A Gratitude Walk to Celebrate and Protect the Outdoors:
Did you get the chance to reconnect with nature and show your gratitude for all its incredible benefits? We recently hosted a one-of-a-kind event that highlights nature’s benefits, offering a perfect opportunity to rediscover the world around us and appreciate everything it has to offer!
This October we hosted Thanks to Nature, a self-guided gratitude walk that puts nature back in the forefront and invites you to reconnect with life, as well as, the perfect opportunity to thank nature for all the benefits it offers.
Traditionally a time to celebrate what the earth and its fields divinely put on our plates, Thanksgiving weekend is also the perfect time to gather with family and friends with a new focus on the vital role nature plays in our lives. Whether it’s to recharge, look after our health or share beautiful moments, there is always a good reason to reconnect with nature and give thanks for it.
Thanks to Nature is a nature hike also provides an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the protection of nature and biodiversity. Offered bilingually, the event offered activities for all ages to show their appreciation for nature.
To show our thanks we met up at Beaudry Provincial Park and walked the 2.6 km Wild Grape trail, with participants having the option of making the longer trip and connecting to Elm Trail for another 2.8 km.
“It was so inspiring to see so many different people come and trust us to make nature special for them. We had people who had never been in the woods before and it meant a lot that they put their trust in us, took the leap and did it,” said Deb, CPAWS Manitoba Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator.
Facilitated by the CPAWS and Sports en Francais team and volunteers, the trail gives you the chance to immerse yourself fully in nature through five activities to show your gratitude: hug a tree, wishing tree, slowdown area, Vitamin N, and nature’s guest book.
This event is in collaboration with SNAP Quebec which has been hosting “Thanks to Nature,” annually for 9 years. Check out last year’s event by SNAP (CPAWS) QUEBEC.
“Thanks to Nature is an opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the living world and admire all that nature offers us. It is always a pleasure for us to lead the nature connection trail and to see how much the public enjoys it, from the little ones to the grown-ups, from families to seasoned hikers! I hope that participating in this event will become a tradition for Canadians, said Amandine François, Thanks to Nature Event Coordinator for CPAWS Quebec.
This event is offered bilingually in partnership with Sports en Français, an organization that contributes to the development of Manitoba’s Francophone community through sport and physical activity in French.
“Thanksgiving in nature is a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us. As the participants hiked through the vibrant autumn leaves and crisp air, they felt a deep sense of gratitude for the simplicity of the moment—each step a reminder of the abundance in our lives and the peace found in the great outdoors. It was Sport en français’ pleasure to help put on this event so that Manitobans could participate in the official language of their choice,” said Chantal Young, General Director of Sports en Francais.
“When they finished [the hike] they came to talk, and then I really had the full impact of the fact that what CPAWS does as an organization makes a difference. I felt honoured that most of the people who came on our hike came to chat after to let me know how revitalizing and fun going on it was and that they enjoyed being in nature with their friends and loved ones. It was really inspiring to me and I thank all of them,” said Deb, CPAWS Manitoba Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator.
Activities
Did you miss our event? No worries! Here’s a recap of the activities we enjoyed and how you can easily try them at home!
The Nature Connection Trail encompasses five stations throughout the walk. Starting with hugging a tree! We invited participants to hug a tree and connect with it!
So why are we hugging a tree? There are many mental and emotional benefits associated with hugging a tree. Research shows that individuals who hug trees tend to feel calmer and more relaxed compared to those who don’t. Tree hugging also has been found to boost levels of oxytocin, the hormone linked to emotional bonding, trust, and calm.
Photo by Ishani Shukla, CPAWS Volunteer
Next up on the trail, a wishing tree covered in Manitoba’s nature wishes! At this station, we Invited participants to write down a commitment they want to make to nature or a wish they have for the planet and attach it to the Wishing Tree. Are you trying this at home? Write down your nature wishes in a journal!
“I wish for more time in nature.”
“A place for the bunnies to live forever.”
“I wish peace for all our animals and I wish they have the proper spaceto enjoy their lives.”
“World peace.”
“I wish everyone could feel the peace that nature gives.”
“I wish that there was no more littering in the ocean and forests”
“For our nature to be preserved and for people to socialize in nature more.”
“I wish for more outdoor spaces to be enjoyed.”
“We wish Lake Winnipeg will get healthy.”-Anonymous nature wishes from participants of all ages
We invited people to slow down for the next station, the Voluntary Slowdown area. We’re always having to do more and go faster, so slowing down is a real challenge! People were invited to awaken their senses by observing, smelling, listening and touching to fully enjoy being in the moment.
People walked along this section of the trail at 0.1 km/h, which is roughly five metres in three minutes!
We then invited people to take a break to recharge their batteries with Vitamin Nature and enjoy the natural environment for a few minutes.
The last station (and my favourite), is the nature guest book! We invited participants to write a message in Nature’s Guest Book to thank it for everything it gives us. Nature’s Guest Book is a chance for people to thank nature for the beautiful day they spent in the park!
Anole and Elyce (left to right)
Trail Info
The Wild Grape Trail in Beaudry Park offers a scenic 2.6 km loop that’s perfect for a leisurely one-hour walk, with the option of adding on another 2.8 km on the Elm trail.
With a low difficulty rating, it’s ideal for casual hikers and families. Along the way, you’ll find beautiful nature views and a picnic area with fire pits where you can relax post-hike. The trail is accessible, though there is a steep incline at the entrance. While it’s stroller-friendly, it’s not wheelchair-accessible due to the small bathrooms and bumpy trail. Facilities include bathrooms and free parking, though a Manitoba provincial park pass is required. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, and hunting is not allowed, making it a safe and peaceful environment for all visitors.
Overall, our Thanks to Nature event was a heartwarming celebration of the deep connection between humans and the natural world. Participants of all ages embraced the opportunity to reconnect with nature through engaging activities that fostered gratitude and awareness of the vital role our environment plays in our lives.
From hugging trees to sharing wishes at the Wishing Tree, each station encouraged attendees to slow down and appreciate the beauty around them. Thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to this event, participants, staff, and volunteers!
How to Learn More:
Watch our TikTok of the event.