Nature Canada

Janet Pattinson: Sharing my love of Nature so future generations can enjoy nature too!

[separator headline=”h3″ title=”As a little girl in British Columbia…”]I lived close to the bush, so my sister and I grew up with an appreciation for the natural world. I remember searching enthusiastically for wild huckleberries and little blackberries…we were both so attached to all the wild flowers which we discovered near our home. Looking back, I realize how this shaped my love for nature.

It’s because of my belief in the importance of our natural world that I’m a life member of Nature Canada, and have been supporting them for over 3 decades. As a retired teacher, I’m particularly proud of Nature Canada’s success in connecting children to nature every year. But I’m equally proud to be a part of Nature Canada’s efforts to protect habitat and push for effective laws that will preserve our natural heritage for future generations.

A few years ago, I made the decision to leave a gift to Nature Canada in my Will. It seems a natural extension to continue my long term support. And having reached an age when I needed to think about my estate, I decided there could be no better way to be remembered than as someone who believed in preserving Canada’s natural world.

Personally, I’d like my special gift to someday be involved in saving some habitat from development. I’ve traveled quite a bit across Canada, and I’ve been privileged enough to see some beautiful places. I’d like to see more natural treasures like these preserved, rather than the land being sold to build more high rises and condominiums. Probably you might feel the same way!

Janet Pattinson, sitting at the edge of our “bush”.  Saskatoon, Mock Orange and Ocean Spray surround Janet and Honeysuckle, Oregon Grape and a Fir tree found behind all planted by Mother Nature

Janet Pattinson, sitting at the edge of our “bush”. Saskatoon, Mock Orange and Ocean Spray surround Janet and Honeysuckle, Oregon Grape and a Fir tree found behind all planted by Mother Nature

I feel confident in leaving my legacy to Nature Canada because they have a proven track record in protecting wilderness across the country. Over its history, Nature Canada has helped to protect over 63 million hectares of precious wildlife habitat in Canada.

I’m a strong believer in Nature Canada’s collaborative, partnership approach that seeks the most practical, cost-effective ways to ensure that important wild land and species are protected. This partnership approach has contributed to the protection of the boreal forest, species at risk, national wildlife areas and Important Bird Areas.

Of course, instilling an appreciation for nature is particularly critical to our young people. Nature Canada’s many education projects instill a passion for nature in children and will help build the next generation of environmental stewards. But appreciating nature is just one half of the solution. One must also take action to prevent development from destroying our natural heritage. And that’s another reason why I support Nature Canada, as a donor and through my personal legacy.

Nature Canada is a strong voice for nature…heard loud and clear on issues ranging from protecting wildlife areas and endangered species, to preventing environmental damage by development projects. The conservation staff have the expertise to speak with authority on environmental concerns. I believe it’s hugely valuable to have staff with the time and resources to lobby at the national level, in ways that volunteers don’t always have.

If you’re like me, nature has played an important role in your life. It’s brought you many memorable moments of immense joy and unparalleled peace. And I’m sure you share Nature Canada’s vision, as I do, of a future where Canada’s magnificent natural heritage is preserved, protected, and adored by our loved ones for generations to come.

And while Nature Canada has made some impressive progress toward that goal, there is still much work to be done. And members like us can help support their future efforts.

When working on drafting my Will years ago, I realized that I could make a more significant contribution through my Estate than I would ever be possible to do during my lifetime. Having done it, I know that leaving a gift in your Will is an extremely personal decision. But how do each of us want to be remembered? Of all the worthwhile causes that need our support, which important work do we want to continue after we’re gone?

For me, there can be nothing more important than making sure that future generations have an environment that will sustain life, and a natural world that continues to offer a rich heritage of beauty and wonder. Perhaps you might also feel the same.

I encourage you to take a moment to think about how you want to be remembered? If you want future generations to be able to enjoy nature in the same way that you have, why not join me in making a gift to Nature Canada in your Will. You can talk with Jodi at Nature Canada (1-800-267-4088, ext 239) who is wonderfully helpful and patient with all your questions.

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