9 out of 10 Canadians Are Happier When They Spend Time in Nature

Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announces $750 million Landmark Campaign, inspiring Canadians to explore relationship with nature

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - The Nature and Me survey, released by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in partnership with Ipsos Public Affairs reveals a growing disconnect between Canadians and nature. Canadians feel happier, healthier and more productive when they are connected to nature and yet, 74 per cent say that it is simply easier to spend time indoors and 66 per cent say they spend less time in nature today than in their youth.

Endangered Grasslands by Jason Bantle (CNW Group/The Nature Conservancy of Canada)

The survey is being released as part of NCC's announcement of the Landmark Campaign - the largest charitable campaign for conservation in Canadian history. This $750-million campaign will double the land and water conserved by NCC to more than 6 million acres, including 500 new conservation projects. To inspire Canadians, NCC has also curated a pop-up art exhibit called Nature and Me.  The exhibit features nature photography and reflections from notable Canadians.

"We are at a turning point," says John Lounds, NCC's President and CEO. "It's time to talk boldly about the tangible benefits nature provides, and the urgency and importance of protecting it. Nature is Canada's gift to the world and we have an opportunity, perhaps more than any other country, to make conservation count.  It will take young and old alike, working together, to protect the laadnd, water and wildlife so unique to Canada. That's what the Landmark Campaign is about."

"Respect for the planet and each other — these are core values, both for myself and for Kicking Horse Coffee," said Elana Rosenfeld, Kicking Horse Coffee Co-Founder, CEO and NCC Donor. "NCC is committed to protecting Canada's great natural spaces, for everyone's benefit. Their values are aligned with ours, and I'm proud to contribute to an incredibly compelling initiative — the Landmark Campaign."

The Landmark Campaign
Canadian forests, wetlands, grasslands, freshwater and coastline habitats are all declining at a rapid rate. In fact, habitat loss is the leading threat to Canada's wildlife, especially our most endangered species. The Landmark Campaign is building momentum, having already raised $551-million and completed 400 of 500 projects. These projects are restoring rare habitats, supporting species at risk, and improving the quality of our air and water.

"As Co-Chairs of the Landmark Campaign, both Hal Kvisle and I are pleased to work alongside a stellar group of senior corporate executives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders to support the NCC in this fundraising effort," said Brian Tobin, Vice Chair BMO Capital Markets.  "We have close to $200 million to raise, and it's a goal we will reach.  But we'll only do it with the help of all Canadians - everyone has a role to play in this project."

Nature and Me Survey Results:

• More than 80 per cent worry that accessible natural areas will not be there for future generations to enjoy.
• 94 per cent of Canadians are aware of the benefits that spending time in nature can bring to their physical and mental health.

Nature and Me Photography Exhibit
Nature and Me is a pop-up photography exhibit curated by NCC. It is a collection of photography that will feature intimate images and reflections provided by notable Canadians such as Jim Cuddy, Ed Burtynsky, Cheryl Hickey, Rick Mercer, Clara Hughes and Adam van Koeverden among other. These Canadians are sharing their stories to highlight the importance of nature as an inspiration in their lives. The exhibit runs at The Richmond in Toronto for one day only on Thursday, September 27 from 2 pm to 8 pm. It will then travel the country this Fall as part of NCC's NatureTalks speaker's series sponsored by TD Bank Group. 

"At TD, we believe that having a healthy, vibrant planet is foundational to feeling confident about the future," says Andrea Barrack, Vice President, Global Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group. "The Nature Conservancy of Canada's Landmark Campaign will help bring to life the critical connection that we have with nature and the essential role it plays in sustaining our overall well-being. As part of our global corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment, we are thrilled to build on our previous collaboration with NCC in forest conservation and engage Canadians across the country through the NatureTalks Speaker Series, shining a spotlight on how our natural environment can help create a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow."

Nature and Me Photography Exhibit Details:

What:	NCC's Nature and Me photo exhibit and presentation of the Landmark Campaign.
Where:	The Richmond
	477 Richmond St. W Toronto, ON
When:	Thursday, September 27, 2018
	Camera Call: 9:00 a.m.
	Panel Discussion: 9:30 a.m.
	Public Exhibit: 2:00 -8:00 p.m.
	Follow along here: #natureandme
Photo/Interview Opp:	Presentation and private exhibit viewing with
	John Lounds, NCC President and CEO, Cheryl Hickey, television personality and Adam van Koeverden, World and Olympic champion kayaker. Personal photos and reflections provided by Jim Cuddy, Ed Burtynsky, Rick Mercer, Clara Hughes and more.

To learn more about the Landmark Campaign visit: LeaveYourLandmark.ca

For additional survey findings, please visit: http://bit.ly/2OR0pTD

The Nature Conservancy of Canada: 
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation's leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect 2.8 million acres (more than 1.1 million hectares), coast to coast. To learn more visit: www.natureconservancy.ca

Survey methodology
The poll of 2,000 Canadians aged 18 years or older was interviewed online by Ipsos between September 10^th and 14^th, 2018. The results are accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

SOURCE The Nature Conservancy of Canada

To book an interview with an NCC spokesperson, or for more information, please contact: Yolonda Abrahams, Narrative, [email protected], [phone]; Andrew Holland, Nature Conservancy of Canada, [email protected], [phone]