Embracing small acts of conservation: A guide to help nature with the Nature Conservancy of Canada
Flathead River, BC (Photo by NCC)
Nature is a source of wonder and inspiration for people around the world. For me, it's been a source of happiness since I was a young child, spending free time outside in nature has always been my thing! Its beauty and biodiversity are essential...
The Land remembers: Beading as reflection
Buffalo Place (Beadwork by Raechel Wastesicoot/NCC staff)
My identity, culture, the Kanyen'kéha language, our traditions and stories are all based on the Land and how Mother Earth has and continues to support us. When I partake in any aspect of my culture, and specifically in my beadwork, I think...
Leaving no trace when taking nature photos
Spending time in nearby nature fosters a deeper appreciation for it (Photo by Mariam Qureshi)
As nature enthusiasts, many of us love to capture the beauty of the outdoors through photography. However, it's important to remember that we have a responsibility to protect the natural environment we love so much. This is where the Leave No...
Big Backyard BioBlitz: Your cell phone and curiosity can contribute to scientific research
Monarch butterfly (Photo by A. Dabydeen)
Until recently, I thought that "scientific research" was something only done in labs, hospitals and research institutes, by scientists with four different PhDs. Turns out that's not true! When it comes to monitoring biodiversity, community science...
1000th balloon in the Grand Bend area
Monarch butterfly perched atop a cigarette butt (Photo by Lynn Tremain)
My name is Lynn Tremain. I live in Grand Bend, Ontario, on the shore of beautiful Lake Huron. I have become a full-fledged plastic/garbage picker. How did this happen? I am not proud to admit that plastic grocery store bags, acquired from online...
The making of a bison song
Bison and a sunset at OMB, SK (Photo by Jason Bantle)
Matthew Braun is program director for the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) Working Landscapes Program in Saskatchewan, and Simon Neufeld is director of research and development for Earth Alive Clean Technologies in Quebec, a...
Tips and tricks for everyday nature photography
Volunteer and NCC staff identify a plant during a bioblitz in Alberta (Photo by Brent Calver)
Psst…not sure if you’ve heard of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Big Backyard BioBlitz taking place from July 28 to August 1, but there’s still time to participate. This could be your excuse to get outside, connect with...
Soaking it in: Taking a moment to share the beauty of water
Drawing in the park with friends (Photo by Mariam Qureshi)
Sometimes you don’t have to go far to enjoy nature or have a science degree to understand it. Water is key to our well-being. Soaking in the peaceful views of a pond or spending time around it can greatly help us understand this precious...
5 ways to get involved in conservation this Canadian Environment Week
Building bat boxes at Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, SK (Photo by NCC)
Since 1971, Canadians have been celebrating the nation’s natural heritage and the strides made in environmental protection during Canadian Environment Week. The week-long observance also includes World Environment Day (June 5) and World...
Find the Birds British Columbia location launches
Screen capture of the BC location in Find the Birds game. A player walks along a boardwalk in the midst of a forest. (Photo by Thought Generation Society)
Since its launch six months ago (read my previous blog here), with an initial Arizona simulated birding location, Find the Birds (a free educational mobile game about birds and conservation) now has over 7,000 players in 46 countries on six...