Biinaagami
- Get outside and explore!
Photo by Denis Agati (Pixabay: Link)
Don’t give up on spending time outside just because the weather is cold and the days are short.
From ice fishing, to skating, surfing, and even swimming, the Great Lakes region is home to many thrilling and chilling winter experiences that make braving the cold worth it! Explore spellbinding ice formations and ice caves if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Of course, always consider personal safety when venturing out. Ensure you are prepared for winter conditions, and that others know where you are going and when you plan to return.
2. Learn more about the Great Lakes
Photo by Jill Wellington (Pixabay)
If the cold weather and long nights have you curled up on the couch instead of braving the cold, there are still ways to connect to the waters from the comfort of home!
Read
Watch
- Learn about the natural history of North America’s Great Lakes through the Great Lakes Untamed documentary
- Explore the depths of the Great Lakes and see never-before captured phenomenon in the documentary All too Clear
- Learn about bioaccumulation in the St. Lawrence Estuary through this Youtube short
- Learn more about adventures to take in Tripping the Bruce, Tripping the French River, Tripping the Rideau Canal, and Tripping The Niagara
Listen
- Listen to the Anishinaabek Nation’s podcast Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa: Talking to People
- Listen to Teach me about the Great Lakes, and their podcast featuring Biinaagami
3. Give gifts that give back
Photo by Moi Lanen (Pixabay)
When doing your holiday shopping, consider giving gifts that also give back to your local lands and waters.
Many charities offer the sale of merchandise where the proceeds go directly towards tangible work to protect the environment. Also consider donating directly to the charities of your choice to ensure they can keep doing the important work of upholding our shared responsibility to the Great Lakes. Check out our Great Lakes Community page for inspiration and filter by organizations that need financial support.
4. Reflect on your connection to water and prepare for the season ahead
Everyone has a water story. Every one of those stories is different. Here is the former chair of the board of directors for the Ottawa Riverkeeper, Geoff Green’s Watermark.
Look back on the memories made and the way water has shaped your life in the last year. Consider recording these reflections through the Watermark Project to help advocate for the protection of the waterbodies closest to your heart.
Take this time to look ahead to the next season and plan summer adventures using Great Lakes Guide to make the most of the upcoming warmer months.
5. Make resolutions for the new year
Photo by Chris Tels (Pixabay)
A new year comes with new opportunities to connect with and steward the lands and waters around you. Check out our Great Lakes Community to find other like-minded individuals and causes you can support in 2025!
