Protecting
Canada’s
Wildlife How do you ensure the future of Canadian wildlife conservation is in good hands? Engaging young Canadians in outdoor adventure, immersive field learning, and conservation project development is one way. That’s been the goal of the Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC), a barrier-free and inclusive program for youth ages 18 to 30, developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) and funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Service Corps initiative. Established in 2018, the CCC program continues to inspire participants to develop conservation leadership skills through the creation and implementation of community projects. Here are a few shining examples of the innovative projects being delivered by CCC members across Canada.
CAITLIN BRANT - NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO A passion for pollinators inspired Caitlin’s idea to develop a program to aid in pollinator species recovery. The Niagara Falls, Ontario native’s new “Monarch Mayhem” program targets teachers of students in elementary and high schools and is being made available this October to help raise awareness of the annual fall migration of Monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico. On October 6th, 2020, teachers are encouraged to
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implement the “Monarch Mayhem” initiative, which includes in-class lessons for grades 1 through 12, a schoolyard “bioblitz,” pollinator-friendly gardening, and the “Monarch March,” an interactive activity that encourages students to run or walk in support of Monarch awareness. Caitlin’s goal is to get students to march a cumulative 4,000km, the same distance monarchs travel from southern Canada to their overwintering grounds in Mexico.
“It is important, especially with the events of 2020, for young people to have something to look forward to, celebrate and to connect with nature,” said Caitlin. “My hope is that teachers across the country incorporate the Monarch Mayhem program into their fall curriculum. Anything we can do to help Monarch populations recover is a step in the right direction for the species.” Visit www.monarchmayhem.ca to register your classroom.
