Paddle for Nature

Choose your favourite waterbody in Manitoba or Saskatchewan and connect with nature.

When we lose nature, we also lose the benefits that it provides to people. These benefits range from carbon storage to the health benefits of spending time in nature. While reversing the loss of biodiversity remains core to NCC's mission, we know that to accelerate our efforts we need all of society to play a role.

This is why we're inviting you to be an invaluable participant in the annual Paddle for Nature!

What is the Paddle for Nature?

Paddle for Nature is an exciting, weekend-long opportunity for you to make time for nature! Grab whatever craft gets you outside (kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board) and see how many hours of fun you can have on the water. 

The goal of the event is to connect with nature and inspire others to do the same. Did you know that nature can have positive effects on mental health and can help alleviate anxiety, lower stress and reduce blood pressure? Studies show that being in nature provides cognitive benefits like helping you think clearer, focus better and be happier. That’s not all — you’ll have a chance to win some exciting prizes, too.  

Participate individually, or gather a team of your friends, family and co-workers, and head to your favourite waterbody and soak in all of the benefits that nature provides. While you’re at it, run your very own fundraising campaign and make a real impact to help nature in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Everyone is welcome. Encourage your family, friends and colleagues to register, support your paddling adventure, or both.

How does it work?

Participation is easy! 

Step 1: Register for the event. Registration fee: $40 for early bird (before August 4, 2023), $50 per participant (after August 4, 2023) or $25 for youth (ages 17 and under)

Step 2: Set your personal goals. How many hours will you spend in nature? What is your fundraising goal? 

Step 3: Set up your page as an individual, team captain or team member. 

Step 4: Share with your peers by telling them why you’re participating in this challenge. What is your inspiration? Why is conserving nature important to you, your family and friends? Encourage them to participate or support your fundraising goals.

Step 5: Join us on Wednesday, August 23 at the kickoff huddle to meet your fellow paddlers, pick up your event kit and hear from NCC what Paddle for Nature is all about.

Step 5: Starting Friday, August 25, grab your hat, your sunscreen and, of course, your paddle and hit your waterbody of choice. Keep track of your hours paddled. The challenge ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 27. 

Step 6: Be sure to keep us posted on how you’re doing throughout the weekend using the hashtag #paddlefornature and tag @NCC_CNC. 

Your impact

All money raised through Paddle for Nature will go toward NCC’s work in conserving nature and biodiversity, including conservation science and research, land conservation, ongoing property stewardship and connecting Canadians to nature. Because when nature thrives, we thrive. By protecting nature, we also protect the benefits that nature provides to people. To learn more about our work, visit natureconservancy.ca.

Donations

If you or your company would like to provide a donation to help with our fundraising efforts, we welcome all contributions. As a donor, you will receive a tax receipt to be issued at the conclusion of the event. Donations to the event can be made here or by phone.

Interested in sponsorship?

The success of this event relies heavily on the participation and generosity from our community. Our partners are key to the success of our fundraising and conservation efforts. Interested in supporting this event?

Access the Paddle for Nature Sponsorship Package here.

Participate to Win!

Supporting Nature draw

Here’s your chance to give back to nature! Fundraise for nature and earn a chance to win a $100 gift card for a local store. 

You’ll receive an entry for every $200 raised. The more you fundraise, the better your chances are to win!

If you’re participating as part of a team, the team will earn an entry for every $200 raised collectively. 

Time for Nature draw 

Spend at least one hour on the water during the event weekend, and you will be included in a draw to win a $50 gift card for an outdoor supply store! If you’re registered as a team, each team member must spend one hour on water to qualify.

Any individual on a team who qualifies will be entered into the draw.

Rockin’ the Socials draw

Who doesn’t like to snap a great photo out in nature? Capture memorable moments of your participation and share them with us and you will be entered into a draw to win a $50 gift card for an outdoor supply store.

To be entered into the draw, post your picture on social media using the hashtag #paddlefornature. You will receive one entry per picture, so the more you share, the more chances you get.

Kickoff Huddle

Join us on August 23 to meet your fellow paddlers and pick up your event kit. While enjoying some refreshments, you will also hear from NCC what Paddle for Nature is all about! 

Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Location: Barn Hammer Brewing Company, 595 Wall Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 2T5

Saskatchewan paddlers may pick up their kits at the local NCC office (313-12th Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 6G9). Please call or email to arrange pick up.

Supporting a friend or family member?

Visit the RaceRoster website to find their donation page.

Questions

In Manitoba: manitoba@natureconservancy.ca or 1-877-231-3552, ext. 317 

In Saskatchewan: saskatchewan@natureconservancy.ca or 1-866-622-7275