A new Nature Conservancy of Canada poll finds that for pandemic-related stress, Canadians are turning towards nature for relief.

The poll finds that 94 per cent of Canadians say that nature is helping them through the pandemic and three-quarters of Canadians say they are spending more time in nature now than before the pandemic.

The Acting Regional Vice-President for NCC’s Atlantic Region, Margot Morrison says immersing yourself in nature helps strip away outside stressors.

She says that studies show that being outside in nature reduces stress levels and puts into perspective what’s important.

She says the poll supports that more investment into protecting the environment is needed.

She says nine out of ten Canadians agree that now is the time to invest in maintaining nature and that natural spaces are important to both wildlife and communities.