Mission:

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. We seek solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, we work with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our most important natural areas. Since 1962, we have brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. NCC is a registered charity. With nature, we build a thriving world. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca

History of Organization:

In the early 1960s a plucky band of naturalists based in Ontario had a bold idea. Stung by the damage to the natural world they saw all around them, they launched a program to take direct, private action to protect natural spaces and promote conservation. At the time it was an audacious plan. It was also the birth of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. By investing in conservation NCC is working to ensure that our natural world remains a home for wildlife, a haven for recreation and a vital resource that cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink.  Through strong partnerships NCC works to safeguard our natural areas so that our children and grandchildren will have the chance to enjoy them.

Natural Legacy Through Partnership: NCC works with individuals, corporation, foundations, governments and communities to achieve tangible results – results you can walk on.

Conservation For Nature – For Now, Forever: Once NCC secures a property (through donation, purchase or conservation easement), NCC is committed to the long-term care of the land. This ensures the natural areas we love will be here for future generations to enjoy.

NCC’s Science Based Approach to Conservation: NCC works mostly in southern Canada, where the majority of the Canadian population lives, works, plays, and competes for space with more than 80 per cent of our at risk species. It is here where the threats to nature and opportunity for conservation are the greatest.

NCC Works Where You Live: With more than 200 staff, working in 7 regions and in every province, NCC brings a national perspective to conservation while working locally.

NCC Is Well Managed: Moneysense magazine has ranked NCC as the top environmental charity and one of the most efficient and responsible charities in Canada.

Conservation Internship: NCC has a long history of providing practical, career-based training for the advancement of college and university students in the field of conservation and environmental studies. In the past decade alone, NCC has supported more than 350 internships in all 10 provinces, helping NCC to achieve its science and stewardship goals. Equally important, NCC staff mentor the young Canadians who will become tomorrow’s conservation leaders.

To learn more about NCC’s Conservation Internship program, or to apply for an internship with NCC, please click here.

Leaders in Conservation: The Leaders in Conservation (LIC) program provides unique opportunities and benefits to individuals who make an annual contribution of $1,000 or more in support of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s work. Their ongoing commitment provides the foundation of our work to preserve Canada’s great places. And since our Leaders provide undesignated gifts, we’re able to use these funds where they are needed most urgently.

LICs have the benefit of personally experiencing the spectacular landscapes and wildlife in their area through trips and tours and participating in presentations and events that will help them learn more about our work, while meeting like-minded people. To learn more about the LIC progam, please visit: www.natureconservancy.ca/ab-lic

Conservation Volunteers: 

The Conservation Volunteers program began in 2001 and engages Canadians of all ages in the protection of our country’s species and natural habitats. It provides a meaningful, hands-on educational experience in ecologically significant natural areas. Our events are carefully designed to make sure volunteer time is directed to important conservation activities. NCC’s projects offer a rewarding and informative experience.

By volunteering your time, you help us accomplish our on-the-ground land management and restoration goals. You will be able to:

·         Explore unique habitats

·         Observe rare species; and

·         Learn from knowledgeable professionals while contributing to important conservation work.

To see upcoming volunteer events in your area, visit: http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-you-can-do/conservation-volunteers/

ALBERTA: Conservation Volunteers

It was a record breaking year for the Alberta Conservation Volunteer program. NCC Alberta led 43 conservation volunteer events, engaging a grand total of 1084 volunteers. These events were held on NCC properties scattered across the province, providing the opportunity to work in a wide variety of ecosystems. Every event had a direct ecological impact meaning our volunteers can see their impact on the properties. This season they helped clear 11.5 kilometers of trail, planted 415 native species, removed 10 kilometers of fence and well over 450 kilograms of invasive species. The volunteers that come out to our events are vital to NCC, we could never thank them enough for their hard work and dedication to conservation.

To see our NCC volunteers in action, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNiRqURgZ5o