Naturehood inspires urban residents to connect with Nature through interpretive walks, games, art activities, and exploration. In the summer 2017, the program was piloted at Dawson College, Montreal, by Nature Canada through the Earthvalues Institute, a not-for-profit organization specializing in developing Nature as mentor educational programs. Naturehood became part of a series of activities that collectively make up Dawson’s Living Campus initiative, where the campus grounds, infrastructure and building environment are used as a classroom. Dawson’s Living Campus and sustainability department supported the establishment of the biodiversity gardens used for Naturehood in Montreal.

Program objectives are to:

Increase awareness of and respect for urban wildlife.
Create an emotional and physical safe space for children to explore Nature.
Authentic use of “Nature as a Mentor” theme throughout, to increase literacy of all kinds (speaking, writing, listening, reflecting, arts, science).
Integrate the concept of Sustainable Happiness (well-being for all, sustainably) in program development; to instill in children to do their best without the need to be the best in activities (character development).
Balance feeling vs knowing and information vs wonder & awe as integral components to Nature interpretation.