Wildlife: The Heart of Canada

Happy 2017, everybody. This is more than just a new year. It’s also the start of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations, so it’s a good time to talk a bit about wildlife and what it means to our heritage as Canadians.

The history of Canada’s relationship with wildlife goes back to time immemorial. It was the rhythms of the natural world that sustained Indigenous Peoples for millennia before the arrival of European explorers and settlers. Moreover, wildlife was the foundation of European settlement, from the development of fisheries off the Grand Banks in the 16th century to the exploration and settlement brought on by the fur trade.

Wildlife remains extremely important to Canada’s identity today. This country is blessed with an abundance of wild spaces. We have major networks of national and provincial parks and protected areas. We also have active conservation organizations working at the local, provincial and national levels thanks to the contributions of volunteers, businesses and foundations.

From where I sit — specifically as part of the CWF team — I can’t help but feel proud about the level of participation in nature and conservation that I see across Canada. It truly is a marvel.

I also believe that engagement, that connection with nature, makes CWF’S flagship program to celebrate Canada’s 2017 anniversary — Bioblitz 150 — particularly fitting. In collaboration with Bioblitz Canada and other conservation partners, we will hold bioblitzes across the country this year to showcase Canada’s natural heritage.

Blending scientific knowledge with community and individual involvement, we’ll help bring together thousands of Canadians — of all ages and cultural backgrounds — to explore terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine environments and report on the wildlife they find. It will be a “selfie” of nature in Canada. The discoveries will be showcased to the public, wildlife managers, schools, conservation organizations and government agencies to provide a picture of a wildlife moment. The information will also be used to help shape policy to conserve our natural resources for generations to come.

For more information, check out Bioblitzcanada.ca.

Speaking of a picture of nature, I think it’s fitting that the centrepiece of this issue of Canadian Wildlife is the winning photos from CWF’S annual Reflections of Nature photo contest. The contest is a great chance for our supporters to share their personal moments of the wonder and awe of nature and of their individual commitment to nature and conservation.

So, congratulations to this year’s Reflections of Nature winners. More important, congratulations to everyone who participated. By taking part, you’ve shown that wildlife remains at the heart of Canadian identity.

Happy New Year.