NCC: Thank you, Ontario volunteers

December 10, 2020 | by Leanne Mitchell

Volunteers are an integral part of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) work. Whether it be in the field or in the office, our volunteers are always eager to lend a helping hand. Although the pandemic has temporarily put the Conservation Volunteers (CV) program on hold, we would like to recognize and thank all of our volunteers for their valuable contributions and support. Here are some highlights and words of gratitude from Ontario Region staff:

“My favourite part about the Conservation Volunteers program is meeting people from all walks of life who all want to do their part for nature by volunteering. I enjoy getting to know each of the volunteers who attend the events in my subregion on a personal level — some whose kids and pets I know by name! It’s great to catch up at each volunteer event, all while seeding a grassland, planting trees or removing invasive shrubs.”

– Brittany Hope, coordinator, conservation biology – Central Ontario – West

 

“One of my favourite Conservation Volunteers events was the “Deck the Halls” event held annually at the Napanee Plain Alvar. We had several local volunteers join us, but also had a family from Ottawa and a family from Mississauga join us, despite having over a foot of snow. A young girl of about six was glued to my side the entire morning, telling me all things she loved about nature. It was so nice to connect with people near and far, and, in particular, to have such youthful spirits around! Experiences like this will always remain near and dear to me. 

One of my favourite local volunteers, John, always attends several CV events each year. At one particular event, we were pulling seed pods off invasive dog-strangling vine plants and John was happily in attendance. John has, in many instances, told me about how he simply can’t see litter and not pick it up. So, we left that day with 16 bags full of seed pods, but John had upwards of 20 cans and bottles in his pockets and backpack. Now that is dedication!”

– Amanda Tracey, coordinator, conservation biology – Central Ontario – East

 

“Volunteers are a crucial part of our work, and I miss everyone dearly. I can’t wait to be back together again soon!”

– Val Deziel, coordinator, conservation biology – Rice Lake Plains

 

  

“Despite our Conservation Volunteers program being cancelled for the year, in 2020 we were able to enlist the help of some volunteers virtually. In NCC’s Ontario Region, we had a few volunteers complete placements with us through their post-secondary programs. They helped our GIS team with projects, including creating maps and updating databases, as well as helping our field staff with important data entry. While some of this work may seem less glamorous than getting out in the field and getting your hands dirty, these behind-the-scenes tasks are critical to our work. We are so appreciative of the time you were able to dedicate to volunteering with NCC!”

– Katherine Culbert, acting conservation coordinator, Ontario Region

Thank you to our volunteers for the positive impacts you have made. We look forward to working with you again in the near future!