Stay connected to the outdoors

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are proud of the incredible wilderness in our province. On the occasion of World Environment Day yesterday, June 5, and Canadian Environment Week, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) wishes to thank its donors, volunteers and supporters for helping us protect valuable wildlife habitat and parts of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most treasured natural places.

As a result of working with private land owners and our conservation partners, NCC has been able to conserve more than 13,000 acres of forests, wetlands and coastal areas in Newfoundland and Labrador, from Maddox Cove to the Grand Codroy Valley.

These lands are not only being conserved for wildlife, but also for the communities that value these natural spaces and have a connection to the land.

Together, we have made great strides towards protecting our incredible natural heritage so future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can continue to enjoy the wilderness.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada wants people to stay connected to the outdoors: activities such as hiking, birding, swimming and fishing are allowed on our properties.

Nature reserves are not only a great source of recreation and well-being, they are functioning ecosystems that provide many benefits, including protecting our communities from the effects of climate change.

Our forests and wetlands are “carbon sinks” — they help cool the planet and store carbon. Intact wetlands and undeveloped coastal areas act as buffers against flooding and storm surges and protecting them will protect communities from the more severe weather expected in the years ahead.

Conserving natural places is a value Canadians share, and the work of protecting land is supported by the government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program.

For every two dollars the Nature Conservancy of Canada raises from private citizens, businesses, provincial agencies and community and family foundations, the federal government contributes a dollar.

Support from individuals, businesses and communities is critically important to NCC. Without it, our conservation projects would not happen.

Across Canada, NCC has helped conserve 2.8 million acres and is planning to conserve more.

Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, NCC is accepting donations to continue our important conservation work in the province.

Canada has an abundance of majestic natural areas. By working together, we can protect our rivers, lakes, forests, beaches, and mountains — and our birds, fish and wildlife — so that our children and our grandchildren have a chance to enjoy them.

We invite you to join us on the land to help care for our natural spaces.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has started its stewardship activities, many which are family-friendly.

To learn more about events in this province, visit www.conservationvolunteers.ca.

Lanna Campbell, Newfoundland and Labrador program director Nature Conservancy of Canada