The winter of my content
"Spike" hiking (Photo by Gayle Roodman/NCC staff)
One of the many joys of living in Canada is that we have four seasons. In southern Alberta, where I live, it’s not uncommon to have all of them in one day. Each season has its merits, but there’s something special about winter. Maybe...
Sights of the sky: Stargazing and nighttime photography in Saskatchewan
Night sky above Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, SK (Photo by Alan Dyer)
When the sun sets on our prairie province, the night sky comes alive with some pretty magnificent sights. Despite my extremely limited knowledge of astronomy and stargazing, I often find myself gawking in wonder at evening skies. Luckily for me,...
Nature-based solutions: Benefits for people and the planet
Alpine Lake on Darkwoods, BC (Photo by Bruce Kirkby)
There is no longer any question, scientifically speaking, that the effects of climate change are increasing both the rate and extent of biodiversity loss, not just in Canada, but globally. When combined with human impacts, such as land conversion...
The Ralph Wang Trail: A family legacy
The Ralph Wang Trail sign (Photo courtesy of Ashley Greenley/NCC)
Growing up, I always enjoyed being outdoors and exploring nature. From a young age, I recall picking flowers, going for walks and birdwatching with my grandparents, Ralph and Mary Wang. They had a farm in southwest Manitoba where I got to enjoy...
The upside of the downside
Families riding along the Bow Valley Parkway (Photo by Gayle Roodman/NCC staff)
I have a confession: I really dislike like the word “staycation.” There’s something about this particular portmanteau that makes me shudder a wee bit every time I hear someone say it. And with COVID-19 wreaking havoc on...
A throwback to working in Backus Woods
Forest canopy in Backus Woods, ON (Photo by Neil Ever Osborne)
I had the pleasure of working for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) for the summer of 2019 as a conservation technician out of the Norfolk County, Ontario, office. When I first came to Norfolk, I was expecting to see mostly farmland and...
Heard it from a Scout: Favourite Nature Conservancy of Canada Nature Destinations
The cliffs of Chase Woods Nature Preserve, BC (Photo by Tim Ennis)
Lush greenery and rugged landscapes cover Canada, so getting inspired to explore nature’s treasures is easy. Escaping from our urban environments allows us to immerse ourselves in nature in the many protected and beautiful natural areas...
Nature Destinations for a nation
Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area, AB (Photo by Kyle Marquardt)
As a former Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) intern, avid nature lover and geography student, I’ve always found any kind of natural space a place worth visiting. When I first discovered NCC’s Nature Destinations program, I thought...
Get your shinrin-yoku on this fall
Bunchberry Meadows Conservation Area, AB (Photo by Kyle Marquardt)
The first time I heard about shinrin-yoku, I was stuck in westbound traffic along Highway 401. The radio was tuned to CBC, where the content discussed on the morning show usually offers a reprieve from whatever lies ahead on the commuter-packed...
When seeing it isn’t enough
Milk River Basin Natural Area, SK (Photo by NCC)
Photos can evoke emotion and connection. This is definitely the case with Canada’s natural landscapes. Think of some of the nature photos you’ve seen that make you pause: beautiful mountain vistas, crystal clear lakes, old-growth...
