Even with summer coming to an end and the new school year approaching, there are many reasons to keep getting outside. Every part of Canada has so much to offer. From Vancouver Island to Newfoundland there are countless nature destinations close to home. Who says the fun has to stop in September?
“Back to school is a big transition time for all family members,” says Erica Thompson, the Nature Conservation of Canada’s (NCC’s) national engagement director. “But fall is my favourite time of year and I make it a family challenge to keep the spirit of summer going by getting outside as much as possible. Whether it’s a hike, a swim or a long walk, scheduling time in nature amidst the likes of homework, music lessons and sports is good for the whole family.”
NCC provides Canadians with opportunities to go out and connect with nature, through its Conservation Volunteers program. This program allows people to enjoy and learn about nature while helping to care for and conserve some of Canada’s most important places.
“If you’re looking for activities that get you outside and give back to nature, we have lots of events taking place across the country throughout September and October,” says Erica.
Planting
For those who love to garden, some volunteer opportunities involve planting. These efforts are intended to restore places like stream banks and globally rare tallgrass prairie by removing invasive plant species and planting native species.
For example, every Wednesday at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve in Duncan, BC, volunteers can help tend the endangered Garry oak ecosystem. Formerly the Elkington family farm, this NCC flagship property houses more than 100 species at risk. Volunteer efforts involve planting native species, tackling pesky invasive species such as Scotch broom and observing birds that inhabit the area.
In Kingsville, Ontario, volunteers will gather to lend a hand in efforts to restore areas on the Florian Diamante Nature Reserve on Pelee Island from to its former forest habitat. The island is home to more than 110 rare species, including blue racer snake, gray fox and yellow-breasted flat. Volunteers will plant native acorns, wildflowers, grasses and shrubs to help rebuild this rich habitat.
Hiking
Strolling through nature is a great way to get out and take in the outdoors. Whether it is with your dog, a friend or family, hiking combines exercise with the environment. This fall, the NCC has volunteer opportunities that allow people to give back to the land, one step at a time.
Volunteers in Saskatchewan are invited to join NCC for Trash Bash on the Asquith Property. In order to maintain the beauty of this prairie, volunteers will hike through and dunes of Aspen forest ensuring the property is spick-and-span for the native plant and animal species that live there.
Birding
You don’t have to be a seasoned birder to partake in CV events designed to monitor the likes of shorebirds and song birds. Across the country, NCC offers volunteers of all ages opportunities to learn identification skills that will in turn help to count birds to ensure populations of imperilled species are well understood.
In the eastern regions of Canada, NCC is hosting several events designed to help people enjoy nature in the chillier months while lending a hand to conservation. In New Brunswick birders are invited to help survey fall waterfowl on the Baie Verte wetlands.
Whether you enjoy brisk walks along a shore, spotting rare bird species or gardening, this fall the NCC is encouraging people to get out and take in nature.
For more activities and volunteer initiatives happening year-round, visit www.conservationvolunteers.ca.
