Naturalist, Educator & Author
M.A.; B.NatSci.; B. Outdoor Parks & Tourism; B.Ed.
“Often outdoors, usually looking closely at things that don’t formally ask to be noticed, and pointing them out or writing them down anyway.” –Chad
Chad Clifford has spent more than three decades teaching natural history, wilderness skills, environmental education, and the human experience of nature through workshops, publications, tourism, field studies, college and university courses, and community programs. Locally, for example, Chad does heritage demonstrations at locations like/including: Fulton’s Sugar Bush, Pinhey’s Point Park, Mill of Kintail, … .
Workshops with Chad at cliffLAND
Chad’s ongoing project, The Reverie Nature Podcast—also featured on the Journal page—explores many of the topics that occupy his attention as a naturalist, educator, and writer. While some subjects may be familiar to outdoor enthusiasts, Chad often weaves in his own experiences along with insights from respected naturalists, educators, and wilderness instructors.
Many outdoor guides are highly skilled at leading trips, yet may have limited knowledge of the traditional uses of plants, bushcraft and survival applications, animal tracking, or the deeper natural history of a landscape. Through the podcast and his workshops, Chad seeks to share these additional layers of understanding, helping people move beyond simply recognizing a species or identifying an occasional track toward a richer relationship with the natural world.
Media & Interviews (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).
Regional Contact (traditional skills camp)
APTN (kayak building)
The Great Outdoorsman (traditional skills camp)
Local news networks (various)
Bare Necessities (BBC) (survival series)
Post-Secondary Teaching Experience (abbreviated):
Wilderness Survival Skills for college aviation program (10+yrs)
Ethics & Environmental Sustainability
Remote survival disaster worker
Outdoor & Environmental Education
Outdoor adventure
Numerous night classes (related to wilderness education / survival / bushcraft)
Assistant or led aspects for various university outdoor recreation courses
Selected Publications & Creative Works (abbreviated):
Clifford, C.H. (2024-ongoing). The Reverie Nature Podcast.
Clifford, C.H. (2012). Wilderness Rhythms: Playing music to enhance the Nature Experience. Friesen Press, Vancouver.
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.
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). Animal Tracks Poster.
Clifford, C.H. (~2000). Animal Tracking Tool.
Clifford, C.H. (~2000). Pocket Field Guide Series: 1. Animal Tracks; 2. Iglu Building; 3. Bow & Drill Fire.
Clifford, C.H. (~2000).Nature’s Wireless. Writings on wilderness. E-book-various online sources.
Clifford, C.H. (2000). Bow performance. Archery Focus, 4, 3.
Clifford, C.H. (~1998). Useful & edible plants of Lanark County. (Project paper at Lakehead University–not published. Also used for land trust inventory of cliffLAND).
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. (1998-ongoing). Online Websites & channels: Alba Wilderness School, Ottawa Folk Festival, Wilderness Rhythms, Online Nature, Chad H. Clifford, Blueberry Mountain Flutes, Social Media: various channels on Youtube, Vimeo, Bandcamp