This story comes to you from Ian Davies, the grandson of Mabel and Reginald Whittemore, the inspiring founders of our organization. Today, Ian is a Guardian of Nature monthly donor and here he shares some reflections on how his family shaped his love for nature and his commitment to action. I hope you see some of your own values reflected here!

Nature has always been part of our family story. My appreciation for nature came, well, naturally! Our family cottage in Muskoka has been part of us for nearly 100 years — some of the original cabin is part of the cottage today. You can see the light coming in between the cabin boards facing the lake, and in the winter-time snow comes into the living and dining room. It’s a magical place that rooted my love for nature.

My Dad was an entomologist (his specialty was black flies) and my mum worked as his lab assistant before they got married and started a family. We were at the cottage every summer as kids and teens. I have vivid memories of going for walks in nature and learning about plants, birds, and, of course, insects. My Dad taught my brother and me how to stun flies to get them into specimen bottles. Our friends were very impressed we knew how to stun flies!

What would my grandparents think about the state of nature today? Well, the state of nature today is scary and troubling. Loss of habitat, warming oceans, wildfires, flooding — there’s lots to be concerned about. It’s terrible what’s happening — I think my grandparents would see it like a runaway train. But there is hope that we can halt and reverse this. And I know they would find hope.

You can find hope in education. My mother and grandmother, Mabel Frances loved teaching. They both loved inspiring kids, and people of all ages, to learn more about the natural world, and understand that everything in nature is interconnected.

Mabel Frances Whittemore

Education is paramount — we can’t create change unless we have enough people who care and who demand action to fix things that are wrong. And giving to Nature Canada gives me hope. I’m a Guardian of Nature monthly donor and I’m proud to see this organization push the envelope, bring people together, and raise our voices for nature. Every month, I know that my gift is at work saving nature, and it’s being combined with the gifts of other caring and passionate Canadians. I hope everyone reading this will consider what they can do to help nature — and giving today is a way to find hope!

The best part of my day is connecting with members and supporters like Ian — and you! I love hearing from you about your stories, your memories, and your reasons for giving. You are always invited to contact me anytime for a conversation. Thank you!

Jodi Joy
Director of Development
1-800-267-4088 or 613-562-3447 ext. 239
[email protected]