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!

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!

Connect with Nature: Celebrate Universal Children's Day

Did you know that November 20th is Universal Children's Day? The United Nations first proclaimed this day in 1954 to promote child welfare across the world. There are few better ways to celebrate than helping a child connect with nature!

In his 2005 book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder”, Richard Louv reported a startling decrease in the amount of direct exposure that many of today’s children have to nature. In a recent study, 73% of parents reported that their children spend their after-school hours watching TV, reading or playing video or computer games, rather than enjoying outdoor play or physical activity. The same study found that children are spending an average of six hours per day in front of a computer or television screen outside of school hours.

The effects of this problem – dubbed “nature-deficit disorder” by Louv – are troubling. A growing number of studies are demonstrating a link between this lack of interaction with nature and problems like childhood obesity and attention-deficit disorder. Luckily, help can be as close as your own backyard. Doctors are reporting that spending as little as 20 minutes per day in an urban park, community or personal garden, can have a positive impact on our physical and emotional heath.

This Sunday, celebrate Universal Children’s Day by spending a little extra time outdoors. Not sure where to start? Check out this list of fun nature activities for families or join a presentation by a nature club or young naturalist club near you.

Photo by Brenda Foubert

Minister Peter Kent joins My Parks Pass in launching Canada’s Coolest School Trip contest

This morning in Toronto, Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent joined Grade 8 students from École Secondaire Étienne Brulé and Gordon A. Brown Middle School to kick off “Canada’s Coolest School Trip”, the newest contest for the My Parks Pass program.

The contest, run in partnership between My Parks Pass, Brewster Travel Canada, and Banff Lake Louise Tourism, with the support of Air Canada, challenges Grade 8/secondary 2 classes to re-create a significant moment related to a Canadian national park, national historic site or national marine conservation area. This could mean recreating the moments leading up to Confederation at Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site, reliving the sinking of the W. L. Wetmore at Fathom Five National Marine Conservation Area or even joining in the Yukon gold rush at Dawson Historical Complex.

The My Parks Pass program works to connect Grade 8/secondary 2 students across the country with Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Nature Canada is pleased to be partner in the My Parks Pass program and share in the opportunity to engage Canadian youth in our natural and cultural heritage. “Few countries have been as profoundly shaped by nature as Canada,” said Ian Davidson, Executive Director of Nature Canada. “Canada’s parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas provide a vital link to our shared history and culture, and it’s important our youth have the chance to experience them.”

Stay tuned! Starting January 9th, we’ll be calling on the public to vote for their favorite video on the My Parks Pass website. The winning Grade 8/secondary 2 class will win a trip to Banff National Park for 4 days of fun. This is as cool as it gets.

Nature Canada presents at the Earth Day 2011 EcoMentors Youth Conference

This past weekend, Nature Canada had the pleasure of taking part in the Earth Day 2011 EcoMentors Youth Conference in Ottawa.

The EcoMentors program provides training and resources for youth ages 15-24 looking to become community leaders for the environment. This year’s conference welcomed youth from across the country for a day of interactive workshops and activities designed to inspire participants to promote positive change for the environment. Nature Canada was pleased to be on-hand to present our Nature Explorers program model and share with participants how we use on-line tools to inspire off-line, nature-based action in Canadians.

The ultimate goal of the Nature Explorers program is to connect one million Canadian youth and their families with multiple positive experiences in nature over the next three to five years. We look forward to building this relationship with EcoMentors and being a part of this exciting opportunity to empower Canadian youth to become environmental leaders in their own communities.

Photo by EcoMentors

Connect with Nature: Set up a backyard bird feeder

As the weather gets colder and some birds prepare for a long winter at home, this is a perfect time to set up a backyard bird feeder. Backyard feeders provide birds with a good source of energy for the cold winter months and create excellent bird watching opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your backyard birding experience.

Choose the right feeder: There are lots of feeder types to choose from. Depending on your region, you could be visited by dozens of different bird species. The ideal feeder is sturdy enough to withstand winter weather, easy to clean and tight enough to keep bird feed dry. Suet bird feeders can be particularly good for birds this time of year because of the high energy content in suet mix, made from hard fats and other ingredients like peanuts or cornmeal. Hopper, or “house” feeders, offer good protection from the winter weather and are attractive to a wide range of feeder birds. Want to attract as many bird species as possible? Provide several different feeder styles and types of feed to maximize the species you see in your yard.

Pick a good location: Place your feeders in a quiet area where they are easy to see and convenient to refill. If you can, offer birds a refuge by placing feeders close to trees or shrubs where they can wait their turn to feed. Another factor to consider when choosing a location is the risk of window collisions. Birds can perceive a reflection in your window as a pathway through your house, so make sure to choose a location that will reduce this risk. Monitor your feeder to assess its location and if collisions become a issue, consider consulting Cornell's Lab of Ornithology for tips on how to mitigate the problem.

Keep it clean: Birds can become ill from leftover bits of seed and bird droppings that accumulate on feeder trays. Give your feeder a thorough wash with soap and water every few weeks or more often if necessary during heavy feeding periods. If you are setting up a suet feeder, make sure to be extra vigilant about keeping it clean. Suet mix can spoil easily in warmer weather.

Get to know your visitors: Bird watching continues to be one of the most popular pastimes around. Keep an eye on the birds that frequent your feeder and spend some time observing their size, shape, colour and behavior. If you’re having trouble identifying the species, snap a quick photo and use a field guide or allaboutbirds.org to narrow the possibilities. Don’t forget that you can always share your photos with fellow nature lovers through our Flickr pool or Nature Explorers community!

Make your observations count: Once you’ve got your bird feeder up and running, consider joining Project Feederwatch. Participants in this project periodically count the birds that appear at their feeders and submit their data to Bird Studies Canada, Nature Canada's co-partner in delivering the Important Bird Areas Program. By submitting your data, you’ll be helping scientists determine how bird populations are changing across North America. It’s open to all skill levels and is a great way to contribute to an international bird conservation effort.

Photo by Dbarronoss

Connect with Nature: Take a Fall Hike

This is a great time to take a hike in nature. The summer crowds are gone, the scenery is stunning and there are still a few weeks before you have to break out your winter jacket. Here are a few ways to make the most of your trek through the freshly fallen leaves.

1) Bird watching: There is lots of bird watching to be done as our feathered friends head south for the winter. Before you head out on your hike, visit allaboutbirds.org to read up on bird watching techniques. Pack a nature guide to help identify different species and take a journal to record your findings.

2) Join a guided nature walk: Many communities across Canada have clubs that engage local experts to lead public hikes. This is a great way to meet fellow nature lovers and learn more about the natural geography of your area. Keep an eye on local publications or perform a quick internet search to find a guided hike in your area.

3) Bring your camera: There are few times of the year when nature is more beautiful than it is now. Pack your camera and capture some of the beautiful fall scenery you encounter along the way. While you’re at it, why not take a photo for our Hug-a-Tree photo contest or Flickr pool? Your photos are sure to bring back happy memories during the long winter.

4) Take a snack (or two): Before you head out, prepare some nutritious snacks that will keep you fueled along the way. Cheese and crackers, apple slices and trail mix are a few easy-to-pack snacks that offer valuable nutrients for your hike. For a more seasonal treat, save the seeds from the inside of your pumpkin and roast them the night before you head out.

5) Do a leaf rubbing: Want to create a souvenir of your adventure? Bring a large hardbound book and a roll of wax or parchment paper. Collect a few leaves of different shapes and sizes, press them between two sheets of paper and tuck them in the book to keep them safe. When you get home, place the leaves between two pieces of white paper, rub with a crayon and you’re done!

As always, don’t forget to dress appropriately, stay on trail and share your itinerary with a family member or friend before heading out. Happy trails!

Photo by Macomb Paynes

Connect with Nature: Make a fall craft

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this is a great time to get creative and make a nature-themed fall craft. Here are 3 easy crafts to get you in the holiday spirit:

Autumn placemats
The vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of fall foliage make a great decoration for the holiday season. You can make a placemat for your Thanksgiving feast by following these few simple steps:

1) Head out for a walk around your neighborhood or your favourite park and gather a collection of leaves. Try to collect as many colours and shapes as you can.

2) Cut two pieces of clear contact paper about two feet long and remove the backing from the first piece. Arrange the leaves on the sticky side and seal the mat by placing the second piece on top. If you’d like to add more colour, place a piece of construction paper behind the leaves before sealing the mat. Just give the edges a trim and you’re all done.

Apple stamps
Apples aren't just for eating! They can also be a fun way to decorate almost any surface. Lucky for us, creating an apple stamp is easy.

1) Enjoy a day of apple picking and crisp fall air at a local orchard. Save the good apples for eating and reserve the bruised ones for your craft.

2) Choose the surface you’d like to decorate. It can be a canvas bag, a notebook, a table cloth or even a t-shirt. You’ll also need to choose some paint. Make sure to choose a type of paint that can sustain the wear and tear that your finished product will endure.

3) Cut the apple in half from top to bottom and absorb any excess moisture by pressing the flesh side against a paper towel. Use a paint brush to coat the cut side of the apple in the colour of your choice and stamp away. Be sure to hold the apple down firmly and apply equal pressure to the top and sides.

4) Once the image has dried, use a marker to put the finishing touches on your creation by drawing a stem or leaf on your print.

Squash bowling
Are you up for a craft that is a bit more adventurous? How about making some bowling pins out of squash? A game of bowling is a great way to pass the time while you wait for Thanksgiving dinner to cook. Here’s how you get started:

1) Head out to your local farmers market and purchase 10 butternut squashes. You’ll also need a round gourd to act as your bowling ball.

2) Number each squash from 1 to 10 using vinyl sticker numbers. Cut two pieces of painters tape long enough to go around the squash and place one above and another below the number. This should mark a stripe around the squash.

3) Colour in the stripe with a marker or acrylic craft paint. After your “pin” is dry, carefully peel off the stickers and tape.

4) Create a bowling lane in your backyard, set up the pins and have fun!

Photo by Ian Kelsall

Nature Canada announces our Hug-a-Tree contest!

Nature Canada is excited to announce the launch of our Hug-a-Tree Contest, hosted by Nature Explorers!

Trees give us so much – clean air, vital medicine, delicious food and a home for some of our most precious creatures. Forests cover 31% of the earth’s total land area and are central to the livelihood of 1.6 billion people around the world.

Now in honour of the United Nations International Year of Forests, we’re challenging you to show your love for trees by submitting your tree-hug themed photos on our Nature Explorers website.

Nature Canada is passionate about connecting Canadians with nature and building a nature ethic across the country. Nature Explorers is Canada’s on-line destination for youth and their families to discover new ways to connect with nature and share their experiences. Visit Nature Explorers to find an outdoor activity in your area, connect with fellow nature lovers and of course, enter the Hug-a- Tree contest!

Whether you think your photo boasts the biggest tree hug, the most amazing tree hug or best group tree hug, our contest has a category for you. Submit your photos by January 3rd and you’ll enter to win great prizes, like an iPad, a collection of Boreal Teas or endangered species themed games from Anouk’s Ark! You can submit as many photos as you like so don’t be afraid to get creative. Good luck everyone!

Connect with Nature: Go apple picking

Apple picking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy locally grown products. With September being the height of apple season, this the perfect time to head out to a local farm to experience this classic fall activity. Here are a few tips for a great apple picking experience:

1) Choose the right farm – Apple picking can be enjoyed across the country but farms will vary in terms of facilities and growing practices. For example, some farmers choose to grow their apples organically, while others may have more dwarf trees, which can be better suited to children. Check with your farm of choice before heading out to make sure it’s right for you.

2) Bring proper gear – Bring along a bucket to store your apples in and pack a lunch for the day. Some farms also offer hay rides, corn mazes and petting zoos, so make sure to dress comfortably for a day on the farm.

3) Know how to spot a good apple and how to pick it – A good apple will be crisp, firm and easily picked from the tree with a gentle twist of the stem. It can be any colour from dark green, to yellow, pink, orange, bright red, dark red or even a combination of colours, depending on the type of apple. The ripeness can be calculated using the number of days since the tree flowered, so ask the farmer for advice on where to find the best apples in the orchard.

Apples ripen from the outer edges of the tree to the inside, so try to pick the apples on the outlying branches of the tree first. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give it a little twist. Make sure to place them gently in the bucket. Apples will last longer if they are bruise free!

4) Store apples in a cool place – Keeping apples cool will increase their shelf life and help ensure they can be enjoyed for weeks for come. A cool basement or the fruit or vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will make a perfect home for your apples. Try to refrain from washing them until you are ready to use them as moisture will accelerate spoiling.

5) Enjoy! - From baked apples and applesauce to dumplings and apple pie, there are lots of great ways to enjoy your haul! Try a new recipe, prepare an old favorite or enjoy a fresh apple on its own for the perfect fall treat.

Photo by Sarah Hicks

Connect with Nature: Enjoy Fall Colours

Summer may be drawing to a close, but there’s still a lot of fun to be had in the great outdoors. Beginning in September, a steady autumn wave makes its way across the country, transforming local leaves into vibrant colours of red, yellow and orange. This creates a spectacular backdrop for an adventure in nature!

There are lots of ways to soak up the fall colours. Head out to a local park for a hike or a bike ride and bring your camera along so you can take a snapshot of your picturesque surroundings. If you’ve got time, make an afternoon of it by packing a fall picnic to enjoy among the foliage.

In Canada we’re lucky to be home to some of the best places in the world to view fall foliage, so consider visiting a new natural area to take in the autumn scenery. Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant in Quebec and Jasper National Park in Alberta are just a few of locations in Canada that are world-famous for their fall colours. The timing of the change in colour depends on a number of variables so check regional foliage reports for the best time to experience the foliage in your area. Make sure to bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for birds on their fall migration.

Can't make it to a park? Take a stroll through your neighborhood to see how your local trees have changed with the colder weather.

No matter where you choose to view the foliage, take advantage of this colourful time to enjoy nature and all it has to offer.

Photo credit Mark Round

Connect with Nature: Geocaching

Geocaching is a large scale treasure hunt that allows you to connect with nature and have fun at the same time. Geocaches are small objects hidden in intriguing places that are located using GPS coordinates. It can be anything from a clear plastic container to a rock with a secret compartment. They usually contain a logbook that allows you to register your “find” and see how many people have come before you. Once you know where you are and where you're going, you can search for the cache. Here’s what you need to do to get started:

- Join the community: Start your adventure by visiting www.geocaching.com to read up on geocaching and find a list of local associations that can help you get started in your area;

- Choose your destination: There are over 1 million geocaches hidden around the world, including many in Canada’s natural spaces. Cape Breton Highlands, Bruce Peninsula and Banff are just a few of the national parks where you can find geocaches. Check with your favorite park to see if there are geocaches to be found there or use the online community to plan an outdoor adventure in a space you’ve never explored before;

- Prepare for your adventure: Once you’ve chosen your destination, you’ll need to do some research about what to expect on your journey. The online community should fill you in on the level of difficulty of each geocache and give you some background about its location. Before you head out, make sure you have all the gear you need to navigate the terrain and a GPS device or GPS enabled mobile phone to help you find your way. Some parks or community groups will let you borrow GPS devices for your adventure;

If you’re planning to geocache in a National Park, make sure to read Parks Canada’s guidelines for geocachers before heading out. Geocaching is a great way to explore nature, but it’s important to respect the natural environment and ensure these areas remain protected. You can find these guidelines here: www.pc.gc.ca/docs/pc/guide/geocache/geocache1.aspx

- Enjoy your journey: Pack up your gear, type the coordinates of your geocache into your GPS and you can be on your way. Don’t forget to stay on marked trails and follow proper wilderness etiquette. When you get home, share your experience with fellow geocachers and start planning your next adventure!

Photo by Ian Robertson via Flickr