ABOUT US
Nature Regina is a volunteer-driven charitable organization that, since 1933, has been fostering a greater interest in and understanding and enjoyment of all aspects of the natural environment, as well as the protection and conservation of natural systems. We offer presentations, field trips, education programs and environmental advocacy to instill a greater appreciation of nature. Everyone is welcome to attend our events.
Nature Regina, our operating name, is registered under the name Regina Natural History Society as a non-profit corporation with ISC and a registered charity with CRA. Our Canada Revenue Agency charitable registration number is 89000 2264 RR0001.
The mission of Nature Regina is to foster appreciation and conservation of the natural world. Our vision is a vibrant natural world where knowledge is shared and nature is valued. To achieve our mission, Nature Regina:
· helps members and local residents increase their knowledge and appreciation of native species and natural ecosystems;
· stimulates interest, understanding and enjoyment of the natural world by offering presentations, field trips and education programs;
· leads or supports environmental advocacy for issues with local impact;
· cooperates with other organizations whose objectives are similar to ours;
· inspires all people to conserve nature for future generations, and to wisely act on what we learn from nature.
Land Acknowledgement
Today, as many diverse peoples from near and far share these lands, we pay our respects to the Indigenous ancestors of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda, and Métis/Michif Nation, who welcomed settlers to this land in the spirit of sharing. We acknowledge that promises were broken to the Indigenous people of Canada. We recognize the past and present harms and injustices as we dedicate our efforts to work together in a spirit of collaboration and reconciliation to restore and respect Mother Earth for future generations. We are grateful to the people before us who have cared for the land, water, air, wildlife and plants in these territories as we learn to care better for and more deeply appreciate the beauty around us and our relationships with natural and human communities.
Nature and Climate Change
Nature is our ally! Every spring, along with our vast northern forests and ecosystems, our agricultural lands, city parks and yards, marshes, aspen groves, coolies and aquatic ecosystems wake up. When this happens, they breathe in vast amounts of C02, and photosynthesis kicks into overdrive. The result is a measurable dip in the levels of atmospheric carbon. This is what nature can do.
Nature is our ally as we face the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. These are deeply intertwined and best tackled as one with carbon-neutral and nature-positive targets. With biodiversity loss, nature is simplified and becomes less resilient at stabilizing change. With climate change, our very life support systems face changes that endanger us. Intact natural systems absorb carbon (carbon sequestration), keep it in the ground and provide an essential buffer against the impacts of climate change. Nature provides us with services that are essential to our health and well-being. From our physical needs of food, water and shelter to our mental and spiritual well-being, we depend on natural systems. Conservation of these is not optional.
Nature-based solutions are largely undervalued, but are our first and most cost-effective strategies to counter these twin crises. We can immediately cut annual carbon emissions by large amounts by halting the loss of carbon- and nature-rich wetland, grassland and forest habitats, and thus conserve ecosystems and species at the same time. Without nature, there is no path to a sustainable future. That’s why conservation matters.
However, just as important and key to our success, are our commitments. We can advocate for strong carbon emission reduction targets locally, provincially and nationally. We can turn away from burning fossil fuels, like gas, oil, coal or methane which each minute pump over 1,500 tons of carbon into the atmosphere, the number one driver of climate change disasters. Everyone has a role.
Climate change is a global issue that researchers believe will have serious, negative consequences in the future. With nations pledging net-zero carbon economies by 2050, how do we accelerate actions to protect, restore and care for nature? Innovation is the
key, as well as citizens actively encouraging every level of government and community organization to build and subsidize renewable energy infrastructures, starting now.
Nature Regina believes in commitments to turn away from fossil fuels to protect, restore and care for nature.
Thanks to the Nature Conservancy of Canada for giving us permission to utilize some of their core statements about Nature and Climate.
Resources and Further Reading
Let's Talk Science: Introduction to Climate Change
Nature Conservancy of Canada: Nature and Climate Accelerator
Build a Sustainable Future, Live Sustainable Lives
Natural Climate Solutions for Canada (Drever et al. 2021)
Pembina Institute: Clean Energy Think Tank
Photo by: Ingrid Alesich