(Photo: Caroline Dostie Photographie)
Jo-Anne Grandmont, a Blue Dot volunteer since the beginning, and the founder and director of Via Nature.
When I was 18, I went on a wonderful adventure crossing parts of Canada on a bike. While I was pedalling all these kilometres, I was able to revel in the natural treasures of our country. That’s when I became truly aware of the magnificence of our land and the importance of preserving its ecosystems.
Later, when I became a mom, I realized that my daughters’ school didn’t really focus on practical learning about flora and fauna. Thus, I decided to make up for it on my own, and with the precious help of my family, I established the Explore Nature workshops to offer my daughters a unique chance to experience nature. Little by little, my girls learned to better understand, appreciate and respect the nature that surrounds them.
Over the next 10 years, hundreds of children have been able to discover the natural treasures of their country. In 2016, Via Nature was born with the strong and simple message of helping Canadians, both young and adult, see the wonders of their local biodiversity. Since the start of Via Nature, I have met over 3000 children. Their ability to be amazed as well as their wonderful sense of observation motivates me every day to continue with my mission.
It is in that spirit that I’ve also become a Blue Dot volunteer, hoping that the federal government will recognize the right of Canadians to have access to clean air, drinking water and healthy food. We have our say in the matters that impact our health and well-being, and I firmly believe that by bringing together our strengths and staying engaged, we will get to live in a greener and healthier country.
Blue Dot relies on the efforts of dedicated citizens taking action in their local communities. Humans of Blue Dot is an attempt to capture the unique stories of some inspiring volunteers who have generously given their time to advancing the environmental rights movement in Canada.
