Fewer children are spending time outdoors. On top of competing against the endless entertainment available online, a rising cost of living, lack of reliable transportation, and a feeling of unfamiliarity in outdoor spaces can all stop children from creating critical nature connection moments.
What if there was a practical, fun, and portable way for this to change… and you could be a part of the solution with your donation today for Earth Day?
Backpacks are a familiar item for school-aged children. By the time one of Watersheds Canada’s Nature Discovery Backpacks is in the hands of a child, new community partnerships have been built, science equipment has been field tested, new lessons have been custom-made for their local region, and workshops have been scheduled and delivered. Nature backpacks are a simple concept, but this program takes months of work to complete.
After using a Nature Discovery Backpack, children have an increased connection with their local nature: “I didn’t know a lot of the birds here, and now I want to learn more about birds and water“, said Kyleena (age 13).
“I learnt about what a deer’s footprint looks like. I would like to learn about all the different types of deers that are in Canada”, said JM (age 11).
This curiosity and connection happens because of access to Nature Discovery Backpacks. With your special Earth Day donation today, you will help children overcome barriers so they can connect with their local nature. Your donation of $100, $60, or $25 today will make more Backpacks available and will make children leaders for protecting their freshwater and nature.
Over the past five years, Watersheds Canada’s Nature Discovery Backpacks have been used by over 5,600 children and youth, and new backpacks are coming to Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia in 2026! Will you help more children explore and connect with nature this summer and beyond by making your Earth Day donation today?
Thank you for supporting our children and youth,
Monica Seidel
Communications and Fundraising Manager
Watersheds Canada
P.S. You can make an even bigger impact for nature education programs by becoming a monthly donor! Scheduled giving helps us know what money we have available each year to deliver high-quality and vital programs like Nature Discovery Backpack lending libraries. Donating $10, $20, or even $50 a month — $120, $240, or $600 per year — has a huge impact! Thank you for your generosity.