Nature Canada

10/06/2026

Animals and insects can get trapped in the artificial fibers of Halloween web so it’s best to not use at all or only use inside.

10/01/2026

It's International Raccoon Appreciation Day. As winter draws near, the supply of readily accessible food for wildlife can decline. This may lead the hungry critters to a seemingly easy supply of snacks that we put out once every week – our trash. The most common critters seen rummaging through or toppling over bins are raccoons.

The negative impact that this trash buffet has on the animals that choose to dine here is often not known to people. An animal getting into your trash may seem harmless but the ingestion of harmful substances, human conflict and an increased likelihood of being hit by a car are just a few of the dangers that await animals that become habituated to dining on garbage.

Raccoons consume a variety of food items in the wild, and have been known to be particularly interested in pet food, peanuts and fruit. The notable intelligence of a raccoon combined with its dexterous paws make it a worthy adversary in the quest to keep garbage in its intended place.

Here are some quick tips to protect these critters as well as yourself:
→ Early riser – Raccoons are nocturnal so putting the garbage out first thing in the morning on pick-up day limits their chance to access it.
→ Lock it tight – Using bungee cords or bricks to secure the lid.
→ Keep garbage clean – Though it may sound like an oxymoron, rinsing out recycling (cans, bottles etc.) and cleaning out the green bin helps keep the food odors at bay.
→ Natural deterrents – Animals often don’t like the smell of peppermint oil or vinegar; sprinkle some on the container to make it seem less appealing.
→ Animal proof containers –An animal proof bin can be purchased at your local hardware store if all other attempts fail.

As human development continues to encroach on wildlife habitat, it is of ever increasing importance to work together to make sure our wildlife stay safe. Minimizing interaction with raccoons and ensuring that no temptations are present for them to visit helps ensure that.

09/24/2026

Our panel of esteemed judges has spoken, and the top 5 photos from our 2026 Nature Photo Contest have been chosen! Now, we need YOUR help to pick a winner!

The winner of this public voting will be awarded the grand prize, and be featured on the cover of our 2027 Nature Canada Calendar.

The grand prize winner will receive a gift certificate valued at approximately $1,895 towards one of Black Feather - The Wilderness Adventure Company's unforgettable guided wilderness trips for the 2027 season.

A big thank you again to everyone who participated in the contest this year. And to our amazing sponsors! It was an honour to see your pictures of Canada’s nature from coast to coast to coast.

Vote for your favorite nature photo on our website: https://naturecanada.ca/enjoy-nature/nature-photo-contest/voting/

09/22/2026

Each year, millions of birds lose their lives during their migration after colliding with buildings—a devastating consequence of our built landscapes. But there’s something you can do.

09/18/2026

From Fatal Light Awareness Program Canada: Turn off the lights to save birds, energy, and money

Many songbirds migrate at night, and light pollution from urban areas can throw them off course and increase the likelihood of them hitting buildings.

Reducing unnecessary lighting at night, especially during the critical periods of spring and fall migration, is a simple way to help migrating birds while also leading to energy and cost savings from decreased electricity usage.

Follow these guidelines for reducing the impact of both interior and exterior lighting on migrating birds.

Interior Lighting

→ Turn off all lights in unused interior spaces.

→ Draw blinds when interior spaces are occupied, i.e., workstations.

→ Turn off non-security overhead lighting in occupied spaces, while encouraging the use of task lighting at workstations.

→ Human safety and building security lighting should be isolated to areas as the law and code requires.

→ Switch to cleaning of interior spaces during daylight hours.

→ Dim lights from 11pm to 6am in public areas, i.e., lobbies, atria, retail, etc.

→ Install motion sensors or an auto shutoff system with a maximum 30-minute vacant period.

Exterior Lighting

→ Install only shielded, downward directed fixtures.

→ Exterior architectural lighting fixtures are limited to grade level.

→ Lighting should be limited to areas where required for safety and security.

→ Prohibit spots, floods, and advertising lighting during bird migration months: March through early June and August through mid-November.

09/17/2026

Federal and provincial governments are advancing policy changes that could weaken species at risk protections and environmental safeguards in areas considered economically important.

Under the guise of cutting "red tape" and fast-tracking major development projects, like pipelines, transportation corridors, and industrial networks, governments are proposing to bypass critical environmental, Indigenous, and public reviews.

The government asked Canadians to share their feedback through a consultation process. Thousands of you have already done so and we thank you. Building Canada’s economy shouldn’t come at nature’s expense.

Nature protection is nation-building infrastructure. We can’t make Canada strong if we build on a foundation we’ve already broken.

Contact your MP to tell them you do not support rolling back environmental safeguards in the name of speed or development.

09/16/2026

Climate change is causing the loss of entire rare ecosystems in the north.

"Suddenly, it's … drained away and then everything that was living in there is gone."

The irreversible loss "marks a regime shift and the end of a 4000-year era."

Full story in the comments.

09/15/2026

At Nature Canada, our Women for Nature community stands united by a powerful belief: when we uplift one another, we cultivate a brighter, more equitable future for all including people, wildlife, and the precious lands and waters of Canada/Turtle Island.

Through our mentorship program, seasoned women leaders in conservation, science, and advocacy are guiding young women and gender-diverse individuals forging connections that inspire change. They share their journeys, instill confidence, and ignite a passion for environmental stewardship that resonates deeply.

This is so much more than career advice. It’s about forging meaningful connections, nurturing support systems, and fueling inspiration that shapes the next generation of environmental champions.

✨ Do you know someone who would thrive in this empowering community? Or perhaps you’re inspired to become a mentor yourself? We want to hear from you! Please contact Katherina Symes [email protected] and be part of this journey!

09/14/2026

What role can municipalities play in protecting biodiversity? A bigger one than you might think!

In a recent Rogers TV interview, Molly Tilden represented BC Nature as the Project Lead for the Municipal Protected Areas Project. The interview highlights the District of Summerland's participation in the program, adding 330 hectares of municipally owned land to Canada’s Protected and Conserved Areas Database.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/esZ9y13lYFM?si=4xS-Uj0ruZKCJGze

Nature Canada's Municipal Protected Areas Project works to support local governments to assess their natural areas and register qualifying sites in Canada’s Protected and Conserved Areas Database. By working alongside municipalities, regional districts, local naturalist clubs, and community partners, BC Nature is helping ensure that locally protected lands can contribute to Canada’s 30×30 conservation goal, protecting 30% of our land and waters by 2030.

Since the project began, BC Nature has supported nine local governments and one Crown corporation, contributing to the recognition of more than 10,000 hectares of biodiverse near-urban land for conservation. These areas may be modest in size, but they can provide enormous ecological, cultural, and community value.

Learn more about the Municipal Protected Areas Project here: https://bcnature.org/municipal-protected-areas-project-mpap/

The Coalition: Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts, Ontario Nature, Wildlands League, and supported by the Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia

The District of Summerland has added 330 hectares of municipally ow...