Living in a NatureHood has a pleasant ring to it, don’t you think? Well now, if you live on the Saanich Peninsula, you can say you do! The Saanich Peninsula is now officially – as declared during last month’s All Buffleheads Day celebration – a Nature Canada NatureHood.
Piloted in 2012 at Ottawa’s Lac Deschênes, NatureHoods now extend the breadth of the country from Nova Scotia to here on the Peninsula. “A NatureHood’s goal is to connect people of all ages to nature right where they live – which increasingly means urban centres. NatureHoods inspire urban residents to connect with nature through innovative programming, celebratory events and stewardship activities set in urban green spaces and Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. Through strong partnerships with grassroots naturalist clubs across Canada, NatureHood promotes nature awareness at the local level and exposes a new generation of naturalists and citizen scientists to nature around them.”
Friends of Shoal Harbour is the local Nature Canada partner working to establish and oversee the Peninsula NatureHood. What started as a focus on the Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary has grown to include other natural areas of the Peninsula. Along with focused conservation efforts, the NatureHood will include citizen science studies with local schools, programs for clubs and community groups, and events and activities for all residents.
For NatureHood Saanich Peninsula events and initiatives visit shoalharbour.wordpress.com or follow NatureHood Saanich Peninsula on Facebook or Twitter (@Naturehoodfosh).
To help you engage with nature right in your own backyard, Nature Canada (naturecanada.ca) has additional citizen
science initiatives:
YardMap is designed to cultivate a richer understanding of bird habitat for both professional scientists and people concerned with their local environments. Draw maps of your backyard and other outdoor locations such as parks, farms, favorite birding locations, schools, and gardens.
By joining YardMap you will contribute to science and learn how to manage landscapes sustainably.
NatureWatch aims to involve and train citizens in gathering and sharing data in order to inform conservation efforts and policies. This initiative provides Canadians with the tools to empower themselves and to interact with others interested in studying nature. Participate in FrogWatch, PlantWatch and WormWatch.
