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!

Declare Your Favourite Lake or Water Body by Signing the Love My Lake Declaration

As lakes across Canada started to phase from water into ice earlier this month, I asked if any of you has a favourite lake or water body. I also mentioned that Nature Canada is introducing the first national Love My Lake Declaration. Well now I'm back to invite you, your friends and family, your co-workers and your fellow freshwater-lovers to sign it!

The Declaration represents a list of people from coast, to coast, to coast (and beyond!) who want to declare their love for Canada's lakes and other (fresh)water bodies. Simply fill out and submit the form below and voilà, you've made official your love of Canada's aquatic environments - in all their wondrous and valuable forms.

Last week I shared my fervor for two Canadian waterscapes: Frozen Ocean Lake in Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia and Big Trout and Trout Lakes in Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park - and I've already added them to the Declaration. But let's not 'dam' the enthusiasm for waterscapes there... add your favourite lake or water body now!

So don't click away until you've had a chance to sign the Declaration below! Check back soon for an update on how many Canadian waterscapes have been listed.

	Canadians love their waterscapes, and here's your chance to tell us which lake or water body in Canada is special to you and why. Simply fill out the form below to add your name to the national  Love My Lake declaration.  Fields marked with * are required * Name: First Required Last Required * Email: Required * Postal Code:
	*Question - Required -Name of your favourite lake or water body?
	*Question - Not Required -Town or community nearest to the lake (please be as specific as possible)
	*uestion - Required -Province/Territory of your lake or water body?
	Question - Not Required -GPS coordinates of your lake or water body? (optional)
	*** Question - Not Required -Why is this lake or water body special to you?

Spam Control Text: Please leave this field empty

Do you have a favourite lake or pond?

Ice formation, Stan Wojtaszek

With Fall well underway, Canadians are saying "see you soon" to lakes and ponds all across the country for yet another winter. Swimming, paddling, fishing and visits to the lakeside cottage have, among other things, been put on hold for awhile. But now is a great time to reflect on the many ways that lakes and ponds help us connect to nature throughout the year; how they are part of our experience of the 'true north, strong and free'. And I can't forget all the opportunities lakes offer for pond hockey, ice-fishing and skating during the winter months!

Canadians love their waterscapes, it's pretty much a fact. Saskatchewan-based author Allan Casey explores the almost intrinsic relationship Canadians have with lakes and other water bodies in his 2010 Governor General's Award-winning book Lakeland: Journeys into the Soul of Canada. Through a series of encounters with several of Canada's lesser-known but nonetheless well-loved lakes, Casey explains how lakes are an integral part of the Canadian experience. In the opening chapter he writes:

"Like a lot of Canadians, I have been drawn irresistibly to lakes my whole life. Access to pure lakes is fundamental to my quality of life in my home and native land. I love them all." (from p.2)

That excerpt resonates with me in many ways. I didn't grow up on a lake, nor did I grow up with a lakeside family cottage or taking annual paddling trips or attending summer camp. But I did grow up with fond memories of lots of time spent at lakes and ponds, giving me a great appreciation of them as accessible water bodies. For me lakes were not the ocean, which in my experience on the Bay of Fundy was an all-at-once powerful, beautiful and merciless body of water. Lakes were by no means innocuous in my mind, but they were more palpable, more enjoyable - they were more fun.

With my training in environmental science and biology, lakes came to mean even more to me and my experience as a Canadian. Lakes are so much more than just bodies of water or habitat for "fish". You can read all about lakes as habitat and how to promote healthier human and wildlife habitat along Canada's shorelines at The Living By Water Project. You may also be interested in a report our own Ted Cheskey recently co-authored, called Birds At Risk: The Importance of Canada's Boreal Wetlands and Waterways.

Since expanding my perspective on lakes, I've become an avid paddler (whenever I get the chance) and I love exploring lakes in search of birds, fish, crustaceans, freshwater molluscs, dragonflies and other invertebrates, submergent and emergent plants, solace, recharge... you name it. And now as a parent I have the opportunity to see lakes through my daughter's eyes. I look forward to our first paddling trip together, or the first time we skate on a wide open pond. We had lots of fun this summer exploring lakes in baby-steps (literally) and finding out how fun it is to get Mummy and Daddy wet.

Do I have a favourite lake in Canada? Absolutely! I love a waterscape called Frozen Ocean Lake in Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia. I have fond memories of introducing good friends to open water paddling on that lake, and the back-country campsites are amazing! I also love Big Trout and Trout Lakes in Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park. And I'm always glad to expand this list!

So, do you have a favourite lake or pond? If so then stay tuned to our blog. Why? Because we're starting Canada's first 'Love My Lake' Declaration - a list of people who want to declare that Canada's lakes are special to them. Check back soon for more details on how you can get involved!

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

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: 5 Easy End of Summer Activities

Throw your arms up - it is summer by wheatfieldbrown via Flickr

Summer may be starting to wind down, but before we all head back to school and work, take a few minutes to connect with nature. Here are our top choices for some end of summer outdoor activities:

1. Get in one last camping trip. Pack up and head out for a day or a weekend surrounded by nature. Remember your camping checklist to make the trip a success!

2. Explore your city by bike. Get two wheels on the road and tour your town on a family bike outing. Ride familiar routes or discover a new favourite trail.

3. Throw a nature tea party. Pack up some healthy snacks, juice or tea and your best picnic blanket to have an afternoon treat in the outdoors. Enjoy the decorations and soundtrack provided by Mother Nature.

4. Stay up late stargazing. Evenings are still fairly warm, but the sun sets just a bit earlier these days, providing ample time to explore the night skies. Lie in the grass and watch the stars dance through the dark.

5. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. There is so much to explore right in your own backyard! Put a new spin on your familiar surroundings by turning each nature experience into a challenge that can be checked off your list.

Don't forget our sun smart tips to safely enjoy the end of summer!

What are you doing to celebrate nature as summer winds down? Let us know in the comments.

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

Connect with Nature: Your Long Weekend Camping Checklist

What could be more Canadian than a long weekend camping trip? Take advantage of the upcoming holiday to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. Whether you're going hiking, on a day trip, or staying overnight, planning is the key to a successful camping experience, so make sure to check the following items:

HIKING

Photo by Arlen Tees via Flickr

Before you go

1. Prepare your route and gather maps
2. Check whether there is an entry fee, if pets are allowed on the trails, etc
3. Leave your itinerary with a friend

Don't leave home without

1. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
2. Backpack
3. Water bottle
4. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
5. Insect repellant
6. First aid kit
7. Compass
8. Rain gear
9. Plastic bags
10. Picnic lunch and/or snacks

Awesome Add-ons

1. Spare pair of socks
2. Camera
3. Binoculars
4. Flashlight
5. Whistle

DAY TRIP

Photo by Colleen Proppe via Flickr

Before you go

1. Prepare your route and gather maps
2. Ensure your vehicle is trip-ready
3. Leave your itinerary with a friend

Don't leave home without

1. Water
2. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
3. Insect repellant
4. First aid kit
5. Rain gear
6. Plastic bags
7. Food and drink cooler
8. Dishes and utensils
9. Camp stove and fuel
10. Outdoor activities (frisbee, football, soccer ball, etc.)

Awesome Add-ons

1. Camera
2. Flashlight
3. Camp chairs
4. Portable stereo
5. Swimwear and a towel

OVERNIGHT CAMPING

Photo by GREDELEGRE via Flickr

Before you go

1. Reserve your campsite and bring the confirmation number with you
2. Ensure your vehicle is trip-ready
3. Leave your itinerary with a friend

Don't leave home without

1. Tent
2. Sleeping bag and pillow
3. Water
4. Multi-tool
5. Rain gear
6. Plastic bags
7. Food and drink cooler
8. Camp stove and fuel
9. Flashlight
10. Toilet paper

Awesome Add-ons

1. Camera
2. Hammock
3. Folding table
4. Tarp
5. Canoe and paddles

For more ideas and comprehensive checklists, visit:
Parks Canada - Learn to Camp
Camping Canada
Canadian Parents - Family Camping Checklist
Canadian Tire - Camping Gear

Is there something that you always take with you on a camping trip? Let us know in the comments below. Enjoy your long weekend!

Connect with Nature: Celebrate Parks Day with Free Entry for All

This photo was submitted by Maryn in the My Ultimate Parks Pass Experience contest.
See all the great photos in the photo gallery.

You already know that Nature Canada is a proud partner in the My Parks Pass program that gives grade 8 students free access to over 200 national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas for a full year. You also know that My Parks Pass holders can get a discount on a family/group pass when you visit. But did you know that everyone can visit any Parks Canada location for free on Parks Day 2011?

Parks Day is a national event celebrating Canada’s amazing natural and historic places from coast to coast to coast. It is held each year on the third Saturday of July – this year on July 16. Plus, since this year marks the centennial of Parks Canada the events at national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas will be bigger than ever. Find a location near you to start planning your trip today!

Can’t get away from the city? Celebrate Parks Canada’s 100th birthday in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver with free concerts and family activities on July 16. Paint the town green this summer and experience Canada’s parks in the heart of the city with this rare meeting between artists, culture and nature.

Bring your family, bring your friends and enjoy all that Canada has to offer on Parks Day!

Connect with Nature: Celebrate Canada

Photo by the National Capital Commission
(via Flickr)

From coast to coast to coast, we are celebrating 144 years of being a nation. In many ways, we are defined by the landscape: tundra to the north, mountains in the west, rolling plains meeting up with the striking features of the Canadian Shield, to ocean-swept tidal beaches in the east. What better way to mark Canada Day than by getting outside and enjoying everything that nature has to offer?

Most communities offer outdoor festivities of one kind or another, so find out what’s going on in your neighbourhood and gather outside for a great birthday celebration. If you’d prefer something a bit quieter, take a walk and appreciate the natural spaces you can find, even in an urban landscape. Or choose to get away from it all with a backcountry camping trip.

Across the country, Parks Canada is opening their doors on July 1 with free admission to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Plus, if you’re coming to Ottawa for the country’s biggest party, official activities will feature the centennial of Parks Canada, the oldest national parks service in the world.

Through forests, lakes, rivers and mountains, Canada was forged from the wilderness. Take the time to reconnect with nature as the best birthday gift you can give your country.

Happy Canada Day from the Nature Canada Team!

Connect with Nature: Nature, Food and Play

Photo by John Corvera (via Flickr)

It feels like we’ve hit mid-summer this week in Ottawa, but we’re really only a few weeks into the growing season. In spite of that, there’s a harvest bounty right around the corner – berries! My favourite way to enjoy berries is sun-warmed and picked fresh off the vine, but even if you’re just having a strawberry social in the backyard food is a great way to connect with the natural world all around us.

If you’re going out to pick your own berries, it’s a wonderful opportunity to just enjoy the outdoors. You can also spend some quality family time together by taking multiple generations of family members on the trip; I usually go out with my mom and grandmother to a local strawberry patch. While you’re enjoying the juicy goodness of your berries, remember all of nature’s effort that went in to producing them – the seeds, soil, rain, pollinators and sun that all came together to create the fruit you're eating.

To experience the growing process yourself, why not plant a bean tent in your backyard? They make wonderful, edible summer hideaways!

Photo by Zero-X (via Flickr)

1. Start by clearing space for your tent, raking the soil smooth and marking out a circle the diameter you want for your tent.
2. Insert poles into the earth around the circle, about a foot apart, and tie them together at the top. This makes the frame for your tent.
3. Tie strings in horizontal lines around the poles to act as a trellis that will help guide the plants. Remember to leave a space between two poles for a doorway!
4. Plant your bean seeds around the outside of your tent circle according to the instructions on the package. Water them well as they start to sprout.
5. Help your young bean plants find the tent frame and trellis strings and begin to guide them upwards. If there are any gaps, you can replant your bean seeds every couple of weeks which will also ensure that you have a constant supply of beans all summer.
6. Enjoy your shady, natural tent!

 Having a closer connection to our food sources leads to healthier lifestyles, helps us learn about the world around us and can be a lot of fun. Get outside and play with your food this month!

Connect with Nature: Sun Smart Tips for Outdoor Fun

Photo by nikki (confidence, comely) via Flickr

The sun has made its reappearance in Ottawa this week, and it's got me thinking: how can I make the most of my time outside while staying safe from the harmful effects of the sun? After a bit of research, I found these great tips for enjoying my outdoor activities in the sun.

1. Wear protective clothing. Hats, sunglasses and loose-fitting, full-length shirts and pants are your best defense against the sun's rays. Make sure as much skin as possible is covered to limit your exposure.

2. Use sunscreen or sunblock. Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that provides both UVA and UVB protection. If you're trying to stay away from the chemicals in sunscreen, try a sunblock that contains physical barriers like zinc oxide that reflect the sun's rays. Whichever product you choose, make sure to apply it according to the instructions for maximum effect.

3. It's all about timing. The sun's rays are strongest between 11am and 4pm. Plan your outdoor activities for earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid these periods of high UV rays.

4. Seek out shade. Rather than spending your time outside in direct sun, find a shady location under trees, umbrellas or gazebos to set up your activity.

5. Drink lots of water. While not directly related to the sun, it's important to stay hydrated while outside, especially in the summer when we're often sweating and losing a lot of the water in our bodies. Keep your water bottle full and nearby for a cool, refreshing drink.

You can enjoy your time outdoors while still being sun safe - it just takes a bit more planning and some sun smart tips!

Resources:
Health Canada
Canadian Dermatology Association

Connect with Nature: Get Out and Garden

Tastes like Spring by Larissa Sayer (via Flickr)

What will you be doing this weekend? Opening up the cottage? Visiting a national park? How about staying closer to home and getting out into the garden?

The May long weekend traditionally marks the start of gardening season in most parts of Canada. The danger of frost has passed and the soil has had a chance to dry out from the winter melt and spring rain. Where to start with 3 days of gardening bliss ahead?

First, decide what type of improvements you’d like to make to your garden this year: traditional, wildflower, vegetable or maybe a mix. If this is your first time gardening, remember to start small – there will always be room for changes in future years!

Garden entry by Andrea_44 (via Flickr)

Next, there’s probably some tidying up to do in the yard. Make sure to clean up any debris that has ended up in the garden over the winter, as well as any dead plants that didn’t get removed last fall. You’ll probably want to aerate the soil as well, breaking it up with a hoe or other garden tool so that air and water can bring nutrients back into it.

After all that preparation, it’s finally time to plant things! Make sure you’ve chosen plants that are suited for your region and that you follow the directions for the amount of sunlight, water and nutrients each one needs.

No matter what kind of garden you choose, an easy way to make it greener is to install a rain barrel. And if you’re in a small space that doesn’t allow for a large garden, why not try your hand at container gardening instead?

It can be easy to spend a lot of time in the garden, but remember not to overdo it. Take a break to enjoy the early spring flowers, or walk around the block and admire other people’s gardens.

What plans do you have for your garden this year? Let us know in the comments below.

Connect with Nature: It's Festival Season!

Tulips from the 2005 Canadian Tulip Festival.
Photo by Robin Dawes (via Flickr).

While there's something to love in every season in Canada, late spring holds a special treat - the start of so many outdoor festivals across the country! The nicer weather means that we can celebrate everything from music to food to art to the environment, all outdoors in beautiful spaces.

Whether you're going to a specific nature-focused event (such as the 2011 Nature Trust of BC Wild Festival for Youth) or something a bit more general, like the Canadian Tulip Festival starting in Ottawa this weekend, these are great opportunities to get outside throughout the spring and summer and just enjoy being in nature. The music sounds richer, the food tastes sweeter and the colours look brighter when they're experienced with nature.

If you're not sure what might be going on near you, you can start your search by checking out this list of environmental fairs and festivals.

What festivals are you planning to attend this season? Let us know in the comments.