Since 2017, Nature Canada’s Young Nature Leaders Grant has been empowering young Canadians to lead community-based projects rooted in nature and sustainability. Now in its ninth year, the grant is made possible by the generosity of Women for Nature members and our sponsors.

We would like to give a special thanks to this year’s Selection Committee which included an incredible group of Young Leaders.  Thank you to Kehkashan Basu, Brianna Barrett, Luke Nguyen, Derek Nguyen, Chevaun Toulouse, and Lauren Lawson for your time and energy.

Congratulations to this years recipients who include:

Oluwaseun Makanjuola — Restoring Roots

A youth-led ecological restoration initiative engaging young people in invasive species removal, native planting, and soil health improvement in degraded urban green spaces. Participants take part in workshops, leadership training, and document the site’s transformation through blogs, videos, and before-and-after photography.

Cary Choo — Positivitree Environmental Society Initiative: Climate Art Exhibition 

A school- and community-based program combining science education, art, and Indigenous land-based learning to help youth understand and alleviate climate anxiety. Participants co-create a Climate Zine and an interactive Climate Anxiety Tree art exhibit for display at the Art Gallery of Alberta to engage directly with policymakers and the public to inspire climate action.

Noah Rolbin — Mothathon

A series of guided nighttime field events inviting youth and community members to observe and document moths in low light-pollution areas including Algonquin Park. Led by mentors with entomology expertise, participants contribute to citizen science while building a genuine appreciation for the often-overlooked diversity of insect life around them.

JD Bharvad — Unama’ki Young Birders A youth-led program offering inclusive birding outings, biodiversity monitoring, and citizen science contributions through eBird and iNaturalist. Participants develop field skills, ecological knowledge, and conservation leadership while building community connection in an accessible, beginner-friendly environment.

Mirha Tul Hai — Nature Play for Little Explorers A play-based outdoor learning initiative for children ages 3–8, bringing nature education to life through scavenger hunts, planting, storytelling, and community clean-ups. The program fosters early nature connection and invites families into meaningful engagement with their local green spaces.