Nature asks only for protection in return for all it gives

The short time I spent as an intern in the communications department at Ontario Nature left me feeling like I don’t get outside nearly enough. After getting to know the wonderful staff and talking with passionate members at events, I felt inspired to get out and enjoy nature.

So, I headed up to Bruce County. It’s where I grew up, and it’s the place I call home even though I lived in other places while pursuing my education and career. It is the one constant in my life when everything else is upside down. In Bruce County I can look up and see the stars, hear the birds chirp and breathe the fresh air. Whenever I’ve had enough of the subway stampedes and the nine-to-five office shifts, it’s time for a trip home.

I packed up the car and began my three-hour drive, watching the concrete slowly give way to greenery. It always amazes me how much more in touch with the seasons I am once I’m outside the city. On this trip, the landscape opened up and revealed early signs of spring. It was difficult to resist the urge to speed home.

Bruce County received an oppressive amount of snow this past winter, but there were only a few small patches remaining when I arrived. The buds on my family’s cherry tree were emerging with the promise of sweet fruit, and the crocuses in the garden were reaching their purple heads up to the sky.

I spent an afternoon in MacGregor Point Provincial Park, walking the trails and feeding chickadees right from my hand, as well as a furry critter or two. There was no roar of traffic, and the only things that towered were the trees. It was peaceful and powerful at the same time.

Nature doesn’t care whether I have a degree or a diploma, or how much ‘workplace experience’ I have. The only expectation it holds for me or anyone else is that we continue to protect it—a small price to pay for the benefits and wonders that it presents.

Leyla Topp was Ontario Nature's Digital Communications Specialist. She has a passion for philosophy and Russian literature, and in her spare time can be found curled up with a good book and a strong cup of tea.