Jodi Joy, Director of Development

I read a story the other day which talked about Jane Goodall and how her mom supported her dream and desire to work with animals in Africa.  This reminded me of how important our mothers (and fathers) are in helping shape and influence us as children.

Young girl explores local creek

Likely your mom was of the generation that allowed kids to explore their neighbourhood, perhaps you ventured forth to the local ravine or forested woodlots to play imagination games or hide and seek. Likely those times shine through as some of your best and favourite childhood memories.  Or maybe your mom took you hand in hand to teach you about the flowers in the garden or the birds at your backyard feeder which sparked your interest in learning more about wildlife.  It is experiences like these that engage and inspire young people to want to learn more about nature and do more to protect nature.

It’s troubling to read recent stats that Canadians now spend 90% of their time indoors; only 7% of Canadian children meet the daily physical activity requirements but most alarming that the average radius of our play for a 9 year has decreased by 90% since the 1970s.

Each time I chat with a potential member or supporter and talk about our NatureHood program which provides opportunities for youth and families to get out into nature to explore and learn more, they nod along when I bring up how important this is to ensure the next generation cares about nature as you and I have.  And at our recent Women for Nature celebration, we heard time and again how these leaders for nature started out because of their early experiences in nature.

We want to ensure there are more Jane Goodalls to come, people who will lead science and research to better understand and protect wildlife or wilderness at risk.  At the same time, we also want to ensure a happy, healthy and prosperous society which will come because of the many benefits that spending time in nature affords us as a society.

As a Mom I know all the demands and pressures of balancing work and family.  I also feel the guilt that comes when I read or hear of what more I should be doing for the well-being of my kids. The other day I read an interesting Mommy blogger who said there are just too many expectations on moms today and lay off. Looking at the many news stories of stressed out kids today, I do believe we need more Moms for Nature who understand and recognize the many benefits nature provides for us, our children and our family.  The calm, the focus, the creativity and imagination, and stress relief which can only be positive outcomes? And it can be achieved as simply as a walk in the local park or green spaces as a start. So the way I will celebrate Mother’s day this year, as I did last year is to take a deep breath as I walk with my kids hand in hand past the pussy willows and budding maple trees on the nature trail nearby. And hopefully we will get a brief glimpse of a garter snake or a chipmunk dashing past us.

I hope everyone else will also have the opportunity to get outdoors with their children or grandchildren today to celebrate Mother Nature too! Happy Mother’s Day to all!

Hon. Pauline Browes

[pullquote align=”left”]“Mothers are good nature people and if we can bring the children to nature places and they enjoy this time – I think it really helps them through life.”  Hon. Pauline Browes, Women for Nature[/pullquote]