Press Release – Thanks to Nature!
Launch of the third edition of Thanks to Nature
Join the tradition, give Thanks to Nature!
Montreal and Gatineau, August 2, 2018 – The Quebec and Ottawa Valley chapters of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS Quebec and CPAWS OV) invite you to the third edition of Thanks to Nature, which will take place in various parks on Sunday, October 7, 2018.
A day to thank nature
Thanks to Nature is an opportunity to thank Nature on Thanksgiving Sunday for what it provides all year round. “Whether you want to take a break from your hectic urban life, take care of your health or spend quality time with your family or friends, any reason is a good reason to reconnect with the natural world and give thanks for our stunning surroundings,” declares Alain Branchaud, biologist and Executive Director of CPAWS Quebec.
“National parks are home to exceptional protected areas. Whether for the beauty of the landscapes, a sense of wonder, or for healing or discovery, they are great places to give thanks to nature. Contact with nature brings great benefits to body and soul!” says Catherine Grenier, Vice‑President, National Parks Operations of the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq).
After two editions of the event in the Sépaq’s national parks, CPAWS Quebec extends its range this year to just outside the main cities of Quebec—with, notably, a presence in Gatineau Park, in collaboration with CPAWS Ottawa Valley.
“The National Capital Region is home to many great natural spaces, from the Ottawa Greenbelt to the parks and green spaces along the waterways to the spectacular Gatineau Park. Thanks to Nature is an opportunity for residents and visitors to take a day to celebrate these spaces and to thank nature for everything it offers us,” adds John McDonnell, Executive Director of CPAWS Ottawa Valley.
For the first time, the Ville de Montréal, through its Service des grands parcs, du verdissement et du Mont-Royal, is taking part in the Thanks to Nature event. It is at the Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation that this 2018 meeting will take place.
Also for the first time in 2018, Thanks to Nature will take place in a park in the Parks Canada network: La Mauricie National Park. “Canada’s national parks combine environmental protection interests with a rewarding visitor experience. La Mauricie National Park is proud to be the first federal park to participate in this initiative, and we invite the public to come and enjoy the benefits of nature,” says Nadine Blackburn, Director of La Mauricie National Park.
On the day of the event, activities related to the theme of thanking nature will take place in the following parks:
– Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park
– Mont-Tremblant National Park
– Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
– Mont-Orford National Park
– Jacques-Cartier National Park
– Mauricie National Park
– Gatineau Park
– Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation (Montreal)
A “Connection to Nature” trail will be identified in each park, with a path dotted with animations such as Wishing Trees, Tree-hugging stations or Vitamin Nature charging stations, to allow the public to fully connect with nature on Thanksgiving Day!
An event to help protect biodiversity and wilderness
Thanks to Nature is also a fundraising event for the benefit of biodiversity and the protection of our natural environment. People are invited to register for the event or to support a participant at www.thankstonature.ca. For this year, the fundraising goal has been set at $40,000.
The funds collected during Thanks to Nature will be used to
• shape the environmental leaders of tomorrow by providing an immersive outdoor experience to the youth of various communities;
• carry out scientific projects in Quebec’s parks while also conserving the flora and fauna; and
• support the efforts of CPAWS to expand the network of environmentally protected areas in Quebec.
Come spend time in the wild with us and reconnect with nature on October 7!
To learn more, visit www.thankstonature.ca
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Contact:
Charlène Daubenfeld
Communications Manager, CPAWS Quebec
Office: 514-278-7627 Ext. 221
Cell: 514-378-3880
cdaubenfeld@snapqc.org