001-40 WC 139 NOV-DEC24 PAPERTURN - Flipbook - Page 25
Watersheds Canada’s Nature Discovery Backpacks is a free lending library
program, offering families science equipment, identification guides, and
a regionally-specific activity book that is tied to the provincial curriculum.
Ensuring everyone has access to these opportunities, especially from
a young age, is essential for the long-term protection and enjoyment of
Canada’s green and blue spaces.
The program’s impact
In just three years, Watersheds Canada’s Nature Discovery
Backpacks have been checked out 650 times and used by more
than 1,700 children and adults. New lending libraries are being
created each year, in both French and English. The program is
currently delivered in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and
Ontario in partnership with public libraries, a First Nation, a
Métis Settlement, waterfront associations, and other charities.
By working alongside community groups, the backpacks are
regionally specific, grounded in local knowledge, and focus on
species and topics that are most pressing to the area.
Funding for each lending library is secured through competitive
granting and family foundation opportunities, meaning backpack
lending libraries take at least a year to go from initial discussions
to final launch. Past funders have included TD Friends of the
Environment Foundation, Peterborough K.M. Hunter Charitable
Foundation, and the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Hands-on workshops are held for each library launch to
introduce families to local nature and how to use the different tools found inside each backpack. Backpacks may include
binoculars, water quality test kits, magnifying glasses, collection
jars, identification guides, or dip nets – whatever the local community group wants. Each lending library is slightly different
from each other and is fully customizable based on the preferences and needs of the group. There is no point in replicating
existing community programs and assets, so each backpack is
tailored to what the community is missing and needs to engage
the next generation of environmental stewards.
Today’s environmental issues are large in scope, but they
start with a personal connection and desire to protect nature.
Ensuring everyone has access to these opportunities, especially
from a young age, is essential for the long-term protection and
enjoyment of Canada’s green and blue spaces. Sometimes all a
child needs is a backpack.
WATER C AN ADA • NOV EMBER/ DECEMBER 2024
25
