Young Nature Leaders
Their motivation to connect, commitment to protect and passion to celebrate nature has been an inspiration to Nature Canada and the communities they engage.
In 2024, we are celebrating the grant’s seventh year running thanks to the passion and generosity of Women for Nature members. The Young Nature Leader’s grant was created to empower, uplift and support young people looking to implement a community-based project centered around nature and sustainability. This Earth Day, we are celebrating six recipients of the Young Nature Leaders grant.
We would like to give a special thanks to this year’s Selection Committee which included an amazing group of Young Leaders. Thank you Brianna Barrett, Chevaun Toulouse, Derek Nguyen, Elise Laferriere, Jessica Lewis, Laurent Caselino, Lauren Lawson, and Nena Van de Wouwer for volunteering your time to review all the inspiring projects!
Congratulations to this years recipients who include: (listed alphabetically by last name)
Percy Ager (and their partner) will be planting a 4-acre pollinator wildflower meadow and creating an accessible and inclusive agro-tourism space where folks can connect with nature as it was always intended. The meadow will serve as a foraging haven for native pollinators and as an important seed reservoir.
“We believe the practice of seed saving is an incredible opportunity to ensure our communities have the skills and knowledge to be good stewards of the land – which in turn gives us an opportunity to actively participate in the only viable way forward on this planet. We’re so excited to host seed saving workshops to help create more pollinator habitats, and people who support them, in our community.”
Haley De Turse will be launching Sun School, an outdoor experiential workshop, which focuses on getting students interested in nature and conservation issues through citizen science. The workshops have a focus on bird conservation issues and migration, animal adaptations, food webs, and sustainable practices.
“I want to make outdoor education accessible for all, whether it be students from low socio-economic backgrounds, newcomers to Canada, or folks who are disabled. Sun School brings participants outside, where learning happens under the sun.”
Abinaya Gnanasekar is planning to organize a one-day trip to a conservation area for newcomer and refugee women, with the aim of immersing them in discussions on conservation topics that will allow them to experience Canada’s natural beauty and culture firsthand.
“In university, my studies focused on the relationship between humans, culture, and nature. The opportunity to lead a community-based nature project focusing on nature, and culture resonated with my passion and love for the environment and the cultures I grew up with. As a BIPOC immigrant woman, my lived experiences have shaped my relationship with nature and the community around me.”
Humza Hassan will develop a series of five park and trail cleanup and educational events with Muslim community members in the Greater Toronto area.
“I’m passionate about learning and applying our knowledge to the natural world around us. My project aims to bridge education, engagement, and community for all ages, through outdoor seminars in local parks followed up by a group clean up.”
Samuel LeGresley will create a guide aiming to help Wildflower Seed Librarians in starting native plant seed exchange systems in local communities across Canada.
“The guide called Sharing our Nature will not only relate my experiences in starting a seed library in my own community, but also show what works and what doesn’t in well-established Wildflower Seed Libraries. I hope this serves as a springboard for people to help address demand in native seeds, with the goal of lessening the decline in beneficial insect populations.”
Luke Nguyen co-founder of Operation EcoPen, will expand on cultivating connections through the Indigenous Community and Healing Garden Project by enriching the garden with diverse vegetables and enhancing the garden’s role as a living classroom for the community.
“The Indigenous Community and Healing Garden is a gathering place of hope, sustainability, and unity. I am committed to mobilizing youth leadership in enhancing this cherished landscape, showcasing native plant species and traditional Indigenous agricultural practices. Together with my peers from local youth organizations I aim to foster a deep appreciation for Indigenous wisdom and sustainable living, nurturing a green space that bolsters our community’s health and well-being.”
Through Nature Canada’s Young Nature Leaders Grant, youth are motivating and empowering communities across Canada to be leaders for nature. To get inspired and read about past winners, explore earlier projects here.
A BIG THANK YOU TO:
