A strong breeze filled the sails, CBC radio crackled over the stereo, and waves sloshed against the hull, while on the deck, father and daughter ate their simple sandwiches as they watched the coastline pass them by. It was on these early Sunday mornings with her father that Sarah De Coutere’s love for nature was being forged. As a passionate environmentalist and outdoorsman himself, her father took her sailing, backpacking, skiing, and camping and introduced her not only to the outdoors but also instilling a deep reverence and love for nature. 

That love for nature never left her, as she traveled out west after becoming a nurse, and took advantage of any moment to get outside in the mountains to enjoy backcountry skiing, climbing, and mountain biking. Later on, returning to Nova Scotia to be closer to her family, Sarah was drawn to the Eastern Shore and 100 Wild Islands for a singular focus: sea kayaking. The lure of having more access to sea kayaking was enough for Sarah to move here, though she admits that while she is close to the ocean, she is now far from everything else. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. With both of her children grown up and moved away, Sarah has laid down new roots and established a paddling community full of lovely and passionate people.

Sarah first heard about the Nature Trust when she was paddling on the South Shore with a fellow paddler who happened to be a Property Guardian for the Nature Trust. Intrigued, she inquired about what a Property Guardian was, and the paddler explained how it was a volunteer who checks the property from time to time to see if there is any damage or issues that need to be reported back, and makes sure that it is being used respectfully. 

“I thought, well, that is the coolest thing ever, that you can help protect what you love so much,” Sarah shared.

After a few years, Sarah wanted to get more involved and give back to nature, and remembering the Nature Trust Property Guardian program she had previously learned about prompted her to reach out to become a Property Guardian.

Sarah was impressed by the email correspondence and the in-person spring training she received in her first year as a property guardian. During the session run by staff members Riki Kerbrat and Christina Nunn in Pleasant Bay, they walked the group through what to look for on properties and how to use the Landscape app. Sarah enjoyed a beautiful walk with Riki, sharing Nature Trust history along the way. As someone who deeply values equality, it was especially meaningful for Sarah to see such a strong, predominantly women-led organization in the outdoor space. 

A highlight for Sarah was the chance to expand her connections within the outdoor community, especially through the Eastern Shore Hub training at Murphy’s, where she learned more about the Nature Trust and met others involved locally. Since then, she has enjoyed unexpectedly crossing paths with fellow Property Guardians in her eastern shore community. 

In her first year as a Property Guardian, Sarah had planned multiple paddling trips to nearby islands, and although not all were possible with the woods Ban, she did manage to visit a few, including Shiprock Island. That trip marked a real shift in how she experiences these places. Instead of simply exploring, she found herself assessing the trail, noticing access points, scanning for signs of use, and checking for what might need attention. This was an entirely different mindset from earlier paddles, when she would pass by islands without scanning for these signs. Now, rather than seeing only rocks, trees, and the ocean, she pays attention to high-use areas, potential impacts, and anything that might need care. 

Sarah now feels a deeper sense of connection and responsibility when paddling through the 100 Wild Islands; as she puts it, “they’re my islands to look after now.” Becoming a Property Guardian has given her a protective lens over this place she calls home on the Eastern Shore, and she looks forward to getting out more and trying to visit as many islands as she possibly can to support the Nature Trust. 

In reflecting on her experience so far, Sarah shares that “As a volunteer with the Nature Trust, I’ve never felt more valued. Honestly, it’s true. I’ve felt very valued. It’s been really quite a lovely experience with the Nature Trust.”

Sarah’s bond with the sea runs deep, rooted in childhood days sailing with her father and carried forward through decades of paddling along these coastlines. The imprint of nature never really leaves us, and for her, these wild places in the 100 Wild Islands feel especially precious. Chosen for their biodiversity and uniqueness, they deserve our care and protection. As Sarah asked herself and encouraged others as well: “If you’re already outdoors in these spaces, why not lend a hand in protecting them? Come on, let’s go!”

Thank you to Sarah De Coutere for their volunteer service! To learn more about our Property Guardians program, visit our Property Guardians page.