Nature Canada facts for kids
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| Founded | 1939 |
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| Founder | Reginald Whittemore |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Focus | Nature conservation, Environmentalism |
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Executive Director
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Emily McMillan |
| Website | naturecanada.ca |
Nature Canada is a group based in Ottawa, Ontario, that works to protect nature. It's an environmental organization with many members. More than 100,000 people and over 800 other groups support Nature Canada. These supporters include local and provincial clubs that love nature.
Nature Canada's main goal is to protect animals, plants, and their homes in Canada. They do this by getting people involved and speaking up for nature. They work with communities to protect wildlife. They also talk to the government to create laws that keep endangered species and their habitats safe. Nature Canada also helps with a program called Important Bird Area (IBA) with BirdLife International.
Contents
History of Nature Canada
Nature Canada is one of the oldest national nature protection groups in Canada. It started on September 30, 1939. A man named Reginald Whittemore began a magazine called Canadian Nature. He did this to honor his late wife, Mabel Frances Whittemore.
In 1948, the group became known as the Audubon Society of Canada. They focused on protecting birds.
Later, in 1971, the Audubon Society of Canada decided to protect more than just birds. They changed their name to the Canadian Nature Federation (CNF).
Finally, in 2004, the CNF changed its name one last time. It became known simply as Nature Canada.
What Nature Canada Does
Nature Canada works on several important projects. Their goal is always to protect Canada's amazing wildlife and natural places.
Protecting Natural Areas
The Canadian government has promised to protect a lot of Canada's land and oceans. They aim to protect 25% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. Nature Canada helps guide the government's plans for this. They also make sure the government keeps its promises. They want laws that hold the government accountable if they don't meet their goals.
NatureHood Program
The NatureHood program helps people in cities connect with nature nearby. It's about finding green spaces and wildlife right in your own town. The first NatureHood projects started in Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec.
NatureNetwork
NatureNetwork is what Nature Canada calls its large group of partners. This includes many local nature clubs across Canada. It also includes bigger nature groups in every province. They all work together to protect nature.
Bird Friendly Cities
Nature Canada has a program to help birds in cities. Many bird populations are shrinking. This program helps cities, towns, and villages become "Bird Friendly Certified." This means they make changes to help birds thrive in urban areas.
Rights of Nature
Nature Canada is looking into the idea that nature itself should have rights. This means that rivers, forests, and animals could have legal rights. They are exploring how these rights could be protected in Canadian law.
Green Budget Coalition
Nature Canada is part of the Green Budget Coalition. This group asks the government for money to fight climate change. They also ask for funds to stop the loss of different types of plants and animals. Nature Canada helps share these important requests.
Past Publications and Shows
Nature Canada used to publish a magazine called Canadian Nature. It was published for 65 years but stopped in 2004. The organization also produced a television show. It was called Audubon Wildlife Theatre. Today, Nature Canada creates guides for teachers, reports, and information packages. They also send out an e-newsletter.
See also
- Ontario Nature
- Bird Studies Canada
- BirdLife International
- International Union for Conservation of Nature
