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What could be more Canadian than a long weekend camping trip? Take advantage of the upcoming holiday to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re going hiking, on a day trip, or staying overnight, planning is the key to a successful camping experience, so make sure to check the following items: HIKING Photo by Arlen Tees via Flickr Before you go Prepare your route and gather maps Check whether there is an entry fee, if pets are allowed on the trails, etc Leave your itinerary with a friend Don’t leave home without Hiking boots or sturdy shoes Backpack Water bottle Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat Insect repellant First aid… read more →
Sometimes, nature needs to be left alone in order to thrive and do its job well. That’s the message Carla Sbert, Nature Canada’s manager of conservation programs and legal issues, shared with CBC Radio One’s Ottawa morning show listeners on behalf of everyone who feels nature deserves a break. Inspired by her daily commute to our office in downtown Ottawa, Carla asked the National Capital Commission to help Monarch butterflies by leaving fields standing through the summer. Here’s Carla’s story, which was read by the show’s co-host, Stu: I have been cycling to work from Gatineau to downtown Ottawa through Leamy Lake Park for five years. Every summer I am… read more →
Photo by the National Capital Commission (via Flickr) From coast to coast to coast, we are celebrating 144 years of being a nation. In many ways, we are defined by the landscape: tundra to the north, mountains in the west, rolling plains meeting up with the striking features of the Canadian Shield, to ocean-swept tidal beaches in the east. What better way to mark Canada Day than by getting outside and enjoying everything that nature has to offer? Most communities offer outdoor festivities of one kind or another, so find out what’s going on in your neighbourhood and gather outside for a great birthday celebration. If you’d prefer something a… read more →
A late start to the summer means that we’ve only recently dusted our standing fans, planted our vegetable gardens, and started planning our weekend getaways. But what about all the time that we’ll be spending indoors when the thermostat is pushing 30? With a little planning, you can easily keep your home cool and your energy bills down. If you’re looking to beat the heat naturally, stay cool while keeping these green tips in mind: Create a stir. Circulating air keeps you cooler, and fans use 90% less energy than air conditioners. If you can, set up a cross-current with window fans. Get with the program. On days when air… read more →
Tastes like Spring by Larissa Sayer (via Flickr) What will you be doing this weekend? Opening up the cottage? Visiting a national park? How about staying closer to home and getting out into the garden? The May long weekend traditionally marks the start of gardening season in most parts of Canada. The danger of frost has passed and the soil has had a chance to dry out from the winter melt and spring rain. Where to start with 3 days of gardening bliss ahead? First, decide what type of improvements you’d like to make to your garden this year: traditional, wildflower, vegetable or maybe a mix. If this is your… read more →
Last week, Nature Canada joined Ontario Nature to celebrate the purchase of an important piece of forested land on the coast of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula. Ian Davidson, Nature Canada’s executive director, and Mara Kerry, Nature Canada’s director of conservation, traveled to Wiarton, Ontario for the celebration. Thanks to the generosity of Hugo Germeraad, a nature advocate, naturalist and long-time member of Nature Canada, a stunning stretch of Bruce Peninsula is now protected forever. This was made possible when Hugo Germeraad bequeathed a gift in his Will for the acquisition of a nature reserve. Located some 40 kilometres north of Owen Sound, amidst one of the largest unprotected expanses of woodland… read more →
Tulips from the 2005 Canadian Tulip Festival.Photo by Robin Dawes (via Flickr). While there’s something to love in every season in Canada, late spring holds a special treat – the start of so many outdoor festivals across the country! The nicer weather means that we can celebrate everything from music to food to art to the environment, all outdoors in beautiful spaces. Whether you’re going to a specific nature-focused event (such as the 2011 Nature Trust of BC Wild Festival for Youth) or something a bit more general, like the Canadian Tulip Festival starting in Ottawa this weekend, these are great opportunities to get outside throughout the spring and summer… read more →
Photo: tkeneipp Today marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Why not celebrate by making these small changes every day for the month of May: Watch less TV Buy fewer things Eat more vegetables, grains, and fruits while eating less meat Take the stairs instead of the elevator Ride the bus or your bike to work or school Use less water in and around your home Tells us about your act of green in the comments – and ask your friends and family what they’re doing! Earth Day is also the first day of advanced voting for the federal election. As you go to the polls, choose the party that… read more →
Cast Your Vote for Nature on May 2, 2011! Canadians expect their government to protect nature. We live in a time when the planet’s health is in peril, a time when strong leadership and decisive action are required to address the urgent threats of climate change, habitat loss, and species extinctions. To effectively protect nature for future generations, the Government of Canada has to do four things: 1. Protect Wildlife 2. Preserve Natural Areas 3. Prevent Environmental Disasters 4. Lead Canadian Conservation Tell Canada’s leaders where you stand – vote for nature in 2011! Music for All Eyes Are On Nature is courtesy of Pitx.
Pull ivy at Campbell Valley Park, Langley BC Want to tackle environmental issues and have fun? If you live in BC’s Lower Mainland, the Lower Mainland Green Team might be the group for you! They get together once a month to help an environmental group, non-profit organization, charity or city tackle an environmental issue that needs co-operation and teamwork. Gloves and tools will be supplied as well as refreshments! Some of their activities include: • Pulling invasive plants that are overtaking native flora • Planting of native plants/trees • Restoring areas along a stream, river, marsh or shoreline • Beach/River/lake clean up • Harvesting organic fruits/veggies • Trail building/maintenance •… read more →