Ambassadors Program

Subsequent to the July 7, 1995 launch of the Naturescape British Columbia program in the Georgia Basin, demands for presentations on Naturescape concepts and materials quickly exceeded the abilities of the Naturescape staff and Advisory/Development Committee to respond to these requests.

It became apparent that a larger group of people would be needed to assist in the outreach and networking of citizens in the Georgia Basin and to encourage:

• Conservation, enhancement, rehabilitation, and creation of more natural wildlife habitats and ecosystems within urbanized areas
• Conservation of water and reduction of pesticides and other chemicals by gardening with native plants
• Restoration and enhancement of some of the natural biodiversity in urbanized areas

Once trained ambassadors could provide outreach in their communities in a number of ways. Ambassadors are encouraged to participate by the following activities but are not limited to these activities:

• Voluntarily distributing brochures and passing on information to people they know
• Voluntarily presenting talks and slide shows throughout the community
• Voluntarily staffing static/interactive Naturescape displays
• Giving fee-for-service courses workshops and field trips

The Naturescape Ambassadors Project, Georgia Basin began on June 15, 1996. Principle funding was through Environment Canada’s ACTION 21, in partnership with Burnaby-Hastings Rotary Club, Canada Trust’s Friends of the Environment, Western Forest Products Limited, and Wildlife Habitat Canada.

Throughout the fall of 1996, and the winter of 1997 a total of 142 Naturescape ambassadors were trained at one of four training workshops held throughout the Georgia Basin. At these training sessions expert speakers covered topics on native plants, wildlife species and their habitat requirements, private land stewardship practices, ethics and presentation skills.

The legacy of the Ambassadors Project is a grassroots movement in Georgia Basin communities of concerned citizens promoting Naturescape concepts. Ambassadors are invaluable to the Naturescape British Columbia program because change can only occur one person - one yard - at a time. The out-reach activities of our ambassadors are extremely important because they extend the reach and the scope of Naturescape British Columbia; allowing, Naturescape concepts to reach into many homes in the Georgia Basin.

Naturescape British Columbia Ambassadors and Participants are our connection to British Columbian communities. Below are some projects which may assist you in promoting Naturescape in your communities.

	Host, organize or coordinate an ambassador/naturescaper workshop. Workshops are a great way of keeping in touch with other ambassadors/naturescapers and learning new skills.
	Conduct a neighbourhood Naturescape garden tour. This is great way to share knowledge and ideas.
	Start a neighbourhood Naturescape community garden/ compost pile. Community gardens are wonderful educational and community building tools, and they provide a place for people to garden who may not have a yard.
	Encourage local businesses to apply Naturescape principles to the management of their lands. Many businesses may be looking for environmentally sound ways of landscaping, let them know what options exist.
	Organize and lead local discussion events about topics of interest. Discussion groups facilitate the transfer of information between concerned citizens, and provide a forum for continued learning.
	Host a monthly ambassador/naturescaper "coffee break" session to keep in touch with other ambassadors. Informal gatherings are great for posing questions to other members and for brainstorming.
	Be a mentor to new Naturescape members. Help them design their gardens, and assist with problems.
	Initiate or participate in a Naturescape Day in your community. Hold it at your or local community centre or nature house.
	Help create linkages between the Naturescape program and your community. Make sure your municipal planners and council members are aware of the program. Network with other naturalist organizations if they are having events see if a Naturescape presentation or materials can be incorporated.
	Demonstrate wildlife friendly plantings. Hold a demonstration in your garden or at a nature centre.
	Sponsor a bird watching/ feeder watch tour in your neighbourhood. People who enjoy watching wildlife will care for it. An introduction to the thrill of birdwatching and the habitats which attract birds may encourage people to naturescape.
	Hold a community workshop night where bird houses/ feeders, and bat houses are constructed. Get your local lumberyard to donate scrap wood for the project.
	Volunteer to give Naturescape presentations to clubs, schools, and organizations. Small presentations are a great way to spread the word about Naturescape in your community.