Make Assiniboine Forest a National Urban Park
Dear Supporter,
City parks are more than just playgrounds. Urban green spaces also provide habitat for wildlife, help lessen the impacts of climate change, and connect people to nature.
Winnipeg and Parks Canada recently agreed to work together to establish one of the nation’s first urban national parks in our beautiful, tree-lined city. While the site has yet to be identified, Assiniboine Forest would be an outstanding choice.
Assiniboine Forest is one of the largest urban forests in North America at 287 hectares, and this beloved natural space is in need of protection. A simple vote in city council is all it would take to “pave paradise and put up a parking lot.” Just look at Gatineau Park near Ottawa to see how easily this can happen.
A national park designation could permanently protect our beautiful urban oasis for future generations of people and wildlife. It could also enhance park services.
While the Charleswood Rotary Club and the city have done a commendable job of stewarding the forest with limited resources, it lacks much-needed basic services, such as public washrooms, to make the area more accessible.
A significant federal investment could also bolster management and monitoring efforts and enhance invasive species removal. New jobs could be created in interpretative services and enhanced park maintenance and management.
I believe Canada’s investment in urban parks is an investment in the health and wellness of our communities. We are grateful that Winnipeg was among the first four Canadian cities to embrace this opportunity.
Yours in Conservation,
Ron Thiessen
Executive Director
CPAWS Manitoba
Enter the CPAWS Manitoba Fall Colours Photo Contest
Enjoy the crisp, fall air and the changing colours of the season by taking part in our fall photo contest. Wildlife, landscapes, backcountry hikes, backyard adventures — we want to see it all! Just get those entries in by October 18, 2021, for your chance to win. Prizes include gift cards and CPAWS Manitoba swag! Click here for full contest details and to enter.
Explore and Celebrate the Natural Beauty of the Interlake
There’s still time to take part in our treasure hunt in southeastern Interlake! You’ll learn about the lands and waters and be entered to win prizes. This month’s treasure hunt takes you around Bifrost-Riverton. You have until September 30 to get to as many checkpoints as possible using the free TurfHunt app for a chance to win some great prizes. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to get started.
Start Your Own Nature Journal in Our Free Webinar
Nature journaling is documenting in a notebook what you experience in nature. This can be through drawing, writing, or both. We hosted an in-person nature journal workshop in August, and it was such a popular topic that we’re hosting a webinar on September 29 at noon so even more can experience the benefits of nature journaling! This practice can help relieve stress plus encourages time in nature, which studies show supports mental health and well-being. Click here to register for the event.
Join Us for a Free Family-Friendly Hike in Beaudry Park
Beaudry Provincial Park is the perfect place to introduce kids to the joy of hiking. It’s close enough to the city to squeeze a hike into a busy Saturday and far enough to escape from traffic noise and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature. Join us on Saturday, September 25, at 2 p.m. for a free group hike at Beaudry! Learn more about the event and register to save your spot at this link.
Support Indigenous-led Conservation in Manitoba
In the northernmost reaches of Manitoba, there is a pristine expanse of tundra, wetlands, and forests as vast as Nova Scotia. CPAWS Manitoba is working with four First Nations to conserve the Seal River Watershed as an Indigenous Protected Area. We need your help to preserve this national treasure.
Tell the provincial government to make it a priority to support the Seal River Watershed Alliance's efforts to establish one of the largest protected areas in Canada. Go to this link to send a letter.
Need-to-Know Nature News
Here are some of the articles that have caught our attention recently:
- The pandemic has forced live event organizers to think outside the box, CPAWS Manitoba included. The Uniter, the University of Winnipeg newspaper, highlights the return of live events in Manitoba, including our in-person workshops, paddle nights, and webinars. Click here to read more.
- Mandatory watercraft decontamination is now in effect for boats and other water-related equipment used in Lake Manitoba. This comes after zebra mussels were detected in the lake. Click here to learn more, including how to help stop the spread of invasive zebra mussels.
- Research shows time in nature can support mental health, improve concentration, and reduce risk of disease. Some doctors in Canada are providing “nature prescriptions” for those living with mental illnesses and physical health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Click here to read more.
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