Wildlife & Natural Spaces

You cannot protect what you do not know. Nature’s diversity exists all around us. SCCF works with individuals, partners and community groups to promote knowledge of wildlife and natural environments. We work to preserve and protect for all to enjoy, both now and in the future.

The First Right Whale Calf Of The 2019-2020 Calving Season

Melissa Munro — December 17, 2019

We are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of the first right whale calf for the 2019-2020 calving season.

Yesterday, this sweet newborn and mother pair were sighted off Sapelo Island off the Georgia coast.

This is the first calf for right whale #3560, and she is 14 years old. There are four other expectant mothers who are being monitored by our allied agencies, and we are hoping that more pregnant mothers have yet to reveal themselves.

Two Ontario Native Communities On Front Lines To Avert Climate Change Disaster

John Bacher — October 4, 2019

The Objiway community of Eabametoong and Cree of Nestantaga in northern Ontario have found themselves on the front lines to avert catastrophe from climate change. They are anticipating a three-year struggle to oppose two new roads planned to accommodate mines in what has become known as Ontario’s Ring of Fire. The battle takes place via co-ordinated federal and provincial Environmental Assessments (EAs).

Michelle's Great Big Hiking Adventures

Michelle Murphy — October 4, 2019
The mountains are calling and I must go. - John Muir quote-

Hiking trails have historical roots as places of transportation for people, goods, livestock, and wildlife with long-distance passages connecting villages and towns. Walking for leisure took place along garden paths or local forested trails. Recreational hiking grew dramatically in North America in the 20th century as leisure time increased post-war. A surge of outdoor recreationists coincided with the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. People felt an attachment to the outdoors and hiking became a means to explore nature, increase fitness, and express individuality. 

THESE SEVEN BABIES

Melissa Munro — July 8, 2019

You likely recall the joyous news in the new year at the safe arrival of seven right whale newborns (see the photo album of the 2019 Calves below.)

It was extraordinary news, given that not one baby had been born the year before.

But we find ourselves facing the devastating reality that eight critically important right whales have died in Canadian waters this summer. 

It means these new little lives must be protected on an emergency basis.

I fear for their safety, at such a precarious time in their first precious year of life.

Help Save Sable Island.

Melissa Munro — December 30, 2018

One of Canada’s and the world’s most pristine places has been put on the bidding block for oil drilling and seismic blasting.

That place is Sable Island.

It is a place of magic and myth. It looms large in our minds as an iconic symbol of all that is wild and beautiful and untouchable.

It is home to wild horses, grey seals, and birds and species unique to just this island.

Your Gift Can Help Save Baby Blues - And We're Going Back To Court To Do It!

Melissa Munro — December 27, 2018

And we're going back to court to protect them!

In just a few weeks, I return to the courtroom with our legal team to fight a final phase of a court challenge to protect the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Our first appearance last December was to simply be given “standing”, (meaning a judge would first have to decide if we could even be heard in the larger, future battle to fight the re-issuance of an oil company’s licence that had expired.) And we won that one!

Celebrate Gretchen's Important Work With a Gift In Her Honour - December 2018

Melissa Munro — December 20, 2018

Gretchen Fitzgerald, our senior staff director, is celebrating a birthday.

Beyond her responsibilities leading Sierra Club – from media interviews at all hours, to racing to coalition meetings, to being our well-informed voice to the public – Gretchen is quietly out there on Facebook trying to raise funds for Sierra Club Canada Foundation on the occasion of her birthday this month.

But we want to surprise her with something special.