A recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) shows that more than 97 percent of Canadians believe that getting outdoors is important to their family’s well-being. The new findings complement an earlier poll that found Canadians are happier when they are connected to nature.

We already know about the valuable health benefits (both mental and physical) of getting outside and talking a walk. But the recent research gives us more information on how Canadians feel about the importance of nature to their happiness and to their families.

The study found:
• 97% of Canadians agree that nature is important to their family’s well-being;
• 90% felt that being outdoors in nature is an important element in their family’s recreational activities;
• 87 % felt that given the choice, they would prefer to spend family time outdoors in nature, rather than indoors.

What better way to spend a long weekend than to go and explore what nature has to offer? Nature is alive this time of year with many fun things to do in your backyard or local park. Winter bird identification, exploring the types of trees that may look vastly different in the summer, following tracks of animals in the snow or taking a meandering walk are perfect examples of winter activities that are fun for all ages and can offer an exhilarating day in the beauty of nature.

Get happy, get outside.

“Our mandate of protecting the land that brings so much joy to Canadians becomes even more important was we learn just how much Canadians depend on it for their own happiness and well-being,” said John Lounds, President and CEO of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “We want to encourage Canadians to go outside and explore what nature has to offer in the winter.”

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has accessible properties from coast-to-coast where Canadian families can visit for free. Check out www.natureconservancy.ca/timefornature for a starter list of places to see.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading 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 more than 2.6 million acres (more than 1 million hectares), coast to coast.