Unceded Algonquin Territory — Ottawa, ON | November 2, 2026

As urban greenspaces and biodiversity continue to face declines across the country, Nature Canada is spearheading efforts to reverse this trend and build a “community quilt of natural spaces” through its Nature-Positive Cities program. With a charitable gift from RBC Foundation, Nature Canada is acting as a vital supporting partner to our local Nature Network nationwide, driving impactful on-the-ground restoration, stewardship and monitoring projects to address both biodiversity loss and climate change.

To date, the program’s progress has surpassed expectations. Nature Canada has successfully certified 41 cities and towns as Bird Friendly and funded dozens of local climate resiliency and nature-based restoration projects. Including 20 newly funded initiatives, planting hundreds of trees and native vegetation, helping restore and provide habitat for urban populations of birds, insects and other urban wildlife.

By supporting local projects that plant native trees, pollinator gardens, monitor biodiversity health and restore important wildlife habitats, this Nature-Positive Cities program helps keep cities cool, absorbs carbon, and mitigates extreme weather phenomena like flooding and the urban heat island effect while supporting local biodiversity.

“The Nature-Positive Cities project strengthens communities by engaging individuals, community organizations and municipalities in direct action. Together we’re advancing local climate solutions by conserving natural spaces, planting trees and restoring wildlife habitat,” says Thea Silver, Senior Director, Environmental Impact at RBC. “It’s a tangible approach to addressing a global challenge, and every community can play a part.”

“Nature Canada has a proud legacy of working alongside community partners to protect and restore nature in cities across Canada,” adds Emily McMillan, Executive Director of Nature Canada. “We are pleased to work with RBC Foundation to help amplify and accelerate these efforts nationwide, ensuring our urban ecosystems can flourish well into the future. Their leadership and support will help create healthier, resilient cities where nature and people can thrive for generations to come.”

With support from RBC Foundation and other contributors, Nature Canada is helping community groups across the country turn local ideas into action for nature.

Oldman Watershed Council

• Project Impact: The Oldman Watershed Council brought together community volunteers and local leaders to plant 4,441 willows along the Waterton River in Alberta, turning hands-on restoration into a living demonstration of nature-based climate solutions.
• Partner Quote: “Nature Canada’s support enabled us to bring the community together to implement practical natural climate solutions, and showcase the work to elected officials, in the Oldman watershed, where recent droughts have highlighted the urgent need for on-the-ground action.” – Shannon Frank, Executive Director, Oldman Watershed Council.

Charlottetown Area Watershed Association

• Project Impact: Growing the next generation of nature stewards, students will come together to plant trees, as an example of engaging community members to help restore local green spaces.
• Key Stats:
  • 100 students will be engaged
  • 500+ trees will be planted
  • Improved biodiversity and climate outcomes for the whole city

Nature Lions Bay

• Project Impact: Nature Lions Bay volunteers have established the first acoustic monitoring network in Lions Bay, BC. It spans coastal, residential, and forest habitats to document bird species, their seasonal activity, migration timing, and more, to help advance habitat protection and biodiversity conservation.
• Partner Quote: “This is the first project of its kind in Lions Bay and as such it presents a very exciting and foundational opportunity. We’re so grateful to Nature Canada for making this possible. Our Village has a remarkable diversity of habitats and, as a designated Bird Friendly City, this gives us an opportunity to strengthen local bird conservation efforts by developing a long-term, community-based understanding of how birds use these different habitats.” – Dr. Danielle Wills, Project Lead, Nature Lions Bay

Through these ongoing stewardship activities, thousands of people are connecting their interest in nearby nature with the broader challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Communities are coming together to confront eco-anxiety with hope and tangible action.

As the Nature-Positive Cities program grows, Nature Canada and RBC Foundation are helping demonstrate what is possible when communities have the resources, knowledge and support to turn nature-based ideas into action.

For more information on Nature Canada’s Nature-Positive Cities program or to learn how your municipality can get involved, please visit cities.naturecanada.ca.

Across the country, Nature Canada is empowering local groups to lead crucial restoration work. Other recent examples of this collaborative impact include:

• The Nova Scotia Bird Society members are providing nest boxes for tree swallows facing steep regional population declines. (Halifax, NS)
• Habitat Acquisition Trust: Working to reverse population declines of the Western Screech Owl on south Vancouver Island through acoustic monitoring, habitat assessments, and nest box enhancements. (Victoria, BC)
• Ontario Nature’s Youth Council & The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy: Engaging youth and communities in wetland education and the renaturalization of cultural meadows through native plantings. (Toronto, ON)
• Restoring nature and strengthening food sovereignty in Winnipeg, MB: Seeds of Life Alliance will host restoration events at two sites that bring together food-bearing trees and plants, nesting habitat for birds and wildlife, and riparian restoration. (Winnipeg, MB)
• Bringing new life to Wolfville’s Reservoir Park: Volunteers of Blomidon Naturalists are planting 21 large trees in a one-acre area previously overrun by invasive species, helping restore native habitat and create a healthier green space for local wildlife and the community. (Wolfville, NS)
• Volunteers with Free the Fern are revitalizing Vancouver’s urban trails through invasive species removal and community events that help residents learn how to protect pollinators and support healthier urban ecosystems. (Vancouver, BC)

A charity since 1939, Nature Canada has been the voice for nature. Our mission is to cultivate and strengthen the connections and conditions needed for species and habitats to flourish. Our vision is a Canada where nature is restored, thriving, and an integral part of everyday life, rooted in all the decisions that shape our shared future.

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For more information, contact:
Scott Mullenix
media@naturecanada.ca