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Workshops in the Wild

September 26, 2025

Nature Club Summer Workshop Series Recap

Thanks for joining us this summer at our Nature Club: Summer Workshop Series. We’ve had so much fun bringing you back our fan favourite events like Nature photography and Tree ID. 

2025 brought lots of new things to our club! We had tons of new workshops, new hikes, new partnerships, and new people!

“I’ve been looking for some activities and workshops to stimulate my brain and get me out of the house as a stay at home mom,” said a Nature Photography Workshop Attendee.

This summer wasn’t just about learning new skills, it was about creating memories together. We loved seeing kids proudly identify their first tree, families laughing as they tried orienteering and the calmness that came from our forest bathing sessions.  All of these moments reminded us why these workshops matter.

Exploring during a Nature Journaling workshop at Crescent Drive Park, August 2025. Photo by Brendan LaBarre.

What is Nature Club?

For anyone new to the CPAWS world, you might be wondering, what is nature club? Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just starting to explore Manitoba’s wild places, CPAWS Manitoba’s Nature Club is here to help you connect with nature, meet new people, and experience the incredible beauty of our province.

Since 2020, more than 20,000 people have taken part in our events — from forest bathing and family hikes to outdoor skills workshops and nature photography. We offer inclusive programming for all ages and abilities because we believe nature is for everyone. Spending time in nature is known to reduce stress and enhance your sense of well being. Our goals are to provide learning opportunities, foster nature connections and give people a sense of community, with like minded people. We are a safe space to explore, and try new meaningful experiences.

“People need to be in nature in order to love nature. Our Nature Club exists to develop people’s curiosity and respect for the natural world,” said Deb, Volunteer and Nature club Coordinator. “It is important to us to reduce barriers to these opportunities and let individuals, families, and friends come together to form strong connections with the beauty and wonder of Manitoba and maybe learn something new in the process,” she said.

Learning how to start a fire at Survival Skills with Backcountry Women, July 2025, Photo by Brendan Labarre.

Why We Do Nature Club

Our Nature Club hikes are more than just a way to explore Manitoba’s beautiful landscapes—they are a step toward protecting Manitoba’s lands and waters. By spending more time in nature, we deepen our connection to the land, fostering a greater appreciation for the ecosystems we aim to conserve. 

Every hike is an opportunity to witness the breathtaking diversity of our province’s lands and waters. Through these experiences, we cultivate a sense of stewardship, inspiring participants to support efforts that protect Manitoba.

“I love the variety of CPAWS events and how they are educational”, said a Nature Photography Workshop Attendee.

When people experience nature firsthand, they see its value not just as a resource, but as an irreplaceable part of our lives and identity. In 2025, 58% of attendees said CPAWS events make them feel more connected to nature. 

“Enjoy the group hikes with my family to explore new areas, and different parts of places we’ve been to before,” said a Nature Workshop Attendee.

Forest Bathing with Avery Kash in Crescent Drive Park, 2025. Photo by Brendan Labarre.

Future of Nature Club

This summer reminded us why we do this work, because nature brings out the best in people.  2025’s workshop series was full of moments we’ll carry with us into next year.

A huge thank you to all our Nature Club participants for making this year possible! Your enthusiasm, participation, and thoughtful feedback have been instrumental in helping us grow and improve year after year. 

We want to extend our gratitude this year’s nature club hosting partners:

Thanks to our 2025 Nature Club funders for their incredible support in making these events happen. Thanks to Telus Community Grant, “Building Sustainable Communities” Program by the Manitoba Government, and “From the Ground up” by the Manitoba Government.

But the year isn’t over yet! Sign up for the rest of our 2025 hikes!

See you on the trails!

Learn More:

Sign up for our upcoming Spooktacular Halloween Hike

Check out our Nature Club group hikes (yes, even in the winter)

Interested in providing feedback as we plan next year’s nature club events? Email us at [email protected] or fill out this google form.

CPAWS Manitoba’s Outdoor Education Program is made possible with funding from Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC) through the Conservation Trust. Established by the Province of Manitoba, the Conservation and GROW Trusts support lasting, nature-based solutions that protect wildlife habitat and help address climate change, supporting opportunities for youth to connect with and learn from nature.

Help Keep Manitoba Wild

 

CPAWS Manitoba has helped establish 23 parks and protected areas thanks to people like you.

With your help, we can protect half our lands and waters for future generations of people and wildlife.

TAKE ACTION!