How This Carleton Student is Using Cross-Country Skiing to Connect People to Nature
The Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP) is an educational experience designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards in Canada by connecting youth to nature and their local communities.
The 2021-2022 season is well underway. The program consists of three phases:
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A wilderness expedition: this year, we took participants on a two-day white-water canoe and camping trip along the Noire River
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A volunteer project: an educational or environmental stewardship project
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A summit: an opportunity for participants from across Canada to gather, share ideas, and further develop leadership and advocacy skills
We had the opportunity to speak with Meghan Burns, a CWSP participant, about her experience and project.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m currently a student in my fourth year in the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management program, specializing in Development Policy at Carleton University. I’ve grown up in Ottawa and I love this city! I’ve even worked for the past 4 years in Ottawa tourism as a tour guide with Ottawa Urban Adventures, at the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum.
Throughout my degree, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of community-led initiatives. In my own life, I’ve learned that it’s important to understand what issues are in my own community and how can I help is important before understanding another community’s problems or getting involved.
I’ve always been interested in the big questions. How do we build a better world? How do our societal systems interrelate? But sometimes they feel too big for one person to tackle.
My education is helping me understand what’s in my own environmental community, like Ottawa Valley’s natural history, and where I fit into this bigger system.
How did you become passionate for the outdoors?
I grew up being outdoors a lot. I’ve been a competitive cross-country skier since I was young, and currently ski with Carleton Nordic Ski Team. In the warmer months, I love cycling, running, and water sports like canoeing and kayaking.
What are some of your favourite wild spaces in the Ottawa Valley?
I love spending time with friends at Britannia Beach and Mud Lake. They’re great spots for swimming during the summer.
Gatineau Park is a classic wilderness spot in our community!
Ottawa Valley also has great infrastructure for cross-country skiing, especially the Britannia and Rideau Winter trails, Wesley Clover Park, the Kichi Sibi Winter trail and the Ottawa West winter trail. It’s been so exciting that so much winter trail infrastructure that has popped up in the last five years. Cross-country skiing is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature year-round.
How did you learn about CWSP?
I saw an Instagram ad for the program, actually! Social media is a great place to learn about community-based environmental initiatives.
As someone who wanted to learn about local environmental issues and be more accountable to my goal of learning and doing more for the community, CWSP seemed like a great choice.
Are you happy with your decision to join CWSP?
This was the perfect opportunity!
The wilderness expedition was amazing and meeting other young environmentalists in the Ottawa area was so cool.
Now I know a lot more about CPAWS and have more of a connection to the local environmental movement and issues. For example, I’ve been to Gatineau Park so many times but I had no idea it wasn’t considered a “real” park and that its protection is precarious.
I also appreciate the wilderness expedition being free for participants. As a student, I’m always looking for budget-friendly opportunities and this trip brought a lot of value on top of what the program already offered.
Can you tell us about your project?
I’m co-hosting a guided cross-country ski tour of the Ottawa River along the Kichi Sibi winter trail with another participant.
This trail passes historic spots, art installations, and so many more amazing sights.
We’re going to talk about the cultural, historical, and ecological importance of that section of Ottawa Valley’s wilderness throughout the tour.
I’ll also be doing a cross-country ski lesson beforehand to ensure everyone’s comfortable.
What impact do you want your project to have?
I hope people who join the tour learn more about and deepen their appreciation for the Ottawa River.
I’ve lived in Ottawa my whole life but didn’t know this river’s connection to other areas, what threatens its biodiversity, its history, and how important it is to the survival of species.
Hopefully, this tour will showcase Ottawa Valley’s wild spaces and the importance of environmental conservation to participants.
What else should people know about your project?
Part of what keeps people uninvolved is not knowing about outdoor resources or how to use them. Learning how to do things is always the scariest part but once you have that confidence, you’re willing to get more and more involved.
Connecting to nature has never been more important for our mental health during this pandemic. I hope people will see the opportunities to get outdoors and explore wild spaces in the snowy months.
This event can show people how to create structure to get outside, enjoy the outdoors even if it’s cold, and how that can help their mental health and the environment.