Nature speaks to each of us in its own language—sometimes through the rustle of leaves, the scent of rain on dry earth, or the quiet awe of a starlit sky. At the Edmonton and Area Land Trust (EALT), we believe that connecting with nature is both a universal experience and a deeply personal journey.
This is a collection of our staff team’s responses - our “why”. Connection to the natural world is what connects us as a team, and it’s the reason we so strongly believe in the work we do. We know our community shares this powerful connection, which is why we’re opening the floor to share your own experience. Whether you’ve been a volunteer with us, a contributor, or someone who supports us, everyone is welcome to respond.
We hope you enjoy this insight into the EALT team, and we look forward to reading your contributions!
Sheila
Natural areas remain central to how I connect with the world around me. My deep appreciation for parks and protected areas stems from a childhood spent camping, canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the parkland and mountains. These experiences didn’t just shape my love for nature and the outdoors; they inspired my career path and ultimately led me to EALT. Today, natural areas continue to be sources of personal inspiration, challenge, and renewal, and it is an honour to work toward their protection.
Rebecca
I feel connected to nature through simple things like the sound of black-capped chickadees. The fact that they're so common is one of the reasons I like them - they're easy to find, live in urban areas, and have charming songs and calls (including the springtime "cheeseburger" and well known "chick-a-dee-dee-dee"). Despite their small size, chickadees are incredibly tough, surviving our harsh winters through a variety of adaptations. To me, chickadees are a symbol of resilience and a window into the world of birds and nature.
Meghan
I grew up in the Edmonton area spending time canoeing, camping, and hiking from a young age. As an adult, I feel a strong connection to the natural spaces we have here, and I continue to explore that connection through outdoor recreation and my work with EALT. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to not only spend time appreciating the beauty of nature, but also to work to ensure that future generations will have this same opportunity. I am glad that I can help to protect these spaces that I value so highly, while enjoying them responsibly.
Kayleen
I connect to nature by appreciating the small things and taking time to give thanks. Some of my favourite things to watch for while hiking are patches of moss, butterflies, mushrooms, and other small creatures under foot. I follow the 10% rule when harvesting plants, and take time to give thanks on successful hunts. Sharing the harvest is incredibly important, as well as sharing the knowledge I have accumulated in my life with family and friends. After visiting a natural area year after year, season after season, I find that seeing the native flora and fauna is like “seeing old friends”. I am motivated even more to take care of these special places.
Gary
For me nature is all encompassing, we can’t survive without it, even if there is a tendency to live “separate” from nature. When I spend time in nature, I feel a sense of peace and belonging. Growing up on a Metis Settlement, I spent a lot of time in natural landscapes. Leaving tobacco offerings is a way that I pay my respect to nature and its gifts. Another way that I feel connected to nature is by smudging, which brings nature into my daily routine, into the air I breathe and from that into my being and my actions.
Ciara
I feel connected to nature by spending time outdoors, whenever I can. Observing the comings and goings of the natural world I’m part of is a quiet, but deep way to connect. I follow the philosophy that everything in nature is interconnected, humans and nonhumans alike. As such, I feel it’s my responsibility to be a positive part of that connection.
Spending time outdoors is key to this for me, either by actively doing something low-impact, or by simply being with a place. I also like to draw, and drawing nature helps me see what I otherwise might miss.
Leigha
I feel connected to nature when I go for quiet walks to listen to what the river, plants, and animals have to say. Autumn walks are my favourite because I love to be part of the final rush of colour, energy, and preparations before the quiet of winter. I’m Métis, and wâhkôhtowin, “All our relations”, is my guiding philosophy – I do my best every day to respect nature by following protocol and nurturing relationships with all living things. To be a good relative, I understand that I will always have more listening and learning to do.
Michael
I feel connected to nature when spending time in it. This reminds me of the deep interdependence between all beings. When I am in nature, I’m reminded of my place in the flow of life.
These moments ground and inspire me. They fuel my commitment to environmental stewardship and more mindful, responsible ways of living that honour and protect the natural world.
What’s your “why”?
We would love to hear how you feel connected with nature! Click the black button below to contribute your response.
