A recent poll conducted for the Nature Conservancy of Canada shows that Canadians have turned to nature in significant numbers to help them cope with the impacts of COVID-19.

Cameron Woods, Director of Conservation with the NCC provides some insight into the poll results.

"Actually, 94% of people who responded to the poll said that getting out in nature and spending time outside helps to relieve some of their stress as they are going through this. And more and more Canadians are recognizing the role of nature in their own health and well being."

The poll also indicated that 86% of Canadian's are recognizing the direct link between spending time in nature and their mental health.  

Woods details the reasoning behind why the poll was conducted: 

"Recognizing that there are more and more people spending time outside as they are looking for ways to get out of the house and just get some breaks. And really try to get a good understanding of what Canadian's are thinking about nature in their everyday lives."

The survey coincides with the conclusion of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Landmark Campaign – which they are calling the boldest fundraising drive for nature ever in Canada. The Landmark Campaign mobilized thousands of people who took nature conservation into their own hands and gave to save the lands and waters that sustain us all. With more than $750 million dollars raised, an additional 115,000 km, has been conserved -- an area one and a half times the size of New Brunswick.

Canadian's value nature to begin with and as the pandemic lasts longer than we want it to more and more people are connecting with nature and seeing how it can contribute to their lives, said Woods.

In terms of what it is, in particular, that is attracting people to nature, Woods says that as humans we are deeply connected to nature and the modern world has taken us away from that in a number of ways. However, people have a deep-rooted connection to nature at a primal level and people are connecting with it subconsciously. Nature provides us with an opportunity to be away from busy life and slow down and appreciate the things going on around us. 

More information on the Nature Conservancy of Canada can be found here.