Connect with people and nature through volunteering
Conservation Volunteers planting trees at Swishwash Island, BC (Photo by NCC)
For me, spring is a time of new beginnings. As the ground starts to thaw and we begin to shed our winter layers, the rhythm of the season draws us outdoors, where we can breathe in the fresh spring air. Spring bulbs push their way through the cold...
Josh Noseworthy: Conservation is not about wildlife, it’s about people
Josh Noseworthy and a snapping turtle, Tusket River Headwaters Nature Reserve, NS (Photo by Frank Merill)
“Conservation isn’t about wildlife, it’s about people. If you’re serious about conserving wildlife, you need to understand how people work.” – Josh Noseworthy Imagine walking through woods thick with ancient,...
Good things happen when you take your class outside
Jenna Siu leading the group at Nature Days, Happy Valley Forest (Photo by HSBC Bank Canada)
In many urban areas, children and families lack access to nature and the freedom to explore local plants and animals. Anxiety levels, attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) and antisocial behaviour in children is on the rise. It's said that the average...
Celebrating National Forest Week the Conservation Volunteers way
Volunteers heading out to pull invasive garlic mustard at a CV event in Happy Valley Forest (Photo by Miguel Hortiguela)
I grew up near an urban forest in Hamilton, Ontario, on the west side of the mountain. The Niagara Escarpment, recognized by the UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1990, runs through the middle of the city, dividing it into what’s known...
Supporting the next generation of female conservationists
Danielle Horne in the field (Photo by NCC)
As with many university graduates, the hunt for work in my field of study began right after graduation. Finding meaningful employment can be hard for youth today, and at the time it was a difficult journey for me, too. I was fortunate to be hired...
Nature Days: Healthy children in healthy spaces
Students from Adrienne Clarkson Public School spend a day exploring NCC's Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve in Ontario (Photo by Sandy Nicholson Photography)
In recent years, a number of reports have suggested that screen time has taken a serious toll on children’s mental and physical well-being. But when kids ditch their screens to get their hands dirty in nature, amazing things can...
Giving time for growth: Why volunteering to help nature is vital to our happiness
Volunteering at a local community garden (Photo by Micheline Khan)
National Volunteer Week (NVW), which takes place April 10-16 this year, celebrates millions of volunteers across Canada and recognizes them for their efforts. As NVW nears, I have been thinking about my personal motivation for volunteering over...
