“Nature is a part of our enduring values.”
Each our households had been visiting the Comfortable Valley Forest since 1950, and our mother and father each purchased property right here. We met at a skating get together on New 12 months’s Eve 1963, within the nook of the property the place we nonetheless reside at present. We’ve been recording birds and different wildlife sightings as volunteers on daily basis since. Birds make each go to outdoors the possibility for a spark of magic. Ann’s father was a loyal birder and I bear in mind him joking about “pishing within the woods” to draw birds. It’s a uncommon day that goes by that we don’t have a pish within the woods.
You requested about pressing priorities for nature conservation. Biodiversity is a giant concern. We need to see extra areas the place the whole lot lives and grows, the entire system thrives. Salamanders, bugs, birds, there are declines in so many species. Species abundance is down right here—we see the modifications on our personal property. We’re involved about how folks bulldoze and place no worth on wild, scruffy locations. The concept of taking youngsters out and never having the ability to flip over a log to discover a salamander troubles us. With out nature, our world is boring, gray and predictable.
However there are glimmers of hope. Right here within the Comfortable Valley there’s over 750 acres of protected forest—and we’ve obtained our Purple Headed Woodpecker again! Nature exhibits us that, when given an opportunity, she will be able to and can re-wild! People can get it proper and get it higher, or we generally is a reminiscence. The collective energy of individuals—Nature Canada—we are able to do unbelievable issues. If there’s hope for the world, it’s as a result of extra individuals are including their voice.
Purple-Headed Woodpecker (Picture: Barb D’Arpino)
And Nature Canada amplifies this and provides voice to those that don’t have it: bears, wolves, owls, winter wrens, and extra. We’ve been members and volunteers for years, and have left a present in our Will, too. Once we put the preservation of nature in our Will, what we’re doing is entrusting the individuals who will shield nature—that’s Nature Canada. As a part of writing our Will, we take into consideration what’s most vital to us, our enduring values, and what we are able to do to cross them alongside. Our youngsters, and our grandkids, are our legacy on the planet. Each day, our household passes on our values. We are able to additionally give to organizations that replicate our values. How a lot doesn’t matter. You may have your values reside on in perpetuity whereas taking a stand for what issues to you. Nature has been that for us.
Speaking to our youngsters about our Will was not solely vital, it was inspiring. We should always relish the possibility to speak to our family members about what means most to us. That’s not a second to concern, it’s a second to rejoice. Our youngsters had been glad to learn about our plans and desires, and we felt reassured understanding that they knew about our intentions. We’ve come to know that presents in Wills are a giant purpose charities can obtain their objectives.
Sooner or later, sooner or later, we would like somebody to open an envelope at Nature Canada and be notified that our reward is now realized. And we would like them to know that they’ve this cash, proper now, so as to add to no matter is most vital and pressing at the moment. We hope it helps save birds, damselflies, grizzly bears and battle for clear air and contemporary water. And we hope the charity feels good understanding that nature lovers like us took the step to assist nature ceaselessly as a result of we belief Nature Canada at present and on daily basis.
I really like connecting with donors, listening to your tales, and serving to you take advantage of your generosity and philanthropy is really my honour. You might be at all times invited to contact me for a confidential dialog about your membership at work for nature or about different methods to help nature in Canada. I’m right here to assist!
Jodi Pleasure, Legacy Help,
Proud Whittemore Circle Legacy Donor
1-800-267-4088 or 613-562-3447 ext. 239
[email protected]