Jeanne-D'Arc: I love my trees.

I can say that I was always inspired and always appreciated nature. I was born and raised on a dairy farm and my parents had a sugar cabin from 1949 till now. It is the third generations’ making maple syrup in the family located NW of Quebec city. That means they had to keep the surrounding of the maple trees clean and also helping the growth of new trees. I helped with the wood and piling it for the wood stove. I always played in woods and climbing trees. After I moved in Alberta,
I continued planting all kind of trees on the 1/4 of land we bought in 1988. I started with tree # 1 in 1989 and till April 2024.
I and my family planted about 2500 trees, bushes, fruit trees and ornamental trees. I did move beside Edmonton and I sure miss my country and I miss planting trees. Here I have a very small yard and I planted an apple tree, a cherry tree, a nine bark, a black cassis, an ornamental sumac, an hydrangea and four grapes vines, two bleu and two green. I look at them growing and last fall I had my first crop of apples. That was good.
Jeanne-D’Arc Laperrière Mailloux

Hayley: Many small steps lead to great achievements

I grew up in a small lake town, and was always surrounded by nature. A big fan of being outside immersed in the sounds and life, observing and appreciating its beauty. As a child my dad would bring me these postcards from the WWF Canada campaign that had beautiful art of animals on them and I tried to collect them all. I believe I still have them in a box of memories! Since then I’ve always looked to say yes to any projects or events where I am able to support wildlife conservation, from presentations at school on the Ozone Layer in science class, or volunteering efforts, and creating Green Team Committees and chairing existing ones at my workplaces. I still spend time in the woods or the valleys in nature almost every day to appreciate nature just like I did as a child. I’m very passionate about our ability to work with the grain than against it and believe we can truly make a difference together, one step at a time, just like getting to the top of the CN Tower Climb!

Jim: Learning to appreciate this beautiful planet.

My experiences as a child/youth at summer camp, canoeing and portaging around the Lake Mazinaw/Bon Echo region and the Georgian Bay area. Spending weekends in Caledon, Ontario during the 1950’s and 1960s with my parents who were very into nature and the environment. One of my earliest memories is watching from the edge of a field as it was being reforested with evergreen seedlings. Buying property and moving to the country in 1979 and witnessing the dance of nature reveal itself. Painting and sketching landscape and animals. Traveling and appreciating the jungles and countrysides of places around the world. My hope is that we learn how to do a better job of caring for this planet.

Aseem: Our Planet, our Nature , our Resources and Our Responsibility

My appreciation for nature started at a young age. I remember spending summers exploring forests, lakes, and mountains, completely in awe of the beauty and harmony in the natural world. There was something profoundly humbling about standing among towering trees, listening to the calls of birds, or watching a river carve its way through the land. Those experiences instilled in me a deep respect for nature and a desire to protect it.

I first became involved in wildlife conservation when I realized how fragile these ecosystems truly are. Seeing reports about habitat destruction, species decline, and climate change made me want to take action. Supporting organizations like WWF-Canada felt like the most effective way to contribute to meaningful change. Every initiative—whether protecting endangered species, restoring habitats, or advocating for sustainable practices—represents a step toward a better future, and I’m proud to be a small part of that effort.

My hopes for the future of our planet are simple yet ambitious: I dream of a world where nature and people thrive together. A world where forests are not felled faster than they can regenerate, where oceans remain vibrant and full of life, and where species are not lost due to human impact. I hope that future generations will still experience the wonder of the natural world, not just in books or documentaries but in real life—standing in a forest, by a river, or on a mountain, feeling connected to something greater.

I look forward to continuing to support WWF-Canada and working toward a future where nature is valued and protected.

Rosanne: Please don’t give up!!

I’ve appreciated nature since I was a small child.My parents built a cottage
next to a lake and vacationing there gave me a great love and respect for the environment and its animals! Wildlife conservation has always been very important to me. Without it we are doomed! I hope that our generation’s youth will realize this and do their best to fight for our planet and its animals! We need to prioritize teaching our children and our grandchildren that the climate IS in crisis and that we can help!

Satyajit: Step by Step for Nature: My Climb to Protect Our Planet

My appreciation for nature started at a young age. I grew up exploring local trails, watching documentaries about wildlife, and learning how every species plays a role in our planet’s delicate balance. But it wasn’t until I saw firsthand the impact of habitat loss and climate change that I truly felt the need to take action. Nature has given us so much—clean air, fresh water, breathtaking landscapes—and I believe it’s our responsibility to protect it.

My journey into wildlife conservation began with small steps—supporting local clean-up events, donating to conservation groups, and making sustainable choices in my daily life. But I wanted to do more. That’s when I discovered the WWF CN Tower Climb for Nature. Climbing those 1,776 steps for the first time was both physically and mentally challenging, but knowing that every step contributed to protecting wildlife made it all worthwhile. After that first climb, I was hooked. Each year, I’ve returned, pushing myself harder and raising more funds to support WWF’s incredible work.

I dream of a future where we coexist with nature rather than exploit it. A world where endangered species thrive, forests are restored, and our oceans are free from plastic pollution. While the challenges are great, I believe in the power of collective action. Every climber, donor, and advocate makes a difference. Through events like the CN Tower Climb, we’re not just scaling a building—we’re rising to the challenge of protecting our planet.

I hope my story inspires others to take action, because together, we can create a future where both people and nature flourish.

Richelle: From Gardens to Guardian: My journey to Wildlife Conservation and Restoring Nature

As a military family, we moved around a lot . From the Rocky Mountains to the prairies and
the Atlantic Ocean, I have experienced nature in ways most people never have. Nature was always there for me and I grew up learning to respect and accept nature as a living thing.
I think I stumbled into wildlife conservation. As a landscape designer I created beautiful gardens. But it wasn’t until the COVID lockdown that I realized I was tearing apart existing ecosystems and turning them into whatever people wanted. That thought was sobering and I became a Certified Master Gardener dedicated to naturalizing urban landscapes. I show how they can help wildlife in their own yards. Every action counts, no matter how small. My hope for the future of the planet is that it will recover from our manipulation and we can find a way to live with wildlife. We need to educate people so that they are aware of the affects they have on the earth. Making people self aware is the only way wildlife will be able to thrive. It is my goal to educate as many people as I can through my talks and workshops.

Eli: Animals deserve our immense appreciation!

I had a good education from an early age, so I learned to love animals, and eventually in adulthood, realized I didn’t like eating meat, and switched to vegetarianism, for which I am committed. I’ve had four dogs as pets, all very beloved dogs, and I generally think how poorly animals are treated, despite their beauty and importance to Nature. I would say environmental skills may stop the conflict raging in the world, and that conservation can help with stewarding animals in the wild in general.

Rachel: My Story

I donate on behalf of my brother, Steven Michael Donoghue, for our family. Steve was a son, a brother, and an uncle. But he was also an inspiration for all of us when it came to being a steward of the environment. An avid hunter and fisherman, he had a deep appreciation for nature, wildlife, and conservation. He had a deep passion for the Canadian wilderness and understood that all life was to be respected and cherished. He spent much of his youth exploring and had a longing to explore Canada in its entirety. He was always willing to share with us his love of nature and would often be keen to tell us about a recent documentary he watched, or a book he had read about anything and everything to do with the world around him. We knew that he believed it was our duty to care for the Earth. That we were responsible not only for ourselves, but for all living things. When Steve passed away in 2023, it was a shock to us all. And though we were not ready for him to leave us, his legacy lives on. We have learned so much from him, but one of the most important things is to be stewards of the land we live on. To care for the plants and animals that surround us. And so, I donate on behalf of Steve, who helped to inspire myself and my family to be better caretakers of this land.

Karine: A Dream for Nature’s Future—And the Kids Who Will Protect It

I’ve loved plants and animals for as long as I can remember. The towering trees, the hidden networks of fungi, the creatures that soar, and the ones that burrow—and especially the ones that make you stop and wonder, how is something like this even possible? Like the immortal jellyfish, or dragonflies that cross entire oceans, or seeds that have waited 32,000 years to sprout—older than human civilization itself!

They were here long before us, shaping Earth in ways we rarely think about—offering food, medicine (thank you, willow trees, for inspiring aspirin, the most commonly used drug in the world!), companionship, and even riding rockets to space. And yet, while humans are full of brilliance and kindness, we’re also the greatest threat to their survival.

That’s why I support WWF-Canada. Because every creature deserves a world that still has room for them.

But I dreamed of doing more. I wanted kids to fall in love with nature early, to grow up caring. So, in my spare time, I began writing playful sci-fi books where plants and animals take center stage—and where they finally have a world of their own: Marsimble, a sanctuary planet just for them. Through these whimsical adventures, I hope kids catch glimpses of real science—DNA, evolution, biodiversity—and maybe, just maybe, one day, humanity will rename Mars to Marsimble and declare it a conservation and research sanctuary for plants and animals.

WWF fights to protect the natural world we love. Thank you for everything you do to protect our planet!

Garry: We still have some time to act

As a child, I always loved being outdoors, and that has never left me. Today, as a professional wildlife photographer, my goal in photographing wildlife’s endangered species, is to help make people aware that we all share the same planet and that they have every right to clean air, pure water, and habitats that allows them to survive and flourish. However, we have still not learned our lesson in that all our human actions have an impact on the environment and has consequences, yet there is very little action governments have taken to mitigate the use of fossil fuels, stop the dumping of plastics in our oceans, polluting the air we breathe, or taking concrete action to help stem the rising temperatures of our oceans. The window of opportunity to change is shrinking, and if we do not absorb the pain and act quickly, it is only going to get worse and millions will suffer and/or die. I applaude and support the work the WWF is doing, but it may not be enough if governments don’t wake up.

Stephanie: Nature is healing…

As a child my family adventures included camping in Algonquin Park in Ontario. Algonquin is a place of many different ecosystems and animal life – moose, deer, bear and wolves. Hiking 🥾 took us through so many different places of beauty and wonder. The tree tops touched the skies, the tree roots showed strength as they held on along the river banks. More so, determination as new saplings grew out of the crack in the rock. As I have gotten older, and the world is more noisy, nature is my place of peace. I am a tree hugger & supporter. I plant trees instead of buying flowers. I sit by cascading waterfalls and along river beds for solitude. There is nothing else that can bring about this instant peace. I love and protect pollinators, turtles, penguins for my daughter, and wolves. We will continue to migrate more to natural areas as we near our retirement age.

Don: Lifelong Love of Nature

I’ve appreciated nature since I was a small boy living in an urban area. My parents grew up in rural areas and they made sure I understood about the importance of wild areas. As a result, I learned to backpack and took many trips into backcountry wilderness areas, where I saw and appreciated much wildlife. I organized and hiked the length of the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada when I was 16 years old. All these activities fuelled my interest in wildlife generally. The result was my earning degrees in Zoology and wildlife biology. That is how I ended up in Alberta in 1970 to finish my graduate research at the U of Alberta. The job opportunities in Canada kept me in Canada for over 50 years (I became a Canadian citizen in 1975, not a dual citizen!). I have worked in wildlife conservation for most of my life, and wrote and published many articles for magazines, blogs etc. on a variety of conservation and wildlife subjects. I know the importance of conservation organizations in keeping governments’ and corporations’ feet to the fire for protecting essential wildlife habitat for our very existence. So, I support many through my donations.

As far as the future is concerned, I’m afraid I’ve become more pessimistic by the day. The human population on this planet is way too big, and yearly, we consume more renewable resources than the planet can replace. Wildlife populations and biodiversity generally has crashed as a result. But these realities are conveniently ignored by governments. I wrote a piece about the issue on my Substack site (https://donhmeredith.substack.com/p/surviving-the-21st-century). We can survive but it will take some major changes in human behavior that few people will be willing to make.

Sorry about being so negative, but you asked😊.

Cathy: The Wonder of Worms

Composting is nature’s way to convert food scraps and paper into nature’s finest soil amendment. As an avid gardener and composter, I would see food scraps (aka future compost) everywhere. Except it was not usually future compost as it ended up in landfill instead. In 2002 the landfill for the Greater Toronto Area closed and Toronto’s garbage was shipped to Michigan. I had a solution, indoor composting with worms and I started, Cathy’s Crawly Composters. Selling worms by the pound was not easy as people don’t buy with they need, they buy what they want (Not everyone wants worms in the house – even for the love of the planet).

Education was required so I decided to do school workshops. To date over 100,000 students have been my inspiring presentations. I have met former students who were so moved by the worms that they went on to become Environmental Lawyers!

My hopes for the future include a populous excited about taking care of our beautiful planet. Getting out in nature, appreciating the majesty of it. It is awe-inspiring when we take the time to notice. When we are connected to something, we will protect it. Without awareness, action is impossible is one of my favourite expressions. If we don’t know the value of a tree, why would we care if it gets cut down?

Ryan: WWF Plushies

When my wife and I were looking for meaningful and impactful Christmas presents for (our then) young nephew and niece back in 2015 we stumbled upon the WWF plush toys. Since then, and “20 something” plush adoptions later we have seen both of them take a great pride in the environment, connecting with nature, and protecting & championing animals. I asked my sister this past Christmas if we should still keep getting the plush animals for them or if they had outgrown it? Her immediate and joyous response was “You can keep getting them the plushies forever, they love them!!”

Joel: A simple perspective

Being a full time fine artist, I’m constantly in awe, simple balance of the natural beauty all around. Backyard sunsets were the first inspiration as a young teenager. That was a long time ago. Since that time, hiking with watercolours provides the starting point for large studio canvases.
On almost all treks, birds, foxes, deer are regular visitors. Once I’m settled drawing,in the calm of the woods, that I’m no threat, brings the creatures back to the scene. I carry a bag to pick up any trash I find, often shells from hunters and beverage containers. Hard to believe that side of ourselves.
We need to strive for respect and balance. Achieving this is so difficult from one person’s perspective. This is why conservation groups are so important to give hope and accomplish goals for the larger good. Better planned developments, protected watersheds that is only the beginning. Making nature a priority in the political mandates. In these times your organization can make a difference. Thank you

Kevin: A Guest in Nature’s Serenity

Shortly after moving to Vancouver Island, I started trail running and developed a strong connection to the breathtaking landscape of Canada’s West Coast. Whether I’m being serenaded by a symphony of chirping birds, stopping to run my fingers through a cold babbling brook, or being accompanied by a curious Barn Owl, nature has given me the opportunity to rise above the stress of daily life to appreciate the beauty in my own backyard.

Immersed in the serenity of centuries-old trees and humbling views of the vast Pacific Ocean, I can’t help but feel like a guest. And, just as any polite house guest would, I need to show respect and gratitude for the kindness bestowed upon me.

So, when I decided to symbolically adopt a sea otter as a present for my nephew’s first Christmas, I did so with the hope that he would one day share my newfound passion for conservation. If he, too, understands that we need to take responsibility for the well-being of nature and wildlife, our future will be in good hands.

Sium Masud: A Glimpse into Life on the River

The first time I saw a River Lapwing, I was captivated. It was a whirlwind of motion, a flash of iridescent brow feathers against the backdrop of a rushing river. The way it darted and dipped, its sharp cries echoing through the valley, filled me with a sense of wonder. From that moment on, I was hooked. I spent hours observing these incredible birds, documenting their every move with my camera. I learned about their unique courtship dances, their intricate foraging techniques, and their delicate nests nestled amongst the river stones. But as I delved deeper into the world of these fascinating creatures, I also witnessed the threats they face – habitat loss, pollution, and the ever-encroaching human footprint. I realized that my passion for these birds extended beyond mere observation. I wanted to do something to help ensure their survival. My support for WWF-Canada is a testament to this desire. I believe in their mission to protect wildlife and restore nature. I know that by supporting their work, I am contributing to a collective effort to safeguard not just the River Lapwing, but countless other species and the delicate ecosystems upon which they depend. I hope that my photographs, and this small story, can inspire others to appreciate the beauty and fragility of these magnificent creatures and to join the fight for their conservation.

Trish: Musk Oxen – ancient warriors of the north

The first time I saw musk oxen was at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve just outside of Whitehorse. Impossibly shaggy and low to the ground, they looked like (and are!) something out of prehistory, when the earth was young. I was surprised at how small they are, how perfectly curved their horns are – ending with that warriors helmet, the great pale shag around their necks and their beautiful faces. I fell deeply in love with them. Since then musk oxen have come into my life in serendipitous ways – a beautiful Inuit carving, a sweet silver charm and of course, the stuffed musk ox toy who came with my gift to WWF when they had a special project to address musk oxen habitat loss. Umingmak, the bearded one, which is their Iñupiaq name, are ancient, among the few survivors of the mass extinction of the first Ice Age. They grazed their way across the Bering Sea Land Bridge from Siberia to Alaska as early as 200,000 years ago. Now, after standing strong and steady for millennia, their survival is in our hands, as the sea ice melt takes their habitat. Organizations like the World Wildlife Federation are the guardians at the gate, holding back the threat of extinction from so many species, including my beloved musk oxen. They are working to turn the tide. Please help if you can.

The photo was taken at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse.

Taryn: From A Sticker Book To Saving Animals

When I was 5 years old, my father bought me the World Wildlife Fund sticker book from the grocery store. It was a fantastic book as it not only had the sticker factor that every young kid loves, it also had tons of information about animals, the environment and even little conservation projects young kids could do at home. I loved this book and read it many many times. On the inside cover was a message from WWF’s president at the time Monte Hummel. I proceeded to write him a letter; telling him that I liked animals, asking him if he was best friends with David Suzuki and other animal questions. He responded with a wonderful letter of his own that motivated me even further to help animals. For my childhood birthdays, I always asked for gifts that would help animals and the environment; symbolic deeds to acres of rainforest were a big gift at that time. As I grew older, my passion for wildlife continued as well as my correspondence with Monte Hummel. I am perpetually educating myself on conservation and animals. As a freelance photographer and graphic designer, I often make the cost for my services a donation to WWF’s conservation efforts in my name. I also regularly donate to organizations such as Gorilla Fund International and the Jane Goodall Institute.

My dream for our planet is that more and more people will educate themselves or be educated about every aspect of our natural world with the goal of better protecting its wild places; people need to realize that for every being on this planet to survive, we as humans need to form a better equilibrium with our planet and fellow animals. We need stronger regulations that punish illegal practices as well as addressing some of the socio-economic issues that cause these practices.

Laurel: A Skunk Lady’s Tale

Back in the 1950s-70s, my parents’ cottage up north of Huntsville, was on Bear Lake, with not great number of cottages and one entire side of the 3 mile lake total wilderness. The wilderness educated us with the miracles of flora and fauna. We played in it and always found find something amazing to bring home and learn more about.
About 45 years ago here in Tillsonburg, I found two orphaned, eyes closed, baby squirrels in the middle of the road. No nest was visible. I gathered them up and had no idea what to do. No internet, no computers, no idea who to call and no money to go to a veterinarian. I muddled through using common sense. They lived and were released. This was the beginning of not only a love of wildlife but a volunteer career of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing orphaned wildlife. Squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and finally due to health problems, an easier animal for me to care for, skunks! Yes, I have been the Skunk Lady of Tillsonburg, Ontario for decades, and love it. Although today I can no longer physically care for wildlife, I still do presentations on wildlife, ecology, climate change, etc, with Slider Comfort, our permitted [under the MNR],educational, paraplegic, four year old skunk. Audience pay much more attention when you present them with a live skunk! I like to wait to tell them she is descended….teehee. That always keeps the kids quiet! Teaching the public how to share the wildlife neighbourhoods we build our homes helps both humans and wildlife. Once people learn about the life and limitations of skunks they are stunned how easy it is to learn to live with them in the neighbourhood. The love of wildlife has been an ongoing journey of love that will never end. It has been a great honour and privilege to be a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.

Kim: Natures room

Animals, nature, is what we need to breathe, to exist. Nature has its own language with us giving us that room away from all hardships in life, an escape really. Nurtures our emotional health and mental well being.
Each of us holds a special uniqueness with it making our bond so beautiful.
We can share our experience during our interaction with nature or just simply soak it up making it one on one, personal. Nature shows us just how much God loves the world, he created it to benefit the planet and us as well. Humans need to understand the delicate fragile beauty this gift is for us, and our planet, to understand more, to love and respect how every species of animal insect and plant holds it’s unique role and purpose.
I am just an observer, I will be the voice for animals etc if I am needed.
My role here is to love help and advocate for our earths beauty.
We cannot exist without it.

Janine: The Monkey Within

My appreciation for nature began when I was born in the Year of the Monkey, a connection that has stayed with me throughout my life. As a child, I had a painting made of a monkey that captured my fiery energy, with long smudges of yellow, orange, and red paint. The way this monkey saw me—full of energy and spirit—became something I cherished deeply.

To honour that fiery spirit, I began adopting a monkey through WWF for every stunt job I secured. It felt like a way of giving back, a celebration of the energy I saw in myself. Now, as I pursue my writing career, I continue this tradition, donating for every writing job I secure. Although I’m still building my career as a writer rather than a stunt person, my hope is that there will be so many opportunities ahead that I’ll be able to adopt all the monkeys, ensuring that my passion for nature and conservation continues to grow alongside my career.

For the future of the planet, I hope we all find ways to honour our connections to the natural world, whether it’s through small acts or grand gestures. The future is full of potential, and I believe that with each step we take, we can contribute to a more sustainable, compassionate world for wildlife and humanity alike.

Sadaf: Planet Earth is the one and only home we have, Let’s treat it well…

I’ve been always in love with nature. The positive vibes I take from nature and animals is beyond the word. But I am worried about our planet, animals, and natural resources. I am worried about the generations who come after us having nothing left from Universe-given blessings and gifts. It’s our responsibility as humans to do our best, preventing our vulnerable planet from being more damaged. Why should coyotes in our city be killed because of the mistakes our people did by feeding them? Why are icebergs melting because of global warming which is the result of our factories and industries? Why are seas the dumping ground of our waste? Why do we use cars more than walk? Why more meat than more veggies in our meals? Why real fur instead of faux fur for our clothes? Why not less demand and less supply? I start my morning with these questions and find peace by doing things right at least around myself , my family and neighbourhood. If everyone thinks the same way, the planet could live better too.

Drew: Blue Heron & Eagle at Parksville – May 2011

Rolando: From Juancho to Ming-Ming: How Love for Animals Shaped My Life

My appreciation for the natural world was inspired by my upbringing, particularly by my mother, who instilled in me a love for animals and nature from a young age. Even as a child, I’ve had a special place in my heart for animals. When my family got a dog named Juancho, I loved him deeply. And when he passed away, it only strengthened my love and appreciation for animals.

Growing up in a small mountainous province in Isabela Region 2 in the Philippines, I was fortunate enough to see wild animals in their natural habitat near the river; this experience only strengthened my connection to the natural world. But over time, I noticed that the wildlife was disappearing, which broke my heart. I knew that the ecosystem and wildlife were an essential part of the world, and it saddened me to see it declining. As I grew older and learned more about the threats facing the environment and wildlife, I knew that I had to take action to help preserve and protect them. This led me to become involved in wildlife conservation, starting with small actions like supporting foundations like WWF-Canada and learning more about ways to live sustainably and reduce my impact on the planet.

My love for animals wasn’t just limited to wild creatures, though. My mother had a soft heart for abandoned kittens, and her kindness and compassion for these helpless animals inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I was grateful for the opportunity to help raise these cats and give them a loving home.

Over the years, my family adopted several kittens, and each one had a unique name and personality. Ming-ming was the oldest, having been with us for almost nine years. Coco, Martin, Eloy, Hugo, Sadori, Grey, and Chani were the latest additions to our family. We loved each one of them and saw them as valuable members of our household.

My upbringing has had a significant impact on my values and worldview. I’ve learned to be kind, generous, and loving not just to humans but to all creatures great and small. I believe that it’s easy to love and care for animals and that it’s important not to be cruel to them.

In conclusion, my story is a testament to the power of love and compassion. My experiences growing up with animals have taught me valuable life lessons that I carry with me to this day. I hope to inspire others to treat animals with kindness and respect and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. My hope for the future of the planet is that we will continue to work together to protect and restore the natural world. I believe that every individual has a role to play in this effort, whether it’s through supporting conservation organizations, living sustainably, or advocating for policies that protect the environment.

I hope that future generations will be able to enjoy the same beauty and wonder that I experienced growing up, and that we can create a world where humans and animals can thrive together in harmony. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to appreciate the natural world and to take action to protect it, so that we can build a brighter future for all.

Lesley: The Most Incredible and Diverse Animals on Earth

My story is simple. My life did not feel particularly fulfilling or happy. One year I was given a Point-and-Shoot camera. I was eager to try it out and decided to try taking a photo of a bee in flight. I thought that it wasn’t half bad. I decided to take a class. The instructor sent us out to try our best. He told me that I wouldn’t get anything with my cheap camera so I was delighted when others thought that I had a super shot and the instructor admitted that it was excellent. In fact, it was the only good shot! It was easy to find insects to photograph and I became enamored. I began to realize how beautiful and intricate they were and how important they are to our survival. I fell in love with these little animals that so many others dislike because they don’t understand them. I’ve learned so much and developed more of an appreciation for all animals but honestly, I think insects and other arthropods, rule the world. They are the most diverse and prolific. They have been around for over 300 million years (some much longer) and you can find them in every continent. They have amazing cultural systems and each knows their role. If man disappeared tomorrow, the insects would survive but if man destroys the insects, he would be doomed.

Laura: Water Matters

I’m a farm girl and grew up during the DDT era where we saw few raptors. Occasionally we’d see an owl or a hawk, and remember seeing a snowy owl on a tree once. Over the decades we’d see more raptors, and finally they’ve made a comeback which means that science and banning chemicals works. I took pharmacy at university and thought I wouldn’t be able to work behind a counter after being diagnosed with MS, so worked in a toxicology lab, I understand the science behind chemical bans. I was the water analyst for Alberta and we’d get samples of live fish in the toxicology lab that looked like they had acid poured on them, and their tumours were terrifying. Water matters. Everything we pour onto the earth affects our water. Above is a picture of an owl imprint in the snow.

S.: Born In The Wilds; Ocean & Nature Lover; Generational Commitments Into The Future To Ensure A Planetary Future

I was born into a life in which wildlife & nature were part of everyday life. My early childhood was spent on the Zambian/Congo border, on a small strawberry estate, 13 miles from the town where I went to school, with my afternoon & weekends spent mostly with local children, & surrounded by mostly non-predatory wonder creatures such as vervet monkeys, bush babies & gazelles. We climbed trees & wandered in the luscious & verdant surrounds. Sometimes I stayed the afternoon with classmates, with my father picking me up after work, but even in this surprisingly cosmopolitan British ex pat town, wildlife could be found on the streets. Yes, there were snakes, too, & other wild life one wanted to steer clear of but the attitudes held from my grandmother, through to my parents, to me, was that all life forms are connected & should be valued & respected. On immigrating from landlocked Zambia at 10 with my family to South Africa, my love of nature expanded to the oceans that were there before me. We moved a fair bit but we always located in ocean cities. This loving of nature attitude is in the DNA, also carried on to my son —who was taken by me to an ocean spot as soon as I could in the very first days of his life — & now onto his children. The family of four now live happily in an ocean village on the west of Vancouver Island, where one can often see wild life making a life too among the human inhabitants. One can spot bears fairly often, wolves too, coyotes & lots of deers, often munching in one’s garden! One of my grandchildren, just 10, envisions a life as a zoologist or wildlife vet, the other at 13 did the 2022 WWF run to restore nature, making it to number 3 on the leader border, raising $1808. A sizable sum, especially as she was in mostly a top group of adults with a fair number of corporate donors. I was her fundraiser & luckily has friends world wide, who supported her & the WWF. As a fairly young child, she referred to fellow primates as her cousins. She certainly is good family! Her brother initiated a rescue of an abandoned husky pup from the desert climes of Qatar last July.This much loved dog knows how extremely lucky he is to have landed with the animal & nature loving family, in a climate region far better suited to having a heavy coat. I have long been a supporter of WWF, as well as of groups helping to protect the Amazon rainforest. Both my grandchildren are delighted at being associated with the donations to these various conservation projects. They now have the generational family conservation baton firmly in their hands, & in all likelihood will run again to restore nature in the future, again in a threesome of my son, & grandson to accompany my granddaughter in solidarity. Another good way to support WWF is buying gifts at their shops. My granddaughter has a number of their great wildlife socks, which she loves & my grandson a rainproof jacket, perfect for living on the Wild West rainforest coast. Written by S Fuller, a primate, currently living in Vancouver en route to the VI west coast.

Avita: There’s at Least One Sea Turtle Out There

I was introduced to the concept of wildlife conservation way before I could comprehend its meaning. When I was 7 years old, I visited Shell Beach, in South America. There, my aunt and her husband worked with WWF to protect the endangered species of the leatherback sea turtle.

The beach, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, was a spot where leatherback sea turtles would often lay their eggs. I remember seeing the huge eggs in a deep hole in the ground and thought it was fascinating and I am still curious to this day about what the egg feels like. A few days later, the eggs hatched and I had the once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the baby turtles emerge from their shells and make their way to the ocean.

Fast forward to May 2021, I was on a beach at Long Point Provincial Park when I notice some tiny prints in the sand. I followed it with my eyes and saw the tiniest baby turtle I’d ever seen trying to make its way to the water. My heart leaped out of my chest and I instantly got worried for the baby turtle because the beach was quite busy.

Children and their families were stomping and playing around, not noticing the little turtle trying to make its way to Lake Erie. Some children were also really captivated by the turtle and I knew I had to step in to protect this baby. With the help of their parents, I was able to ensure that the children didn’t touch the turtle or try to pick it up. I stuck by its side, gently guiding it with the sand toward the water because the turtle kept going in the direction of where a family was playing with a beach ball. I knew if it went that way, the turtle would be in danger.

After what felt like hours, but was about 40 minutes, the baby turtle made it to the water safely.

Judy: Paddling for the future

My hubby and I are nature lovers, and always have been since we were kids. Our first date was in a canoe, and during the last 20 plus years we have enjoyed numerous remote canoe trips paddling the incredible crystal clear waters of the Churchill River system in Saskatchewan’s great north. On our trips over the years, we’ve travelled the waterways that the First peoples navigated and shared with others . Paddling those rivers and lakes we have had some beautiful encounters with families of river otters, black bears, moose, coyotes, martin’s, weasels, voles, raccoons, porcupines, wolves, beavers, loons and many other waterfowl. The moments we’ve spent around a campfire listening to a chorus of coyotes or wolves howling, the mornings we’ve woken to forest bird song, and the unexpected haunting loon calls at all hours of the day, are all such memories we will cherish forever. They have imprinted in our DNA, our hearts, and our minds and we have passed those along to our children, and now our granddaughter. It’s been wonderful taking her out in the canoe with us on adventures since she was old enough to sit by herself in the canoe, and it’s so amazing now to see her put her own paddle in the water, and tell us she can feel the difference of how the water affects her paddle when there’s current in the river. We’ve donated to WWF for a long time now, and our wish for the future is that all generations have the opportunity to experience the natural and untouched beauty of remote places, and other magical forests in this world. We hope that there are no more industry accidents that spoil the future for all sentient beings, and creatures of the Earth. We also hope that WWF continues to aid and support wildlife conservation and help preserve our forests, wetlands and endangered species. Our climate is still threatened and our current lifestyles and forest practices are not sustainable. We all need to do our part, to ensure the future of all creatures and humanity.

Kristina: Because it matters

My parents inspired me, they loved to bird watch and to walk in the woods and be with nature. They instilled in us our actions affected everything around us and they recycled, reused, repurposed and composted long before it was the “thing” to do.
Donating to WWF has just made sense, though my donation is small, I just know it goes toward much needed research.
I love being in nature and I am very fortunate to live in a sparsely populated area and can be in the quiet of nature everyday.
My hope is that the collective We, make changes to sustain our world for generations to come.

Lyle: A thriving eco system in my own back yard

When my wife and I moved out of the big city and onto our small acreage of 2.5 acres, I had a lot of work to do. I started to plant as many trees as possible, and ordered about 600 trees of various kinds from the province, called shelter belt seedlings. I had to flag them or they would get run over by my lawn mower. Some survived and some had to be replaced. I noticed that my neighbors had established yards and mine was a blank slate. I also noticed that their yards were perfectly manicured, and my wife wanted that for our yard too. I had another idea of how our yard was going to be. I wanted to have a refuge for any animal that wanted to use it. The moles and gophers left big mounds of dirt all over the yard, all the neighbors killed them as a pest, and I just raked over the hills spreading the black loam over the area being dug out. I call it natural aeration, the dirt soon grew over with grass, leaving it greener and looking healthy, I allow the yellow dandelions to grow because the bees need their nutriants first thing in the spring and dandelions are the first flowers to give them their early spring diet. I haven’t sprayed any herbicides for the last 8 years because I’ve noticed that there were no bugs in my lawn, which the birds need. The deer that pass through use my trees as a scratching post, taking branches off while they do it. The trees are not perfect like the guy’s next door but the deer use my yard and not theirs. I love my natural yard and will maintain it in this way for as long as I live here. My trees have grown and my yard is beautiful, in a natural sort of way, and I love being in nature and use it as much as possible. My wife is getting used to the idea of having a yellow yard in the spring and fall during dandelion season. This is their world as well as mine and nature needs us to help them out, not kill them because of our need to have a perfect yard.

Drew: Blue Heron & Eagle at Parksville -May 2011

/Users/andrewchisholm/Desktop/Blue Heron & Eagle at Parksville -May 2011 .jpg

Jan: My Story

I have always felt a connection to nature and both its flora and fauna species. I also believe it’s our responsibility and my own path to ensure its proper stewardship and assist in all that I can in its protection and preservation. I believe strongly in conservation practices and support a number of conservation non profits’s in addition to WWF Canada, like Nature Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, RBG, CPAWs, Eden Projects, Coral Restoration Foundation to mention a few. I have also taken steps to name WWF as a sole beneficiary in an investment to leave a lasting legacy that I contribute to monthly that will increase proportionately as my salary increases. It is my hope upon completion of my degree (Lifescience BsC at McMaster University-majoring in Biology, and minoring in streams of a few minors including Environmental Sciences) to assist in a career to help the environment in some capacity either with an npo, or in conservation. I am also aspiring to train as a Highschool Teacher to advocate pedagogy on the importance of harmony and connectedness of our youth with the natural environment, and to teach about science-based beneficial behaviours, actions and solutions that we can do to combat and overcome the climate crisis and ensure prevention of loss of biodiversity! Thank you WWF for all your great work!

Sara: My Lifelong Nature Journey

I have been surrounded by nature since I was a child. From fishing with my dad at a very young age to riverside romps with my friends and climbing mountains for my studies, nature has always been an intrinsic part of me. To be happy is to be surrounded by wildlife, snapping photos. To know that the natural world is in decline breaks my heart, and I aspire to make the future brighter for my nephew. I want him to grow up surrounded by trees, birds and all the natural wonders of this world.

David: My Story

I grew up in North York, now Toronto, near the Humber River and one of its tributaries. Despite admonitions from my parents to stay away from the rivers, we often played along the banks year-round when not playing street hockey or hide and seek. I developed an appreciation for nature and wildlife in the ravine system. As well, based on my parent’s attitude that we should know our country first before going international and due to money being tight, we went camping in our canvas tent trailer. Long weekends were spent in Provincial Parks and vacations were spent traveling across the country.

Now, all grown up, I have a pop-up folding trailer to enjoy time in the Provincial Parks. And I live near the West Don River and its tributaries where I often drop down into the ravine system to get away from it all for a few hours. I always have my camera handy to capture photos of flora and fauna I come across. Always except once when the camera was in the tent while a herd of caribou walked through the campsite splitting around the picnic table we were sitting at.

These all helped develop in me a love for the natural world. And a need to preserve it for my continued enjoyment and for future generations.

After research, I determined that the World Wildlife Foundation supported the ideas I found important. An aside, I also include Greenpeace and Ecojustice in my monthly donations and legacy giving for their complimentary action and advocacy in the same issues from their different perspectives.

Cynthia: Nature lover

I have always been a Nature and Wildlife lover
I love Nature for all its grandeur, beauty and magnificence.
I now have a grandchild and I want to tell him when he is old enough to understand, that I did my part in preserving the land where he was born. I want him to also learn to appreciate what Nature gives us for free. When it is time for me to leave this beautiful planet, I want to bring with me the feeling of accomplishment. Knowing that I did my part with support from friends and family who cares for what I cared for.

Victoria: Lifelong love of nature

I grew up in central British Columbia, practically in the middle of nowhere. As part of that, we had a lot of opportunity to experience wildlife in their natural habits. From bald eagles, golden eagles, swans, sandhill cranes, hawkes, geese, red tail fox, coyotes, timber wolves, wolverines, grizzly bears, black bears, otters, beavers, moose, elk, mule deer, white tailed deer and the occasional mountain lion, to name a few. It’s amazing to witness these animals in their natural habitat and I want my children, and eventually, their children’s children to be able to have this incredible opportunity.

Gail: Everything is Connected

Sitting on a rock in the middle of the forest at dusk, as a 21 year old scientist, I realized the oxygen in my lungs was from the trees around me, and my CO2 fed the trees that sheltered me. The elements in the rock I sat on were elements in my body. Everything is made of the same things, and to this day, that moment 45 years ago feels like yesterday. I have dedicated my life to all that don’t speak.

Fernando: Concern for Earth’s natural, amazing and speechless wonders

I lived in the wild in the African Outback for a short time in my life when very young. My father was a doctor in the army, and I got inspired by watching the animals roaming free and showing their majesty. My hopes for the future of the planet are worldwide youth conscience with natural resources, beauty of life with trees and animals and less materialism. I fear the way education goes we fail to succeed!

Carleon: Dad’s Legacy

My Dad was the most influential person in giving me a love of nature. He took my brothers and I on many hikes, camping trips, trips to conservation areas, and to beaches. He shared his appreciation of the beauty of plants, majesty of animals, and the benefits of proper clothing and footwear for whatever the weather. My kids helped me with awareness of the World Wildlife Fund through adopting animals. They were big stuffed animal fans! My youngest made her fifth birthday a fundraiser for WWF and was proud to raise a decent sum. My hopes for the future of our planet is that even the richest people learn the concept of enough and that we spread Earth’s bounty around fairly. I hope we can stop considering natural resources as money makers and leave Mother Nature alone to regain needed balance. Oh, and World Peace!

Kellie: Respect

I love animals.
I also love humans and the planet we live on.
I really worry about the living things that we purport to share this magnificent planet with.
I do not think we, as humans, know how to share. Not this sandbox; not any sandbox.
And, so I worry about the pain and suffering and environmental issues that we create.
I try to do what I can as an individual – I speak for those who cannot speak for themselves; I never let an animal suffer if I can help in any possible way; I am mindful of my use and waste; I try to keep abreast of news/public policies related to the environment and animal rights; I have been a vegetarian for 25 years; and, I give when I can and I try in the smallest of ways to spread the word: Respect. Respect for all life. Not just yours and mine but all of the magnificent lives that make this planet what it is. I think WWF is aligned with my interests in this and, so, I give. Thank you WWF for all that you do and especially for helping me to do what I cannot.

Margaret: Looking after Nature’s Children

I first was first inspired when I moved to Ottawa in April 2000 and heard about OCWC- Ottawa Carleton Wildlife Centre in June of 2001. My husband had found two baby squirrels-roughly a week old who had fallen out of their nest at the base of a tree on his parent’s property. He took them to the centre, hoping they’d look after them. Instead, we were told that they were overbooked and gave him a powdered milk nutrition for us to look after them. We loved it! We were told how many times a day they needed nourishment and we were told how to teach them to pee afterwards.
My husband made them cages and we kept them first with us in the house and after they got bigger we moved them outside. The black squirrel was called, “Little Joe” after seeing the movie “Joe Black” with Brad Pitt. We called the little grey squirrel, “Haas”..after the character in Bonanza. Actually you could say that they were both from the Bonanza series.
For 8 days in June 2001, we looked after them. Haas was anxious to escape and so he left us early on. Little Joe however, wanted to hang around. On the day of my father in laws funeral, we released Little Joe. We kept looking for him but he never returned after that.
I became a staunch supporter of the work that the centre was doing for wildlife.
In the end, I wrote a children’s book on a true story of our raccoon family in the hopes that young children will come to create a bond with a wild animal by respecting them, just by watching them in the animal’s habitat.

From the OCWC to WWF; I wanted to learn more and to support the WWF for all the good work that you do!!

My main hope for the planet is that people everywhere (not just kids, but everyone) will start to respect wildlife (the four and two legged kind) , trees, plants, oceans, mammals and fish, so that we can live in harmony with all of those wonderful aspects of Nature and treat her with respect and reverence.

David: An Ermine Among Us.

I grew up on a southwestern Ontario farm with mixed crops and livestock. My dad had a natural way with animals of all kinds, and I learned that from him at an early age. He was not only good with farm livestock, but all of the field and woodland inhabitants as well. He respected them and always gave them their space.
I seem to have an easy way of connecting with animals around our wooded home lot, part of the northern reaches of the unique Carolinian environment, just north of Pinery Provincial Park. Our back yard was always visited by a diverse range of birds, animals, insects and aquatic life, as we had a water garden there as well as native and perennial gardens.
One particular visitor became a regular in the winter of 2014/15. When I first spotted him in November on the deck of our garden shed, I didn’t know what he was, and had to look him up. An Ermine.
Over the next four months of a particularly hard winter, we became quite familiar with each other. He was as curious as I was, and would come when I would call him “Herman!” I fed him suet sometimes, as the snow was so deep and the cold bitter; I was concerned the tiny creature might not survive. He rewarded me by posing very close to my camera sometimes, and cavorting playfully in the deep snow. My photographs were shared and much enjoyed by friends and neighbours who eagerly anticipated the next update on our small friend’s escapades.
Then, exactly four months later, he vanished. Likely a predator got him… we have foxes, coyotes, feral cats and other animals we enjoy seeing, along with deer, opossum, wild turkeys and a wonderful range of other birds and wildlife. But the time Herman the Ermine was with us was a real privilege.

Elizabeth: West Coast Dreams

It wasn’t until I lived abroad for several years that I truly missed my home on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
I left for Australia searching for artistic inspiration & began painting on a regular basis.
After experiencing years of what Australia’s lush coastal beauty had to offer I soon realized how much I longed for home & the ethereal west coast of Vancouver Island.
Thick fog blanketing the tree line, the wet, dark & deep ambient rainforest, the smell of sun-kissed blackberries along a trail, clusters of mussels clinging to a jagged shore, a pod of orcas playing in the distance. These moments & so many more have brought me a sense of peace in my life.
I had found my artistic calling, & after a summer visit back to the island I began a series of watercolour sea creatures. After that, many paintings of West Coast seascapes followed, which led me to focus on waves. There is nothing quite like the force of powerful, breaking waves at Botanical Beach commanding your attention.
Through countless trips photographing Botanical’s magnificent winter surf, I have dedicated most of my artwork to this special place. Botanical Beach has been a source of beauty, reflection & inspiration to me since I was a child.
I felt strongly in giving give back to the coast, & that’s when I became a supporter of World Wildlife Fund Canada.

Abby: Youth Inspired by Nature

A grade six science study of biodiversity plunged me headfirst into a world of jellyfish and juncos, crocodiles and crabs. I never looked back! Nothing fascinates and creates more respect in me than nature. I love using my time and resources for birding, wildlife rehab, and gardening… nature will always inspire me!

Irene: My affinity for nature, a lifelong love.

My whole life I have felt an affinity with nature and animals. I loved going on long hikes on local trails when I was young. Listening to the birds and the rustle of squirrels in the underbrush gave me peace and serenity.
My favorite animal has always been the elephant, a lumbering beautiful beast who is really a gentle giant. When I realized what was happening to them and their habitats, I started donating what I could to help. From there, I started donating to WWF-CANADA wherever I could. Animals can’t speak for themselves. We need to help them survive the mess we are making of this planet. I feel that as part of the older generation, I need to do my part to do what I can to help the next generations save our world and return it to it’s former glory.

Janine: Lenny: A Chihuahua with a Lion-Sized Heart for Wildlife Conservation

Lenny might not have the size of a lion, but he’s got a big heart for wildlife conservation. His human, Janine, stumbled upon this passion when she noticed Lenny’s obsession with outdoor walks and his affinity for squirrels.

Before they knew it, they were actively supporting the WWF foundation, raising funds and awareness for animal conservation. Janine may have all the thumbs, but Lenny’s cuteness and charm bring in the big bucks or at least a loonie, twoonie too. Every bit makes a difference.

As this dynamic duo works together, they dream of a future where every animal can live free from harm and every person can appreciate the beauty of nature. Lenny even had a few suggestions for a side-kick to the WWF mascot Chi-Chi the Giant Panda, including himself.

Together, Janine and Lenny continue to inspire others to join the WWF, proving even the smallest dog can make a big impact. 

Julian: A love for wildlife and making a difference

I love wildlife. I spend every minute I can experiencing the majesty of the natural world. I donate monthly to WWF-Canada, but after recently being inspired by nature, I wondered if I could make an even greater impact.

I researched the best ways to make a significant difference for wildlife and wild places. I’m only 27 years old, but am a respected Investment Professional in the financial industry. Inspired by an article I read regarding life insurance as a gifting option, I decided this was the best way for me to make a significant contribution to wildlife and wild places. This philanthropic strategy allows me to leverage my annual support and make a larger gift. The numbers surprised even me.

In just 10 years, through paying premiums on my insurance plan, I will have created a $55,000 gift to WWF-Canada. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to leave such a substantial legacy to restore the natural world that gives me so much joy!

Now my passion for wildlife is my living legacy. I hope that my story will inspire others to consider how they can ensure a nature-filled life for future generations.

Ian and June: A legacy of action for the environment

Ian and June Robertson are forces of nature and forces for nature. Regular monthly supporters since 1988, Ian and June are also CN Tower climbers, loyal petition signers, and advocates for wildlife.

On top of all they’ve done, they have included a gift to wildlife in their Will to WWF-Canada.

Ian and June are avid gardeners who’ve turned their small garden into a wildlife wonderland. And they’re intrepid bird watchers.

Ian, now retired, was a school teacher. In every school he worked, he championed the environment — which, early in his career, involved him in the basics of recycling and energy conservation programs. In his later years, he inspired his schools to climb the CN Tower.

“It’s nothing special,” Ian and June say, “We’re not scientists or biologists. We have simply loved nature all our lives and want to do what we can to pass a beautiful world on.”