Letter from the Editor

Snowshoeing in Banff, Alberta (Photo by Trickett)

There's always something new to learn about the natural world when you work for a conservation organization. While working on the winter 2018 issue of the Nature Conservancy of Canada Magazine, for instance, I learned that there are 575 migratory species in Canada — including green darner dragonflies, which may migrate as far as Mexico in the fall.

“While the migration of birds is well known, many other species leave Canada for the winter and return in the spring, including butterflies, bats, dragonflies and marine mammals,” explains our Coast to Coast story for this issue.

Unlike these species, most humans don’t have the option to migrate south when temperatures drop (though admittedly, some do). Instead, many of us hibernate indoors rather than brave the inclement temperatures. Yet once we do bundle up and step outside, we quickly realize there's a whole world thriving and surviving above and beneath the snow, and endless opportunities to explore the outdoors and experience the season.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) believes this time spent in nature is crucial to our well-being. In this issue of the magazine, you’ll learn about our efforts to make it easier for Canadians to connect with nature in all seasons by protecting habitat near urban areas. You'll also read about Geoff Green of Students on Ice, whose personal mission is to expose Canada’s youth to our polar regions, and much more. Winter is also a time for NCC staff to plan our activities for field season, and to reflect on the successes we couldn’t have achieved without our donors, partners and supporters. Whether you migrate to warmer climes or embrace winter wholeheartedly, we thank you for your ongoing support.

Christine Beevis Trickett

Director, Editorial Services