Preparing Backyards and Balconies for Birds This Winter?

Think Food. Feeders in the winter provide an extra energy source for birds that stay in the area during winter. Provide a number of feeder styles and types of feed (sunflower, thistle, unsalted peanuts, sliced fruit, seed scattered on stamped down snow) to attract many different birds to your yard. Feeders can also be easily attached to windows using suction cups. Place feeders where they are sheltered from predators and weather, and clean feeders regularly.

Small space? No problem! Some feeders are available with a suction cup attachment that can be stuck right to the window!

Don’t remove dead flower heads in the autumn. Don’t cut back old annual or perennial plants. The seed heads that are left in place on plants such as coneflowers, sunflowers and thistle will provide a lasting source of seed for finches and sparrows.

Don’t rake too much. Dead leaves left under trees and shrubs are ideal spots for sparrows to forage for insects throughout the colder months.

Provide cover. Birds need shelter from harsh conditions, and vegetation in your yard will help to furnish it. Don’t prune back dead vegetation like vines and stalks – these provide both valuable winter cover and nesting material for birds in the spring. Balconies have a special opportunity to attract nesting birds as they provide great shelter.

Add habitat in your backyard in the form of a brush pile, which may attract foraging birds and mammals, and even over-wintering reptiles, amphibians and insects.

Think ahead to next winter by planning for spring planting. Choose species that are native to your area. Good sources of winter food for birds include rosehips of wild roses, the berries of sumac and dogberry, the seeds of maples and birches, and perennials like black-eyed susans.

Irony, or does the left hand not know what the right is doing?

The Endangered Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) is one of the rarest birds in Ontario. During the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario 2001 to 2005, there were only 8 possible records of the species in the entire province. For years, a breeding population of this tiny sparrow has persisted in upper New York State, not far from Prince Edward County, near the east end of Lake Ontario. The New York population could well be the “source” population for re-colonization of nearby areas like Prince Edward County.

Henslow’s Sparrow just happens to be one of a few Endangered Species identified by Stantec as a priority for their preconstruction surveying for Gilead Power Corporation. Gilead is applying to build a wind energy plant with nine 140 metre tall turbines in the Ostrander Point Crown Land block in Prince Edward County, Ontario. In the Environmental Review Report of 2009, Stantec reported the following:


An assessment of the Study Area for potential Henslow’s Sparrow breeding habitat was completed. No optimal habitat was identified (Section 3.5.3 of Appendix C1). Three relatively small patches of marginal habitat for the Henslow’s Sparrow were the subject of playback surveys. No Henslow’s Sparrows were detected. The species has experienced significant decline in Ontario, and it should be considered absent from the Study Area.

On the surface, this seems like a reasonable conclusion right? I’m not so sure.



Potential Henlow's Sparrow habitat at Ostrander Point
could become site for 140-metre tall wind turbines. Photo: Ted Cheskey

 In 2010, Gilead applied for a permit to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources – the Ministry responsible for management of the Crown Land Block – to “kill, harm and harass Blanding’s Turtle and Whip-poor-will as well as damage and destroy habitat of Whip-poor-will” as part of their operational plan for the wind plant. As objectionable as this seems, I question why Henslow Sparrow was not on this list also. Here is why.

In the conservation plan that William Wilson and I wrote for the Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird Area, with the support of a strong local committee, including the local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources District Ecologist, I learned that a restoration plan for the Henslow's sparrow was written for Ostrander Point Crown Land Block that included brushing and prescribed burning in the late 1990s. It was never made clear if the plan was implemented or not at the time.

It was not until very recently, when reading through the Recovery Strategy for Henslow's Sparrow from Environment Canada that I learned that Henslow's Sparrows were present on Ostrander Point in 1999 and 2000 as a direct result of the implementation of this recovery action! In the Recovery Strategy, this example was used to illustrate how restoration activities could lead to positive results. The MNR supported this restoration work on their land!

Something stinks about a process when we have a government agency, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, invest in successfully restoring the habitat of an endangered species, then turn around a few years later and offer up its habitat for a small and unnecessary industrial wind plant. Why is this process moving forward? Why has it gone this far? Why was it even conceived of in the first place?
 
The turbines are not built yet. Once they are, no longer will this be Henslow's Sparrow habitat, or Whip-poor-will habitat, or Blanding's Turtle habitat, but it will be a serious risk to all birds, including the river of hawks, owls and songbirds that stream through Ostrander Point every fall.


Over this Christmas period, my wish is that the Province or the developer recognizes that this is the wrong place to build a wind farm, and withdraws it before it goes any further. Wind energy should be about good ideas in good places, and this isn't it.

Nature Canada Photo of the Month Winners 2011

Looking back over the past year, we've had so many people share their love of nature by entering the Nature Canada Photo of the Month Contest. Every month, we let our Facebook fans select the winning photo. It hasn't always been easy - we've had a great number of fantastic photos submitted but only one winner every month!

We would like to celebrate these photos, and the love for nature that they represent, in a slideshow that you can watch and share with your friends and family. These beautiful photos are a great reminder of the wildlife we cherish and are working to protect for future generations. 

Enjoy!

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and joined the Nature Canada Flickr Group. We hope to share more of your nature photography in the coming year.

Seasons greetings and best wishes for the new year!

Aren't They Worth It?

Did you know that over 600 species are at risk of extinction in Canada?

The polar bear is one of them. Last month, thanks in large part to thousands of letters sent by Nature Canada supporters asking Environment Minister Peter Kent to take fast action to protect polar bears, the polar bear was listed as a species of special concern under the Species At Risk Act.

Unfortunately, the polar bear is not alone. Other species threatened by human activities and facing declining numbers include the Boreal Woodland Caribou, Burrowing Owl, Greater Sage-Grouse and Wolverine.

In our watchdog role as an advocate for endangered species, Nature Canada closely reviews recovery strategies for species at risk to ensure the best possible protective measures are included. Over the past year, our recommendations helped improve recovery strategies for four species, including the Loggerhead Shrike, one of 27 endangered birds on the Species At Risk list.

This holiday season, help us reach our goal of raising $64,000 to protect endangered species - that's $100 for each listed species. Aren't they worth it?

Family Christmas Crafts

A family enjoying walnut boats.

One of the real challenges during the holidays is finding fun family activities that don't include the mall, Christmas movies on TV, or eating too many cookies.

Here are two easy crafts that are fun for children and adults, and are made with materials that most people have around the house come Christmas time. This year, start a new tradition. Make some Walnut Boats to float on Candle Lake, and some Mandarin Lanterns to light the dark night.

How to Make Walnut Boats

What You Need: Walnuts, short pieces of candle wick, beeswax, an old pot, a tray or bowl, matches or a lighter, and water.

What To Do:

• Carefully split walnuts in half, then remove the meat.
• Fill the half shells about 2/3 full with beeswax around a small piece of lamp wick. This is a walnut boat.
• Repeat this step until you have as many walnuts boats as you would like.
• Carefully float your boats in a tray or bowl of water.
• Light the wicks, turn the lights out, and watch the children’s eyes light up!
  

  

  Walnuts, walnut halves, beeswax, and wick for walnut boats.

  
  

Mandarin lantern with a cap.

How to Make Mandarin Lanterns

What You Need: Mandarin oranges, cooking oil, matches or a lighter, a spoon, and a sharp knife.

What To Do:

• Gently cut just the skin of the mandarin all the way around the diametre of the fruit (imagine it like the equator). Be careful not to cut the fruit inside.
• With a spoon and your fingers, pull the fruit away from the peel, being careful not to tear the peel. It is important to conserve the stringy filaments that run up the middle of the orange so that they stay connected to the peel of the mandarin.
• Once you remove the fruit you will be left with two halves of the mandarin peel - one half with the filaments attached, and the other without.
• Pour oil into the mandarin half with the filaments attached to about 1/3 full.

• 

  Mandarin lantern without a cap.

  Cut small holes and geometric shapes into the other half of the peel to make a decorative cap for the lantern.
• Wait about 10 minutes to allow the filament “wick” to soak up some oil. Carefully light the wick to turn your orange into a lantern. Place the cap on top.
• To display your mandarin lanterns, put them in the snow outside your window and watch the heat cause them to melt down into the snow, emanating a warm orange glow into the snowy winter night.

Connect with Nature: Join a Christmas Bird Count

Chickadee Photo by Lynn Pady

Did you know that the Christmas Bird Count is the oldest citizen science survey in the world?

In 1900, American ornithologist Frank Chapman asked birders to head out on Christmas Day to count the number of birds they see and submit their results to the first "Christmas Bird Census." Today, over 2200 Christmas Bird Counts take place across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with the results amassing a huge database that reflects the distribution and number of winter birds over time.

Christmas Bird Counts are organized by local birding clubs or naturalist groups and take place on any one day between December 14th and January 5th. Volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 24km diameter circle or can arrange to count birds at their backyard feeder and report results to a local leader. The great thing about the Christmas Bird Count is that every bird you see counts - whether it's a common backyard bird or an exotic visitor to your neighbourhood. Each count is added to a larger tally that scientists use to identify conservation success stories as well as areas in need of help.

Community events like the Christmas Bird Count are a great way for beginner birdwatchers to learn from experienced birders and enjoy a fun filled day outdoors. Luckily, finding a count close to you is as easy as visiting this database from our Birdlife International co-partner Bird Studies Canada, who administer the program in Canada. 

Are you planning to join a Christmas Bird Count? Let us know in the comments below!

IBA Caretakers: A Social Network

Anne Murray, Boundary Bay-Roberts Bank-Sturgeon Bank IBA

Last week we heard from Gaston Déry, an IBA Caretaker for Iles-aux-pommes IBA, Quebec. In this post, we return to British Columbia to speak with Anne Murray, IBA Caretaker for the Fraser River Estuary: Boundary Bay-Roberts Bank-Sturgeon Bank IBA.

After speaking with Anne, I was struck by the similarities between the IBA Caretaker Network and the online social networks that are increasingly a part of our everyday lives. The concept of spreading a message through a social network is quite simple. Engage one person with influence and you inform and engage their entire network of friends.

The Important Bird Area Caretakers Network works in much the same way. An IBA Caretaker is someone with ties to the people in their community who care about nature and have an interest in protecting it. Through the Caretaker Network, they connect their community with communities across Canada that care for and protect birds and their habitat.

“It’s like any social network in an organization. We can reach more people that way.” said Anne Murray, past president of BC Nature, “Caretakers are the local people at an IBA who can regularly be in contact with regional and national coordinators of the Important Bird Area program. They’re also the people who spread awareness about the IBA in their community.”

Canada’s IBA Program is a cornerstone in science-based, site-specific conservation for birds and biodiversity. Co-delivered by Nature Canada and Bird Studies Canada, the program has been in place since 1996. Acting with regional conservation partners, Nature Canada has built an exhaustive IBA database, finalized almost 100 site conservation plans and helped communities implement more than 150 local projects.

In 2006, after successfully launching the IBA program in British Columbia with financial assistance from Nature Canada's Communities in Action Fund, BC Nature took the lead in pushing the program even further. Anne Murray, who was on the Board of BC Nature at the time, helped launch the IBA Caretaker Network in British Columbia.

“We wanted to ensure that the Important Bird Areas program was sustainable in the long term and one of the ways I could see of doing that was to set up a network of volunteers who knew the sites and were close to the sites,” said Anne, “The idea was that BC Nature and the other partners would provide Caretakers with information, advice and guidelines on how to monitor, promote and protect an IBA – then we’d let them run with it.”

Nearly six years later, there are close to 200 IBA Caretakers across Canada. This year, with the addition of Caretakers in Ontario and Quebec, there are now Caretakers in every province in Canada. The network’s expansion has been possible with the support of the IBA Caretaker Network’s national sponsor, TransCanada Corporation, who in 2009 committed $1 million over five years.

Anne (third from right) goes birding with the Casual Birding group of the Delta Naturalists Society. Photo: Delta Naturalists Society

Over the years, the network’s success in effectively protecting birds and their habitat comes from the collective efforts of Caretakers across the country.

“People already involved in their site are given help and capacity to do more. That’s what’s been really good about the program,” said Anne, “The regional and national partners of the IBA program provide support, organize meetings with government and get other people involved – that really helps to build the capacity of the program. Being a part of that is very valuable. You’re much more effective when you are part of something bigger than if you’re on your own.”

For Anne, joining the Caretaker Network was a natural next step in her conservation work – she was already actively advocating for the protection of the Fraser River Estuary when the network launched.  As one of the Caretakers for Boundary Bay-Roberts Bank-Sturgeon Bank Important Bird Area, Anne is involved in everything from conducting bird surveys to giving public presentations on IBAs. Her public outreach includes publishing books on the ecology of the Lower Mainland and writing columns on timely conservation issues affecting the Fraser River Estuary in the Georgia Straight, a widely circulated local paper.

Not surprisingly, the proximity of the Boundary Bay-Roberts Bank-Sturgeon Bank IBA to the city of Vancouver presents a unique set of conservation issues. Urban and industrial expansion and recreational pressures threaten to degrade the ecosystems that are arguably one of the most important habitats for migrating and wintering waterbirds in Canada. Western Sandpiper, Black-bellied Plover, Dunlin, Northern Pintail, and many other species of bird and fish need the mudflats and intertidal marshes of the IBA to survive. IBA Caretakers like Anne have brought greater awareness of the challenges facing urban Important Bird Areas and the unique value they hold for wildlife.

Dunlin in flight at Reifel, part of the Boundary Bay IBA. Photo: Delta Naturalists Society

“In the past 20 years, public awareness of the environmental value of Important Bird Areas like Boundary Bay-Roberts Bank-Sturgeon Bank IBA, has slowly increased,” said Anne, “That’s due to the many caring people who advocate for their protection. I hope that my work as an IBA Caretaker helps to contribute to that awareness.”

Are you a member of a naturalist club in your community? If you are actively involved in conserving and protecting natural spaces in your area, joining the IBA Caretaker Network could give you the support and guidance to do more! You can find out more about becoming a Caretaker and explore Important Bird Areas in Canada at ibacanada.ca

Next week, we’ll hear from Josie Osborne, Caretaker for Tofino Mudflats IBA on Vancouver Island. Stay tuned!

Nature Explorers: Connecting Children and Youth to Nature

Nature Explorers participating in a fun, outdoor activity

This holiday season, we want to thank White Swan for its support of the Nature Explorers program. We’ve invited Steven Sage, Corporate Director Sustainability & Innovation from Kruger Products, L.P. to be a guest blogger and share more with us about White Swan’s current sustainable practices, its plans for the future, and why connecting youth with nature is so important to the company.

Kruger Products, makers of the White Swan brand of household paper products, has been a proud sponsor of Nature Canada since 2006.  This partnership includes support for Nature Canada’s Nature Explorers program which currently helps children and youth across Canada connect with nature through diverse outdoor activities throughout the year.

White Swan’s partnership with Nature Canada is based on the mutual belief that environmental responsibility begins with caring. We embrace environmental responsibility and ensure our White Swan products are made using environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes. White Swan products are made from 100% recycled paper containing at least 88% post consumer material and are also certified by EcoLogo, North America’s most widely recognized and respected third-party environmental standards authority. In addition to our environmentally sustainable manufacturing process, White Swan also supports and encourages our communities to embrace environmental responsibility through our partnership with Nature Canada.

The Nature Explorer’s Program encourages youth engagement and is focused on conserving and protecting Canada’s natural heritage.  By creating opportunities for kids to experience nature first-hand, the Natures Explorers Program promotes healthy, active lifestyles and the building of a nature ethic—a culture that instills an appreciation of nature and the responsibility to protect it.  These learning experiences bring young Canadians back into intimate contact with nature, nurture in our young people a deep passion for nature, and motivate them to become ongoing, active and responsible stewards for the environment.

White Swan’s support will help to allow the program to expand in the next several years.  Nature Canada has a goal of reconnecting one million children and their families with nature through a national campaign that includes support for a wide range of activities in nature to an online network and resource centre.

Kruger Product’s commitment to the environment began with its first reforestation program in 1948.  And that commitment continues today.  In 2010, Kruger Products launched its five-year sustainable development program—Sustainability 2015—focused on reducing its environmental footprint and benefiting the communities in which it operates.  We identified nine specific targets to improve based on 2009 benchmarking metrics.  These include reductions in energy and water consumption as well as reductions in solid waste, greenhouse gas emissions and packaging materials.  In addition, Kruger Products is working towards increasing our offering of third-party certified “green” products, utilizing 100% third-party certified fibre in the manufacture of its products, becoming Forest Stewardship Council®-certified and optimizing our logistics and transportation efforts.

Since launching the Sustainability 2015 initiative, Kruger Products has:
o    Reduced its overall energy consumption by nearly 3% while meeting its objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15%.
o    Received FSC® Chain of Custody certification from the Rainforest Alliance.  We now offer over one of the largest portfolio of FSC-certified products in North America with over 135 products for both consumers as well as our commercial and industrial customers.
o    Published its first annual Sustainable Development Report available for view at www.sustainability2015.ca

Kruger Products and White Swan are proud to continue its ongoing support of Nature Canada and its ongoing mission to protect Canada’s natural diversity of plant and animal species and their environment.  We hope you’ll try the White Swan family of paper products including bathroom and facial tissue, paper towels and napkins.  www.WhiteSwan.ca

IBA Caretakers: Protecting Birds Across Canada – Quebec

Gaston Déry at Ile-aux-Pommes IBA

As an Important Bird Area Caretaker for Île-aux-Pommes IBA, Gaston Déry has been an integral part of transforming what was once a haven for seagulls into an island that supports thriving populations of migratory birds, ducks and other wildlife.

Over the past thirty years, Gaston has worked to restore the island’s bird habitat, turning it into a “paradise for birds”. Over 30 bird species use the island to breed and to refuel on their bi-annual migrations. The island has become such a dependable source of food for migrating birds that Gaston likens it to a tried-and-tested roadside diner along a bird superhighway.

“Imagine you’re on a road trip with your family and you know there’s a restaurant where you can stop and eat. That restaurant is safe, it’s not that expensive and you know that you can always depend on it being there. That’s what Île-aux-Pommes IBA is to migrating birds,” said Gaston, as he described how the island serves the needs of thousands of migrating birds every year.   


Île-aux-Pommes lies 6 kilometres off the south shore of the St. Lawrence estuary, near the town of L’Isle-Verte Québec and 25 km east of Rivière-du-Loup. Surrounded by five islets, the island is just under two kilometers long and 200 metres wide. But for such as small island it does more than its fair share to support nesting and migrating birds.

The second largest breeding population of Common Eider ducks nests on the island every year, with nearly 2,300 breeding pairs recorded last year. Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull populations also nest in large numbers on the island. Other birds found on the island include American Black Duck, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Brant, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Plovers, Sandpipers, many species of sparrow such as Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Slate-coloured Junco , American Crow and many species of Hawks and Owls.

Eider duck in flight at Île-aux-Pommes IBA

For Gaston, becoming a Caretaker of Île-aux-Pommes IBA was a natural next step in his commitment to protecting the birds that depend on the island. He’s been an IBA Caretaker for nearly four years, but in many ways, he has been a guardian of the island for most of his adult life.

Île-aux-Pommes has been in the Déry family since 1927. Ownership was passed down from one generation to the next, and in 1980, the land came into Gaston’s possession. In the intervening years, the island had become a hotbed for research, drawing government scientists and university students to the island to study birds. But the number of ducks coming to island had declined, and a colony of 20,000 seagulls had taken up residence. A lot needed to be done to restore the island so that ducks and other wildlife that had historically nested on Île-aux-Pommes would return in greater numbers.

So when Gaston took ownership of Île-aux-Pommes, he was determined to turn things around. Carrying on the tradition of conserving nature instilled in him by his grandfather from a young age, he decided to lay the ground work for a management plan that would ensure the island would be a haven for birds forever. With the help of Ducks Unlimited, Gaston slowly rehabilitated the island by planting conifers and shrubs that are essential nesting habitat for Eider ducks. What was once a barren island and home of a seagull colony, was transformed to the point where thousands of ducks returned to the island, ushering in a new era of vibrant bird life.

A flock of Eider ducks at Ile-aux-Pommes

“IBA Caretakers are part of an important network of people who are not only protecting birds, but protecting the planet. It’s important for our society to give back to nature,” said Gaston.

As an IBA Caretaker, Gaston is the ears, eyes and hands on the ground at Île-aux-Pommes IBA. He visits the island most weekends and holidays, monitoring birds, assessing habitats, and conducting other conservation activities. He’s part of a network of over 200 volunteers who watch over and protect Important Bird Areas across Canada. First launched by BC Nature with the assistance of a Nature Canada Communities in Action Fund, the Caretaker network now spans nine provinces.  Nature Canada and Bird Studies Canada are the national co-partners in delivering the Important Bird Areas program and coordinating the IBA Caretakers Network in Canada.

When Gaston’s not at the IBA, he’s bringing his passion for birds and nature conservation to elementary schools in Quebec. By speaking to children about IBAs and the value of protecting nature, he hopes to inspire young minds to embrace a nature ethic in their everyday lives.

“I love inspiring the next generation to become advocates for nature. It’s a powerful experience for me, and I hope, for them too,” said Gaston. “Just a few months ago, the mother of one of the children who saw my presentation called me to say how her daughter came home talking about the importance of loving and protecting nature. It’s moments like these that keep me going!” said Gaston.

As the national sponsor of the Important Bird Area Caretaker Network, TransCanada Corporation committed $1 million in 2009 to support bird conservation efforts in Canada over the following five years.

Become a Citizen Scientist!

It’s that time of year again. Thin sheets of ice are forming around the edges of ponds and lakes, leaving less open water and reminding us that winter is around the corner.

While you’re waiting for your favorite water body to freeze and skating and hockey season to begin, take a moment to contribute to our understanding of climate change.

Help scientists understand the effects of climate change by participating in IceWatch, a citizen science program that allows Canadians of all ages to participate in discovering how - and more importantly, why - our natural environment is changing.

As citizen scientists, IceWatch volunteers record the freeze and thaw dates of lakes, ponds and other water bodies. Once those records are submitted online, they are used by scientists to gain a better understanding of climate change.

Why monitor ice events?

Ice phenology — the freeze and thaw dates of water bodies in northern climates — is a good measure of how aquatic ecosystems are responding to climate change. Seasonal differences in the ice cover of lakes and rivers can have serious impacts on Canadian ecosystems. The changes can alter migration patterns and breeding seasons for birds, and food supplies for fish and mammals.

By analyzing citizen records, scientists have found that the freeze-thaw cycles of northern water bodies are changing. However, since climate change is not consistent across the country and there are large gaps in the current monitoring network, scientists require critical data from many more regions.

That’s where your observations are critical. A citizen network of ice-watchers spread throughout Canada can help supply that information. Ice events — the freeze and thaw dates — are easily recorded yearly changes that, with your assistance, can help us monitor the effects of climate change on Canadian ecosystems.

Start IceWatching now by downloading an IceWatch Observation Form or Veille au gel en francais.

Ready to submit your findings? Submit now.

IceWatch is administered through a partnership between Nature Canada and Environment Canada's Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network Coordinating Office (EMAN CO).

Your Green Christmas Guide

Photo: bostux via Flickr

Dreaming of a green Christmas?

You can lower your carbon footprint, save money and still have a wonderfully festive Christmas this year!

From christmas trees to gift wrap to lighting, try these eco-tips for celebrating a green Christmas.

Here's our first tip, for the rest of them see our web site.

Looking for a Christmas tree? Get real!
Many artificial trees contain contaminants and all are made from petroleum products. Fake trees also travel long distances to reach your local store, which means each one leaves a hefty carbon footprint.

A real tree is a better alternative, but often even real trees come from a significant distance, creating a bigger carbon footprint than the ecologically minded person would like. You can try to buy from a local tree farmer, but there is a third option, one that is becoming more and more popular every year: live Christmas trees.

Like fresh cut real trees, live Christmas trees help remove carbon from the environment and provide a home and food for wildlife while they are growing. Better yet, they end up right back on the job when they are replanted after the holidays. So while live trees may not be the cheapest alternative, they are by far the best ecologically.

Imagine continuing to enjoy the beauty of a Christmas tree all year round. Think of the wildlife that might visit to nest or feed every year!

If planting a tree at home is not an option, donating it to a watershed management or conservation group is another way of helping the environment. You’ll find groups with tree-planting programs in most communities, but be sure to look into this before buying. There may be specific types of trees that can or can’t be used in the area.

Finally, consider renting a live Christmas tree. This way all the benefits of a living tree are there without the hassle of caring for it throughout the rest of the year. Some of the companies that sell real fresh cut and live Christmas trees also provide the option of renting rather than purchasing.

More eco-holiday suggestions.

Connect with Nature: Enjoy a Winter Activity

Photo by Brian Lockwood

Whether we like it or not, winter weather has arrived! Snow and sub zero temperatures have ushered in a brand new season of fun outdoor activities, not to mention some stunning winter landscapes. Here are a few of the outdoor activities you can look forward to enjoying over the next few months:

1) Outdoor skating: In Canada, we’re lucky to be home to some of the best outdoor skating rinks in the world, like the Rideau Canal and Riviere L’Assomption. Many municipalities maintain outdoor rinks that are free and fun to enjoy. Don’t have your skates of your own? Lots of outdoor rinks will rent skates for a small fee. Make sure to bring some extra change so you can buy yourself a hot chocolate once you get off the ice!

2) Snow shoeing or Cross-Country Skiing: Many of our most beautiful parks transform their walking trails into cross country ski or snow shoe trails during the winter months. These activities are a great way to explore the wilderness and enjoy some outdoor exercise. Before you head out, make sure to check the weather forecast and pack some water and snacks to help sustain you on your journey. If you're keen to try either activity but don’t have equipment of your own, check with your local outdoor outfitter to see if they have equipment available to rent. 

Yurt Photo by Tom Kelly

3) Sleeping in a yurt: A yurt is a semi-permanent tent-like structure traditionally used by nomads in Central Asia. Many parks including Algonquin Park, Fundy National Park and Gatineau Park rent modern yurts that blend the comforts of home with the adventure of sleeping in a natural setting. While they are classified as a tent, yurts are much stronger and offer better shelter from the weather, which makes them the perfect for winter camping.

4) Nature walk: This is a great way to observe the natural signs of winter. Bundle up and explore your favorite walking trail to see how it’s changed since you last visited. Keep an eye out for animal tracks in the snow and bring along a field guide to help you identify any species you encounter along the way. It’s not too late to enter our Hug-a-Tree contest, so why not bring along your camera and take a winter-themed photo for your opportunity to win an iPad?

5) Snow activities: Never underestimate how fun it can be to play in the freshly fallen snow. Whether it be sledding, building a snowman or making a snow angel, there are lots of creative ways to have fun outdoors this winter. Just make sure to wear warm clothes and beware of rocks and ice. Have fun!