Welcome to nature: Asquith Ukrainian hike

Group photo of of the hike group. Close to 60 people took part in this event on June 24, 2023 (Photo by NCC)

Since February 2022, when several countries opened their borders to Ukrainians fleeing the devastating war in their homeland, Canada has graciously welcomed thousands of Ukrainian evacuees, many of whom have chosen Saskatchewan as their new residence. Recognizing the importance of community integration and the health benefits of nature, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and the Saskatoon Open Door Society joined forces to organize a special event for the Ukrainian newcomers.

The Embracing Newcomers through Nature event was held on June 24, 2023, at NCC’s Asquith conservation property, located approximately 13 kilometres outside of Asquith. It includes a remarkable six-kilometre hike along an interpretive trail that leads through scenic landscapes — from grasslands bursting with wildflowers, to canopies of trees and rolling sand dunes.

The event started with snacks and introductions, followed by a nature scavenger hunt and hike (lead in both English and Ukrainian), and ended with a relaxing picnic and games. The goal of this event was for Ukrainian newcomers to experience the benefits of nature but to also foster connections with their peers and the broader community, facilitating a cultural exchange and sense of belonging.

Embracing Newcomers through Nature event at NCC`s Asquith property organized together with Saskatoon Open Door Society. (Photo by NCC)

Close to 60 people took part, the youngest being a four-month-old baby whose parents carried him around in a baby carrier so he could be a part of the hike. Despite being so young, he seemed to really enjoy himself, staring at everything in wide-eyed wonder. While the rest of the children were a bit older, they seemed to have just as much enthusiasm as the baby. They eagerly looked for everything on the scavenger hunt list and made sure their parents knew when they found something. The most enthusiastic was a 10-year-old boy who asked questions about all the different plants he saw. He told Morgan (NCC staff member who helped lead the hike) that he wanted to work in nature like her when he grows up.

This event wasn’t just important to the Ukrainian newcomers but to the people who organized it. Bohdana, NCC’s donor relations and engagement officer, moved to Canada from Ukraine five years ago and has made Saskatchewan her home.

A young participant showing the nature scavenger hunt (Photo by NCC)

This project was very important on so many levels, and also a very special one for me to work on since I am a Ukrainian immigrant as well; I’ve just been living in Canada for a bit longer,” says Bohdana. “Watching the Ukrainian newcomers getting excited to explore their new home, eager to learn more about plants and animals, and finally find some peace in nature warmed my heart. Artem, a Grade 8 student who has been living in Saskatoon with his grandmother, mother and a younger sister after escaping a previously occupied region in north-central Ukraine, said it was the best field trip he has ever been on. While looking at the grasslands he told me that it looked just like home. Him saying that was one of the brightest memories I have from the hike, and at that moment it was hard to keep my tears at bay. It was such a rewarding experience and such a meaningful project, which, to me, was truly what NCC is all about — connecting communities to nature!”

A big thanks to all the people who worked so hard to make this event possible! To Bohdana and the Saskatoon Open Door Society Settlement Family Support team, Lyudmyla Pastushenko, Olena Tarasenko and Olena Seleznova-Mykytiuk, for coordinating, planning and hosting this event. Thank you to the Stephen and Michelene Worobetz Foundation, which sponsored the transportation and supplied lunch. And to Sarah Bradley, NCC stewardship coordinator, and Morgan Kanak, NCC ecological restoration manager, who helped put on the event and lead the hike. Without their help, Embracing Newcomers through Nature would not have been possible. It was important to have this event as it gave Ukrainian newcomers the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about NCC's Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and connect with their fellow newcomers and the local community.

NCC’s Asquith conservation area features 543 hectares of ecologically significant land and water and contributes to an important wildlife habitat corridor in the Saskatoon Prairie Natural Area.  Species to spot include American badger, bobolink, loggerhead shrike, northern leopard frog and Sprague’s pipit. We encourage others to explore nature and check out NCC’s Asquith project. For more information, visit, https://naturedestinations.ca/destinations/asquith