Earth Day | 2023

EARTH DAY 2023

6 SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023

Earth Day is a nice opportunity for us to recognize our impact on the landscapes and try to make a positive change for future generations.”

— Sloan Cathcart, head of interpretation for Manitoba Parks

Celebrate Earth Day at Manitoba Parks

Photos submitted by Manitoba Parks

BY JENNIFER MCFEE E arth Day offers an ideal time to reflect on our envi- ronmental impact while enjoying a stroll through one of Manitoba’s scenic provincial parks. Sloan Cathcart, head of interpretation for Manito- ba Parks, encourages everyone to venture outdoors and enjoy a breath of fresh air in nature. “Earth Day is an opportunity for all of us to take a moment to pause and consider our environmental footprints on the world and how we can protect nature for future generations,” he says. “Here in provincial parks, we encourage everyone to get out- side for Earth Day and get connected to our own natural resourc- es and landscapes here in Manitoba.” Based on his own experience, Sloan clearly sees the benefits that people experience when they immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

“As a park interpreter myself, I strongly believe that through learning and discovering nature firsthand, it helps everyone grow in appreciation. Ultimately, that should lead to people wanting to take action and care for our landscapes,” he says. “Earth Day is a nice opportunity for us to recognize our impact on the landscapes and try to make a positive change for future generations. We don’t all have to make big radical changes. It’s also about just getting out and appreciating the nature that we have here at our backdoor.” At the same time, it’s important to recognize that we need to care for our Earth every single day of the year. “The important thing is we want to take care of the Earth every day in provincial parks and wherever we are. We always encour- age practising the principals of ‘leave no trace’ whenever you visit a park,” he says. “It’s not just about putting litter in bins — it’s also about plan- ning ahead and preparing for your adventure and for your visit to

a park or to a natural place to minimize your impact.” The “leave no trace” philosophy also involves travelling on des- ignated routes and trails to protect ecological systems. “It’s important to be being wildlife smart, while also keeping your pets on leash and cleaning up after your pets. We need to be considerate of others out there,” Cathcart says. “Parks can be busy places, and we’re all trying to get out and enjoy nature. We want to be respectful of everyone else who’s out there too.” Manitoba Parks is planning a park clean-up event at Birds Hill Provincial Park on Saturday, April 22 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. to cele- brate Earth Day. All ages are welcome to help out. “We encourage all public to come out for this event. We’ll have our park interpreters on site to meet up with people. You’ll be able to get some garbage bags and pickers and gloves,” Cathcart says.

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