It's Not Too Late ...

... to make a 2009 tax-deductible donation to a nature organization. The philanthropy challenge continues at White's Wetlands this week!

Today's featured organization is NATURE CANADA. Their mission is to protect and conserve wildlife and habitats in Canada by engaging people and advocating on behalf of nature. Their strategies are based on sound science and a passion for nature.

Nature Canada's newsletters have kept me informed all year about endangered species and species-at-risk as well as their many initiatives and achievements on behalf of wild Canada. When you support Nature Canada, your money works hard to

inspire kids to connect with nature. Educating kids to respect the natural world will ensure that future generations will continue to value wildlife and take care of the environment.

protect endangered species. Thanks to Nature Canada's petitioning and legal action, vital habitats have been protected and policy wins have been made: the Canadian government has now agreed to address a backlog on recovery planning for over 50 endangered animals and other species! You can be sure that Nature Canada will be there to make sure the government keeps its promise!

protect critical habitat and critically important areas, such as Kendall Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary — the only federally protected area in the Mackenzie Delta. Kendall Island is a haven for thousands of shorebirds. A massive pipeline project could cause this sanctuary to be flooded, destroying critical habitat forever.

If it proceeds, the Mackenzie Gas Project will trigger a rush of oil and gas development throughout the Mackenzie. Nature Canada is working to stop any development that threatens this delicate Arctic ecosystem.

There are so many species at risk in Canada. Nature Canada has taken positive and practical steps to reverse the decline, and they do so with a real passion for nature, true dedication and lots of hard work. So take a moment to visit the site. Join the Nature Nation, read the blogs, and most of all read the 2009 Success Report! Then make a new year's resolution to connect more with nature in 2010.