Colin Harris ©John E. Marriott
Colin Harris
Conservation begins with connection.
More than a decade ago, educator and conservation leader Colin Harris set out to strengthen that connection — by helping young people experience nature, not simply learn about it.
As co-founder of Take Me Outside, Colin has helped make outdoor learning a regular part of education across Canada.
What began with a nine-month run across the country has grown into a national movement supporting educators, schools and communities through professional development, mentorship, research and shared resources.
Its annual Take Me Outside Day has become one of Canada’s largest outdoor learning initiatives. In 2025 alone, more than 650,000 students and educators participated.
The innovation is simple, but powerful: make time in nature part of how we learn — building environmental literacy, appreciation and a lasting sense of responsibility for the natural world….
Because when young people build a relationship with nature, they become more likely to value and protect it.
Congratulations COLIN HARRIS, recipient of the 2026 True North Wildlife Conservation Nature-based Education Champion Award.