In an effort to reach out and teach Ukrainian newcomers about Saskatchewan’s native plants and animals, the Nature Conversancy of Canada held an ‘Embracing Newcomers Through Nature’ hike near Asquith.

Bohdana Kornelyuk, NCC Donor Relations and Engagement Officer, says 60 people of all ages showed up for the hike, some as young as four months old. During the excursion, they were able to get to know fellow Ukrainian newcomers.

She says everyone was very eager to learn, and by the end of the hike, the participants were already identifying local plants and birds. A picnic was held at the end of the hike.

The NCC believes it is important to include the newest members of our community in the teachings about our environment. As events like these are rare, Kornelyuk says the NCC plans on hosting more, not only with Ukrainians, but with newcomers from other countries as well.