Our Champions of the Wild are donors who have recognized the importance of providing the Nature Trust with ongoing, significant support (pledged over 3 to 5 years) of unrestricted dollars to be used where the need is greatest. This kind of strategic support helps us to plan ahead for potential properties we hope to protect, to conduct stewardship work, and to take immediate advantage of ecologically significant properties that suddenly are listed for sale.

Each year, as a small token of our thanks for their foundational support, we hold a special field trip to visit one of our protected or soon-to-be-protected properties, led by a conservation staff member. This is an opportunity for our Champions to get a “behind-the-scenes” look at our work and to learn about what goes into protecting land forever. As well, our Champions have the opportunity to meet each other and spend the day together exploring Nature Trust conservation land.

For instance, in 2022, the Champions met at a new property in the St. Croix area for a locally-sourced lunch followed by a guided hike led by the Nature Trust’s Stewardship Technician, Janine Jeffrey. The group enjoyed connecting with each other and the private tour of the beautiful old hemlock forest, with views of some of the breathtaking karst topography on the property.

And in 2023, the Champions enjoyed an outing to see and hear about the sustainable farming practices at the Benjamin Bridge winery, followed by a charcuterie buffet and beverage tastings. Afterwards, everyone gathered at the Wolfville Watershed Nature Preserve, a property that the Nature Trust protects through an easement created with the Town of Wolfville—the first easement created between a land trust and a municipality in Canada. The Champions were guided on a hike through the fall colours by the Nature Trust’s Stewardship & Outreach Coordinator, Riki Kerbrat.

In 2024, the Champions of the Wild travelled to Crow Neck Beach, from which they could see the newly protected Blanche Peninsula. After a delicious lunch and walk on the beach they also visited the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, and heard about many of the other Nature Trust properties along the south shore.

What exclusive field trip for the Champions will take place next? Stay tuned for an update!

Learn more about becoming a Champion of the Wild or contact Barbara at Barbara@nsnt.ca.