Backus Woods, ON (Photo by Gregg McLachlan)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Nature Conservancy Of Canada

Canadians continue to turn to nature as pandemic drags on

Jan 17, 2022 | 3:27 PM

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, officials with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) say that Canadians are continuing to seek refuge in the outdoors to help cope with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic.

With another round of restrictions and closures being introduced in many provinces, the NCC says it is important for our physical, mental and emotional well-being to connect with nature.

A new Ipsos Public Affairs poll conducted for NCC reveals that 82 per cent of the people surveyed are spending time in nature. Thirty-seven per cent said they are spending more time outdoors compared to their lives before the pandemic began in March 2020. Among respondents, women, young people and young families were most likely to be spending more time outside.

“These findings underscore why protecting and having access to nature is important and helps all of us,” said François Duclos, senior advisor for visitor-use planning with NCC. “Many Canadians are turning to nature reserves, trails, green spaces and parks for physically distanced outdoor activities.”

“People want to safely connect with others or to get out for some sunlight and a walk, hike, run or bike ride,” adds Duclos. “They are embracing opportunities to get fresh air, exercise, feel a sense of calm and take a break from increased telework and screen time.”

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Of the 18 per cent of people who said they are spending less time in nature, one-third indicated they were following their provincial health guidelines and staying close to home, say NCC officials. Lack of access was identified as a barrier for many who said they require transportation or don’t have natural spaces close to where they live, while others said they simply don’t have time.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is providing people with tips on how to make the best of nature outings during winter. Below is a list of useful suggestions provided by NCC to stay warm and safe:

• Be prepared by wearing or bringing multiple layers of clothing to stay warm, as well as a hat, scarf, mittens and water-resistant jacket.
• Make sure you stay as dry as possible, as water against the skin from wet clothing can chill the body quickly.
• Have proper boots and foot aids to provide traction on slippery surfaces.
• Let others know where you are going and bring a phone so you can call for help if you get lost.
• Research the area you’re visiting for any regulations or special concerns.
• Be prepared for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.
• Schedule your activity to avoid times of high use to allow for easier physical distancing.
• Know your limits and your gear. Go slow, chose lower-risk activities to avoid injury.
• Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of four to six.
• Stay on durable trails and surfaces.
• Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter, along with any pet waste.
• Respect other users and visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
• Take breaks and let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach animals.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviours and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Control your pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Preserve the past. Examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them.