News

The Yellow Warbler can be thought of as the quintessential  Canadian summer bird! It is a small, social, and vocal songbird, with the phrasing of its song described as “sweet, sweet, Canada, sweet”. These birds are almost entirely yellow, with the breast streaked with rusty red stripes, and these streaks appear much fainter on the female vs. a breeding male. Learn more features about this bird in our Tweet of the Week! Each week we introduce a new bird from the Ottawa-Gatineau area through our segment on CBC Radio’s In Town and Out. Alex MacDonald, Nature Canada’s Manager of Protected Areas, shares interesting facts about the birds that live in our communities. Be sure to tune-in to “Bird Tweet of the Week” on CBC Radio… read more →

At the Trade and Convention Centre on the Saint John Harbour, a crowd of about sixty pipeline supporters gathered around a pipeline segment on a trailer behind a black Ford F-150. Across the large pipe was written “We support #EnergyEast”. Inside, people (mostly in suits) chatted politely while the NEB team provided directions, answered questions, and worked very hard to be as helpful as possible. The Panel entered, the room rose to their feet. The Panel sat, the room followed. The Proponents presented their project and Nature Canada was invited as the first intervenor to make their submissions to the NEB Panel reviewing the Energy East application. I arrived in Saint John several days before the Panel Sessions to do… read more →

Between the province’s long coastline, vast forests, rivers and rugged mountains, British Columbia is bursting with things to do this time of year. If you find yourself needing some adventure this summer, or just want to connect with nature, check out one (or all!) of these quintessential outdoor activities. 1) Kayaking in Johnstone Strait If you’re keen to get up close and personal with the best of B.C.’s marine wildlife this summer, Johnstone Strait is a great place to go. Located along Vancouver Island’s east coast, Johnstone Strait is a critical habitat for many of the region’s most iconic marine species, including Humpback, Minke and Grey Whales, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions and, of course, Killer Whales.… read more →

Media Advisory Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Who: Hosted by Nature Canada Speakers include: Alex MacDonald, CBC Radio 1’s In Town and Out weekly bird tweeter and Senior Conservation Manager at Nature Canada What: A Swift Evening Out is an outdoor event featuring presentations, activities and easy birdwatching to raise public awareness of the Chimney Swift, a provincially and nationally threatened bird found in Ottawa. Event participants will observe the sunset behaviour of the Chimney Swift; each evening the Swifts fly into suitable chimneys and human structures throughout the region – often hundreds of birds at a time – where they roost for the night in large groups. The birds dive headfirst into the chimneys, reaching speeds of 60 km/hr before entering, making… read more →

Nature Canada will be the first Intervenor in the country to address the National Energy Board (NEB) Panel reviewing TransCanada’s application to build the Energy East Pipeline. In preparation for the NEB Panel Sessions in Saint John, New Brunswick (NB) starting Monday August 8th, I have travelled to the Bay of Fundy. First thing Monday morning, Nature Canada will lead the way in making submissions to the NEB in order to ensure that proponents’ evidence is rigorously tested and the Panel is provided with the facts about the risks the pipeline poses to nature. Immediately after arriving in Saint John, it was clear that the city is unique. New Brunswick is a province dominated by impressive landscapes. Driving south on… read more →

This blog was written by guest blogger Leslie Abram. Who have we here? Someone pretty special, that’s for sure. We have great news here in Brighton. Piping Plovers, an endangered species of shorebird, are raising a family on the beach at Presqu’ile Provincial Park for the first time in 100 years. Protection Plans in the US and Canada have been working to increase the population of Piping Plovers since 1986. Action steps include protecting sandy habitats that plovers need to nest and public education programs. Biologists have also installed enclosures over Piping Plover nests to protect them from predators. This consists of a cage that has spaces large enough for the plovers to move freely in and out, but small enough… read more →

This blog was written by guest blogger Brooke Davis. Packing Your Day pack: 5 Easy Tips to Help You Enjoy Nature Easy One of the most frustrating things for new adventurers can be the daunting task of packing your bag for your first trip. Your backpack is the central station for all your needs during your time outdoors; it is your emergency and first aid, your food and water and often contains little sources of entertainment for your trip. Though the below list may not be applicable to all your outings, it certainly offers a great general set of tips  for  getting you out the door and ready to enjoy all this beautiful country has to offer while being safe, smart… read more →

Have you got your ticket yet for the Nature Canada Ball? Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Patron of the Nature Canada Ball will be honoured as Nature Canada’s 100th member of Women for Nature. The featured guest speaker will be Margaret Atwood, founding member of Women for Nature. As well, there will be a special performance by Juno award winning Chantal Kreviazuk! It will be an evening not to be missed! The Nature Ball will take place at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Ballroom, September 30th 2016, Reception 7.00 p.m., Dinner 8.00 p.m.  All proceeds support Nature Canada’s work to protect species and habitats and connect children to their NatureHood. Tables and individual tickets are available to purchase at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-canada-ball-tickets-26884244499. They are going fast! Proudly Sponsored by:… read more →

The Cape May Warbler actually has quite an unsuitable name. Alexander Wilson was first to find and describe this species in Cape May, New Jersey during his 19th century natural history expedition. However, the Cape May Warbler wasn’t actually seen in its namesake area again for more than 100 years following Wilson’s discovery. Each week we introduce a new bird from the Ottawa-Gatineau area through our segment on CBC Radio’s In Town and Out. Alex MacDonald, Nature Canada’s Manager of Protected Areas, shares interesting facts about the birds that live in our communities. Be sure to tune-in to “Bird Tweet of the Week” on CBC Radio One 91.5 FM on Saturday mornings from 6am to 9am and listen to past episodes on… read more →

This blog is written by Women for Nature member Dawn Bazely. Cedar Swan, CEO of Adventure Canada I had a chance to interview fellow Woman for Nature, Cedar Swan, about her career, and her environmental philosophy while watching this CEO in action on her company, Adventure Canada’s Mighty St. Lawrence cruise, as the Ocean Endeavour sailed from Quebec City to St. John’s from June 1-10 2016. I was already familiar with the Swan family business, through my husband, Dr. Peter Ewins of WWF Canada, so I was thrilled to be invited to join the Adventure Canada Resource Team as a naturalist. Along with other expert resource staff, I gave talks about, and interpreted the region’s rich biodiversity, culture and history.… read more →