation program development
One of my favourite rivers - the Oxtongue near Algonquin Park (Photo by Dan Kraus/NCC staff)
“With more lakes than every other country combined, spending time on the water is a quintessential Canadian experience. Paddling on a lake or river creates stories of adventure, beauty and the unexpected that become lifelong memories. One of my favorite rivers is the Oxtongue near Algonquin Park, which varies from a relaxing meanders to thundering falls.
“Over the World Environment Day weekend, I spent time with my family canoeing this river in Muskoka.”
The Canadian Environment Week website offers a list of ideas on how you can join in on the celebration and activities for all year long:
- Plant a tree
- Share your environment friendly tips on YouTube
- Take a walk in nature
- Bike to work
- Host a zero-waste dinner
Happy Environment Week to all!
