A naturalist and educator who weaves timeless wilderness skills with modern ecology to inspire meaningful connections between people and the living world. For decades, he has guided learners across Canada to rediscover belonging through nature’s rhythms, awareness, and hands-on practice.
An advocate for experiential learning, Chad holds degrees in: B.Natural Science; B.H.Recreation and Parks, Tourism; B.Education; & M.A.Rec & leisure. His research and theses explored nature-based practices that foster connection and ecological awareness–towards pro-environmental behaviours. His teaching spans home-school groups to university classrooms through workshops and guided field programs across Ontario, the Arctic, and Northern Alberta.
Chad blends ecological understanding with traditional skills such as friction-fire making, kayak and bow building, tracking, plant studies, and sensory awareness—all rooted in mindful engagement with nature. Mentored by noted educators including Tom Brown Jr., Mors Kochanski, and various trainers/elders he integrates traditional bushcraft, formal education, and mindfulness to cultivate ecological literacy.
He also contributes to bio-acoustic monitoring programs (self-learned & Cornell’s Lab or Ornithology Nature Recording certificate) and created music for “Tree Songs,” a community radio project celebrating Ottawa’s green spaces. Founder of Wilderness Rhythms and co-founder of Alba Wilderness School, Chad continues to lead a variety of outdoor education, programs, and demonstrations—living his belief that connection to place is at the heart of stewardship.
Abbreviated Articles & related
Clifford, C.H. (2003). Bonding to nature: through the practice of primitive wilderness skills. Pathways: The Journal of Outdoor Education, 15, 2 (p. 22-24).
Clifford, C.H. (2003). Choosing the right program: survival, traditional or primitive living skills. Pathways: The Journal of Outdoor Education, 15, 2. (p. 27).
Clifford, C.H. (2000). Bow performance. Archery Focus, 4, 3.
Clifford, C.H. (1999, December 1). Minimal impact outdoor winter camping. Peace and Environment Newsletter.
Clifford, C.H. (1998, Winter). Throw away those hiking boots. Quinzhee Quarterly.
Clifford, C.H. (1998, July). Leisure in the great outdoors: make the most of it. Lanark Era.
Clifford, C.H. (March, 2005). Traditional Skills: qajaq building in the classroom. Paper presented at the Federation of Nunavut Teachers conference, Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Clifford, C.H. (March, 2005). Phenomenological Study: playing a musical instrument in nature. Paper presented at the: Federation of Nunavut Teachers conference, Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Featured Articles: media coverage while in a leadership role (abbreviated)
Cairney, R. (2001, February 23). Plenty to learn in kayak-building class. Folio (University of Alberta staff magazine).
Dekok, D. (1998, October 14). Love for nature and observation skills taught at the wilderness school. Gazette Reporter. Hope, Y.J.(2000, Spring). Lanark Highlands: The perfect spot to help you get in touch with yourself and nature. City Woman. Hope, Y.J.(1999, May 22). Nature’s classroom. The Ottawa Citizen & The Calgary Herald.
McMurray, S. (1998, October 6). School teaches people to keep track of wilderness. The Kingston Whig-Standard. Moddenjonge, G. (2002, May 28). Local TransCanda Trail U of A attraction. Athabasca Advocate, 20, 35.
Sont, N.V. (1999). Snaring a grouse. Wilderness Way, 5, 2 , (pp. 8-11).
Television media:
Regional Contact (traditional skills camp)
APTN (kayak building)
The Great Outdoorsman (traditional skills camp)
Local news networks
Bare Necessities (BBC) (survival series)
Professor of Courses in University/college:
Survival Skills practical for pilot program
Ethics & Environmental Sustainability
Remote survival disaster worker
Outdoor & Environmental Education
Outdoor adventure
Numerous night classes (related to wilderness education / survival / bushcraft)
American Car Culture (yep a little diff. from my usual courses)
Assistant or led aspects to various university courses