Meet Maria, one of our amazing NatureKids BC volunteers that helps provide meaningful moments in nature for families in the Burnaby area!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! I am Maria, a Graphic Designer and Nature Enthusiast. I love using my art to be a science communicator and make biology more approachable and fun for kids. I came from Mexico to Vancouver in 2015 to learn English, but I fell in love with BC’s thriving wildlife and made Canada my home.
Why do you feel it is important to encourage families to experience nature?
The more people learn about the nature around them, the more they want to care for it and its creatures. I think few things inspire more wonder and curiosity than the outdoors! I see it all the time at our events when the parents experience it through their kids.
Why is nature important to you?
Nature is all around us, and there is so much to learn and care for! I feel the most connected to other people when I share my enthusiasm about it with them.
Can you share a fond memory of a past explorer day experience?
It is really hard to pick just one, so I’ll go with the most recent. At our last event testing the new freshwater kit, one of the kids found a huge crayfish in the creek. Eric was so proud and excited of catching the biggest critter and wanted to bring his beloved prize home. But after explaining to him that the little crayfish was much happier on the creek doing what crayfish do than on a plastic container, Eric put it back down and even reminded the other kids to return their critters back to their homes.
Become a member today and discover Explorer Days in your community!