CPAWS Launches Second Year of Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program

OTTAWA, June 15, 2020 – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is launching the second year of its Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program (CWSP), with applications now open to Canadian youth looking to connect with critically important areas of the country in need of protection.

Following a successful pilot year, with expeditions of regional river ecosystems led by CPAWS’ New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Ottawa Valley chapters, this year the program has expanded to include the Southern Alberta chapter. In addition to exploring and learning about a regional watershed, participants from the four program regions will share their knowledge and passion with their local communities through volunteer community service projects. The program will culminate in a summit where participants from across Canada will meet, share their community service projects, and develop skills to continue working in conservation.

The Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program has brought together youth from diverse backgrounds, including Dene, Cree, and Inuit youth from northern Manitoba and Nunavut. The program aims to empower the next generation of Canada’s wilderness stewards by providing the tools and confidence they need to advocate for the protection of Canada’s land and waters, regardless of their prior levels of education and experience in conservation.

The program is open to Canadian youth between 18-30 years old, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. More information about the program can be found at www.cpaws.org/cwsp (English) and www.snapcanada.org/pgfc (Français). Please note that all program activities for the 2020-2021 season are subject to COVID-19 restrictions. The Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program is funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada Service Corps program.

About Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. In the past 57 years, we have played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometres – an area bigger than the entire Yukon Territory. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water – for the benefit of both wildlife and people. For more information about CPAWS and the work we do to safeguard Canada’s natural heritage, visit cpaws.org

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Scott
National Communications Manager, CPAWS

jscott@localhost