Spring 2018 NCC Magazine
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Contents<br />
Nature Conservancy of Canada SPRING <strong>2018</strong><br />
Helping hands<br />
TKTKTKTKTKTKT<br />
THOMAS FRICKE. BRENT CALVER. ROBERT MCCAW.<br />
There’s always something new to learn<br />
about the natural world when you work<br />
for a conservation organization. While<br />
producing the spring <strong>2018</strong> issue of the Nature<br />
Conservancy of Canada <strong>Magazine</strong>, for instance,<br />
I learned that 800 migratory bird species benefit<br />
from laws set in place more than 100 years ago<br />
by Canada and the U.S.<br />
Each spring, as many of these species return<br />
to Canadian soil to breed and nest, Conservation<br />
Volunteers for the Nature Conservancy of Canada<br />
(<strong>NCC</strong>) travel to <strong>NCC</strong> properties from coast to<br />
coast. Volunteers of all ages lend a hand to help<br />
ensure these properties are safe and in good<br />
condition for the birds’ arrival. You can be a part<br />
of those efforts by signing up for an event at<br />
conservationvolunteers.ca.<br />
In this issue, you’ll also read about our efforts<br />
to protect habitat for globally rare species at<br />
risk, such as the Poweshiek skipperling butterfly.<br />
Once a common species, there are now fewer<br />
Poweshieks than pandas; scientists are in a race<br />
against the clock to understand why it is declining.<br />
In our Force for Nature story, we introduce<br />
you to ranchers Scott and Julia Palmer, who<br />
talked to us about their connection to the land<br />
and the impact of their conservation agreement<br />
with <strong>NCC</strong>. And find out how citizen scientists<br />
in Quebec can now be a part of helping turtle<br />
species, such as the snapping turtle.<br />
As the snow melts in coming weeks and signs<br />
of spring begin to emerge, we encourage you to<br />
share your first signs of spring with us. You’ll find<br />
more information on our #<strong>NCC</strong>EarlyBirds photo<br />
contest on page 5 of this issue.<br />
Thank you as always for your support of<br />
our work.<br />
Yours in conservation,<br />
CBT<br />
Christine Beevis Trickett<br />
Director, Editorial Services<br />
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12<br />
14 For the birds<br />
Honour the Convention for the<br />
Protection of Migratory Birds by<br />
helping to protect Canada’s habitats.<br />
16 Big heart country<br />
The Creemore Nature Preserve brings<br />
together locals in a shared passion<br />
for the natural gem in their backyard.<br />
17 Magic fabric<br />
Outdoor educator Jackie Pye never<br />
forgets to take her Indonesian<br />
sarongs into the great outdoors.<br />
18 Hidden in plain sight<br />
Giving the Poweshiek skipperling<br />
a chance to survive in Manitoba at<br />
the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve.<br />
14<br />
12 Snapping turtle<br />
Built like armoured tanks, with their<br />
mighty jaws and muscular build, these<br />
are Canada’s largest freshwater turtles.<br />
14 Project updates<br />
Protecting the island home of a nationally<br />
rare shrub, ensuring a family’s natural<br />
legacy and honouring one man's efforts.<br />
16 Home on the range<br />
When it comes to tending to the cattle<br />
and land on Palmer Ranch in southwestern<br />
Alberta, it’s all in the family.<br />
18 A chance to thrive<br />
Senator Diane Griffin recalls a memorable<br />
encounter with a Thomson’s gazelle while<br />
on safari in Africa.<br />
natureconservancy.ca<br />
SPRING <strong>2018</strong> 3