“Nature is part of our enduring values.”

Both our families had been visiting the Happy Valley Forest since 1950, and our parents both bought property here. We met at a skating party on New Year’s Eve 1963, in the corner of the property where we still live today. We’ve been recording birds and other wildlife sightings as volunteers every day since. Birds make every visit outside the chance for a spark of magic. Ann’s father was a devoted birder and I remember him joking about “pishing in the woods” to attract birds. It’s a rare day that goes by that we don’t have a pish in the woods.

You asked about urgent priorities for nature conservation. Biodiversity is a big concern. We want to see more areas where everything lives and grows, the whole system thrives. Salamanders, insects, birds, there are declines in so many species. Species abundance is down here—we see the changes on our own property. We’re concerned about how people bulldoze and place no value on wild, scruffy places. The idea of taking kids out and not being able to turn over a log to find a salamander troubles us. Without nature, our world is dull, grey and predictable.

But there are glimmers of hope. Here in the Happy Valley there is over 750 acres of protected forest—and we’ve got our Red Headed Woodpecker back! Nature shows us that, when given a chance, she can and will re-wild! Humans can get it right and get it better, or we can be a memory. The collective power of people—Nature Canada—we can do unbelievable things. If there is hope for the world, it’s because more people are adding their voice.

Red-Headed Woodpecker (Photo: Barb D’Arpino)

And Nature Canada amplifies this and gives voice to those who don’t have it: bears, wolves, owls, winter wrens, and more. We’ve been members and volunteers for years, and have left a gift in our Will, too. When we put the preservation of nature in our Will, what we are doing is entrusting the people who will protect nature—that’s Nature Canada. As part of writing our Will, we think about what’s most important to us, our enduring values, and what we can do to pass them along. Our kids, and our grandkids, are our legacy on the planet. Every day, our family passes on our values. We can also give to organizations that reflect our values. How much doesn’t matter. You can have your values live on in perpetuity while taking a stand for what matters to you. Nature has been that for us.

Talking to our kids about our Will was not only important, it was inspiring. We should relish the chance to talk to our loved ones about what means most to us. That’s not a moment to fear, it’s a moment to celebrate. Our kids were glad to know about our plans and wishes, and we felt reassured knowing that they knew about our intentions. We’ve come to know that gifts in Wills are a big reason charities can achieve their goals.

One day, in the future, we want someone to open an envelope at Nature Canada and be notified that our gift is now realized. And we want them to know that they have this money, right now, to add to whatever is most important and urgent at that time. We hope it helps save birds, damselflies, grizzly bears and fight for clean air and fresh water. And we hope the charity feels good knowing that nature lovers like us took the step to help nature forever because we trust Nature Canada today and every day.

I love connecting with donors, hearing your stories, and helping you make the most of your generosity and philanthropy is truly my honour. You are always invited to contact me for a confidential conversation about your membership at work for nature or about other ways to support nature in Canada. I’m here to help!

Jodi Joy, Legacy Support,
Proud Whittemore Circle Legacy Donor
1-800-267-4088 or 613-562-3447 ext. 239
jjoy@naturecanada.ca