First and foremost, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. If you are anything like me, you’re feeling anxious, isolated, and struggling to create a new routine. This unprecedented period represents a significant shift in the way we spend our time at work, at home, and in nature. 

In the weeks ahead, it will be crucial to maintain our physical and mental health. Our team believes in the power of nature to restore and revive—this was true before COVID-19, and it remains true today. 

Fortunately, spring arrives in three days. Spring! The birds are returning. The sun feels warmer. Green things are sprouting. 

Nature Canada has taken responsible steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our staff are working from home. We have cancelled all of our public events until the end of April and will be reviewing future plans as well. We sympathize with the many in our community who have put a lot of work into events which may now not go ahead. 

Many of us share a common love of wide open spaces, and the weeks ahead present a time to take advantage of that natural solitude. The physical distancing advised by public health officials can happen within the comfort of your home, but is also an opportunity to visit a park or forest in your neighbourhood. Nature can be part of our solution to dealing with this crisis.

Canadians have always weathered the storm. Be kind to one another. Support your local community. But also remember, nature can help. Go for walks. Listen to the birdsong. Remember the permanence of the Earth.

We would like to thank our donors, especially those who give on a monthly basis, for remaining deeply dedicated to our organization and to nature. Our economy is being affected and the grants that we rely on for much of our work are gravely in question. It is in such uncertain times that we are reminded of how grateful we are to have supporters whose devotion to nature is truly unparalleled.  

Together, we’ll get through this. 

Yours in nature,
Graham Saul and the Nature Canada team

Editor’s note: This blog post was updated on Monday, March 30 to reflect the shift in language from “social distancing” to “physical distancing.”

Nature Canada thanks the frontline medical workers for their efforts during this time. We follow the advice of the World Health Organization and Health Canada. Please visit these two websites for the latest information on how to protect you and your family from COVID-19.