Empowering Women. Protecting Nature. Inspiring the Next Generation.
For over a decade, Women for Nature has been connecting seasoned changemakers with young women eager to make a difference. Through mentorship, advocacy, and community-driven projects, Women for Nature is shaping the future of nature protection in Canada.
Connecting the women leaders of today and tomorrow fosters fresh perspectives, bold action, and a lasting impact on the nature we love. It's a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside women from all walks of life who are making a difference every day."
—Emily
McMillan, Executive Director, Nature Canada
This article was sponsored by Nature Canada Emily McMillan Executive Director, Nature Canada
How a Bold Partnership Is Revitalizing Tłıchǫ Lands
In 2023, wildfires devastated vital boreal caribou habitat in the Northwest Territories, prompting a unique partnership to plant one million native trees.
Veronica Stephenson
Wildfires tore through vast sections of Tł ı̨ chǫ Lands in the Northwest Territories (NWT) in 2023, destroying critical boreal caribou habitat between Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake. The boreal caribou, already a threatened species, rely on the forest’s lichen for food, but the fires decimated much of this essential resource. Without intervention, natural regeneration would take decades, further endangering the ecosystem and the people and wildlife that depend on it.
A strong partnership for a challenging project
Something special is in the works to combat this threat — the largest tree planting initiative ever undertaken in the NWT, with plans to plant one million native trees. The goal is to accelerate the recovery process by restoring food sources, providing shelter, and rebuilding crucial migration corridors.
Unlike many large-scale tree planting initiatives in Canada, which are typically led by the forest industry as part of their obligation to replant after logging, this effort is driven entirely by local community needs
and biodiversity goals. It’s the combined effort of three partners, each with their unique strengths: Tree Canada’s national reach and fundraising capacity, the Tł ı̨ chǫ Government’s deep knowledge of the land, and Let’s Plant Trees’ expertise in large-scale reforestation.
Pooling resources and expertise is especially important given that this ambitious project is not without its challenges. Since the NWT has no commercial logging industry, there were no existing nurseries or seed banks. Millions of seeds had to be collected locally and transported to southern provinces for processing and growth before being returned for planting.
Timing is crucial — seedlings grown in Alberta must be transported and planted within a narrow window to ensure survival. Some reforestation sites are only accessible by helicopter, requiring careful coordination to prevent the young trees from excessive wind and heat exposure. And since the growing season is short, lasting from June to August, early establishment is critical.
Weaving Traditional Knowledge into reforestation
“This project incorporates the
Tł ı̨ ch ǫ philosophy of ‘Strong Like Two People,’ as it is guided to a large extent by Tł ı̨ chǫ Traditional Knowledge and is supported by modern science,” says Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of Tree Canada. Tł ı̨ chǫ Elders have played a key role in selecting tree species, identifying priority replanting areas, and guiding seed collection. They’ll also mentor local youth in the planting process and offer blessings to the land and crews working on the project.
With climate change pushing species northward, understanding how forests regenerate in extreme latitudes is vital to long-term conservation efforts. But it’s also the structure of the project that Hurtubise hopes will offer a valuable example to other regions. “The scale of impact that can be achieved through collaboration is immense,” she says. “Restoring habitat and mitigating the effects of wildfire require a holistic approach with expertise and knowledge from local communities and support from other experts.”
More than a one-off tree planting effort, this is a long-term investment in environmental restoration, community empowerment, and preserving biodiversity.
and
Nicole Hurtubise CEO, Tree Canada
To help reforest this
other areas in need, visit treecanada.ca.
This article was sponsored by Tree Canada
The boreal caribou is a threatened species in the Northwest Territories. Recent forest fires have destroyed vital habitat and food sources. Credit: Chad Galloway, Trail Films
Tłı̨chǫ citizens hold a blessing ceremony during a site visit from the project team in June 2024. Credit: Artless Collective
How Indigenous-Led Efforts are Restoring Wildfire-Impacted Forests
As wildfires in B.C. intensify, several Secwépemc communities are using traditional practices and Indigenous knowledge to reduce future fire risk.
James Snider, Vice President of Science, Knowledge and Innovation, WWF-Canada
In recent years, B.C. has experienced some of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history. Warming temperatures, drier conditions, invasive species such as pine beetles and a past ban on Indigenous fire stewardship practices, such as prescribed burns, which has only recently been loosened, have meant forests are less resistant to fires than they once were.
So how do we recover from wildfires and reduce threats in the future? One way is to bring back a more balanced and resilient forest ecosystem for people and wildlife through Indigenous-led restoration, which is exactly what the Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society (SRSS) is doing. This collaboration by several Secwépemc communities was formed after the 2017 wildfires that blazed through 192,725 hectares of traditional Indigenous territory.
To them, restoring forests goes beyond planting trees. Most of the land devastated by wildfires were forests managed to maximize value for commercial logging. SRSS is changing that, using traditional practices that restore mixed forest canopies in a way that benefits communities and wildlife. By planting coniferous and deciduous trees, shrubs and other native plants, the forest can better capture moisture, reducing dry conditions and lowering the risk of wildfires and the intensity of fires, should they start.
Planting native species specifically chosen according to the local climate and growing conditions also offers food and shelter for wildlife, while providing First Nations communities with access to traditional foods and medicines, such as soopolallie (buffalo berry), wild onions, and wild strawberries.
The goal is to recover from fire in a way that adheres to Secwépemc
values and laws. “This is their way of life. This is their connection to the land. They have all the traditional knowledge of that area, what was previously grown there, [and] what the land was utilized for,” Angela Kane, CEO of the SRSS, says. “By connecting with Indigen ous partners and communities, [we are guided] on how to restore from an Indigenous perspective — one that’s culturally significant.”
With the support of WWFCanada and our funding part ners, the SRSS has planted more than 1.1 million trees across 677 hectares of wildfire-impacted for ests since 2020. To determine the long-term impact of their efforts, some community members have been trained to measure how much carbon these forests are storing. SRSS is also implementing a native seed collection program and working to increase their nursery to support their goal of scaling up to one million trees annually by 2026.
To learn move, visit wwf.ca/srss.
SRSS is a grantee of WWF-Canada’s Nature and Climate Grant Program, presented in partnership with Aviva Canada. This work is also supported by the Barrett Family Foundation, the Government of Canada through the 2 Billion Trees program, Lowe’s, the Peter Gilgan Foundation, and the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation.
James Snider Vice President of Science, Knowledge and Innovation, WWF-Canada
The Risk of Wildland Fire is Growing Across Canada
Apply FireSmartTM principles at home to help protect your family and community from wildland fires.
FireSmart Canada
We know that most of the homes that are damaged or destroyed during a wildland fire is because of falling embers (not the advancing flame front). These burning pieces of debris can blow kilometres ahead of a wildland fire and ignite materials on or near your home. Falling embers may land on fuels adjacent to your home, such as flammable patio furniture, wood piles, and dense vegetation like shrubs and flower beds. With enough fuel available, it doesn’t take long before an ember becomes a flame.
There are many actions you can take at home and in your
community to reduce your risk of being impacted by wildland fire.
The good news! By applying FireSmart TM principles where you live, work, and play, you can better protect your family and your neighbours.
The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is the area within 30 metres of your home and other structures like sheds and outbuildings. It is made up of three priority areas: The Immediate Zone, Intermediate Zone, and Extended Zone. The HIZ shows how you can minimize your home’s vulnerability to wildland fire, starting with the most vulnerable area, the Immediate Zone, and working your way outward.
Often, the Home Ignition Zone will overlap with your neighbours. This is why a community approach is important to consider.
Chat with your neighbours about your concerns and how FireSmart principles can help reduce your shared wildland fire risk. Visit FireSmartCanada.ca for resources on how start your journey. Download the ‘FireSmart Begins at Home’ app on Google Play or the App Store to take a selfguided assessment to learn what specific actions you can take to reduce your risk.
We know that home renovations and upgrades can be costly and time-consuming. However, FireSmart principles can help you focus on what is realistic
for you and your family or community to achieve. Incorporate FireSmart principles into your long-term renovation plans and regular yard work to reduce your risk of damage from wildland fire.
With our changing climate it is easy to become overwhelmed. By implementing FireSmart principles into your regular yard work routine, you can make a big difference in reducing your wildland fire risk. Measures taken within the first 1.5 metres of your home will have the biggest impact.
HOMEGROWN
SOLAR CARPORTS —
A Powerful Solution for Urban Sprawl
Parking lots create problems like heat islands and stormwater issues. Solar carports can be a powerful part of the solution.
Nik Harron, VCT Group Inc.
Parking lots can do more than just store cars
Solar carports are engineered structures that are topped with a solar panel array. They create shelter over parked vehicles year round, keeping them cooler in summer, and protecting from rain, hail, and snow. All while generating clean power.
Canada has a lot of parking space. For every small vehicle it is estimated that there is an
average of four commercial parking spots across the country. These underutilized spaces can do double duty, simply by installing solar carports.
Canada is leading solar carport innovation
Solar carports are often constructed from rust-prone steel, a questionable choice given our climate. VCT Group, based in Kitchener, Ontario has a better solution — aluminum.
Embracing Sustainable Building
Timmerman Timberworks’ legacy — Award-winning sustainable buildings, locally sourced timber, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Tammy Vanderstarren
Timmerman Timberworks, founded by brothers Michael and Henry Krans in 1999, is a trusted, experienced, and knowledgeable resource in the Mass Timber Industry. Located in Simcoe County, ON (home to Ontario’s largest sustainably harvested forest), Timmerman specializes in mass timber products like Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Nail-Laminated Timber (NLT), and Glue Laminated Timber (Glulam). Utilizing wood as a building material offers multiple sustainability advantages, including carbon sequestration, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a positive impact on end-users’ well-being. In addition, its use in construction supports sustainable forest management policies.
In 2014, Timmerman Timberworks completed the Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship Centre, recognized as one of Canada's most sustainable buildings. This LEED Platinum-certified structure utilizes FSC-certified, regionally sourced wood, including CLT and Glulam, highlighting Timmerman's dedication to eco-friendly building practices.
When awarded the Design-Build contract for 80 Atlantic Avenue, the Timmerman team designed and built their first semi-automated NLT press which allowed for more efficient production of panels. In 2021, Timmerman Timberworks was successful in receiving support from the Canadian Government through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program. This support was instrumental in the further development and innovation of our NLT Panel products.
Timmerman is proud to introduce SilvaSpan, the sole manufacturer of precision engineered, mass-produced NLT panels in North America. Grown from a partnership between Timmerman Timberworks and Walters Group, SilvaSpan is proud to use locally sourced raw materials from sustainably harvested forests across Canada. Nestled in a 26,000 square foot facility, Timmerman Timberworks and SilvaSpan operate in tandem, with both teams exemplifying a strong commitment to sustainability, integrating innovative design with environmentally responsible practices in the construction industry.
Their patent-pending Heliostation™ designs take advantage of aluminum’s unique qualities. Lightweight, non-rusting, strong and beautiful, the aluminum they build with is mined in Quebec; extruded in Toronto; processed in-house in Ontario; and used for construction in Canada. Beauty, eh?
Innovation driven by need
Their carport designs solve issues that other available products do not. They are engineered to be watertight without gaskets or caulking which require ongoing maintenance. Their carports efficiently bolt together without welding, and all of the solar panels are installed from below, maximizing safety.
In the words of Brian Unrau, VCT Group President, “As a company we were founded to help address the energy transition. We tried building carports with existing products, but they all leaked. We knew that it had to be possible to do better. So we did. That’s what Canadians do best, we step up when there’s a crisis.”
This article was sponsored by Timmerman Timberworks
Loblaw and Club Coffee Lead the Way with More Sustainable Coffee Packaging
Loblaw Companies Limited has brought innovative, more sustainable packaging solutions to the coffee category thanks to collaborations with Club Coffee and top researchers.
Tania Amardeil
Canadians love their coffee,” says Solange Ackrill, Vice-President of Marketing, Commercialization, and ESG at Club Coffee (an ofi company). “It’s the number one most consumed beverage — more than tap water.” According to the Coffee Association of Canada, 74 per cent of Canadians drink coffee daily.1 Single-serve brewers are increasingly prevalent in Canadians’ homes, offering convenience, consistent quality, and less wasted coffee. According to NielsenIQ data, single serve pod and cup sales in Canada represent approximately 40 per cent of the market. However, they pose environmental concerns. “Millions of single-use plastic coffee cups are consumed daily, and at present, there’s limited to no infrastructure to recover these plastic cups in existing mechanical recycling systems,” says Dr. Calvin Lakhan, Director of York University’s Circular Innovation Hub.
Traditional roast and ground coffee packaging also had issues. Better options were needed.
Striking a balance
Traditional coffee packaging has presented environmental challenges. Packaging maintains coffee’s freshness and quality and has long relied on less sustainable options like multilayer bags, plastic jars, composite cans, and plastic cups that lack proper end-of-life solutions. Steel cans, though available, have a high carbon footprint from both a manufacturing and logistics perspective, plus volatile costs. The area was ripe for innovation.
“We wanted to strike the right balance between improved sustainability and maintaining the highest-possible quality,” says Vlad Rebellon, Senior Director of Sustainability and Strategic Initiatives at Loblaw brands. “And it was clear that we needed to look not only at more sustainable materials but at how those materials moved through the entire supply chain — no more shipping empty coffee cans, for example.”
Sustainable packaging innovation
Loblaw Companies and Club Coffee L.P., a Toronto-based coffee roaster and manufacturer, have a longstanding partnership. Loblaw’s sustainable packaging journey in coffee advanced in 2016 with the launch of BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)-certified commercially compostable** President’s Choice® single-serve coffee pods. President's Choice and No Name roast and ground coffee and coffee pods are roasted and packaged in Canada.
In 2022, the partnership produced a new recyclable* paper-based packaging for roast and ground coffee.
“Through our partnership with Club Coffee, we redesigned all President’s Choice ground and whole bean coffee containers using AromaPak® with Boardio® technology, a paperboard container that’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as sourced from responsibly managed forests,” says Heather Fadali, Vice-President of Product Management and Innovation, Loblaw Brands. President’s Choice was the first brand to bring this more sustainable coffee packaging to market, with other brands following suit — cre-
ating a ripple effect of reduced carbon footprints and improved packaging recyclability nationwide.
Continued advances
“Through our research, we were able to identify and quantify the significant reduction in both carbon emissions and plastics attributable to the use of the commercially compostable coffee pods (PurPod100®), as well as Aromapak® with Boardio® packaging,” says Dr. Lakhan, who’s also a leading researcher on life cycle assessment modelling for both types of sustainable packaging.
Loblaw is a proudly Canadian company — employing more than 220,000 people across the country and supporting thousands of Canadian businesses large and small. Loblaw’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its continuous innovation to deliver high-quality coffee to Canadians in more eco-friendly packaging solutions. The major retailer’s initiatives have made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions, aligning with Loblaw’s broader efforts to combat climate change. With packaging standards inspired by global best practices, Loblaw is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the retail industry, one cup of coffee at a time.
