Tuesday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• Canada builds an ocean sanctuary

• Sunset of the day from Florida

• Save on vision insurance this year

• How to appreciate nature in winter

True or False?

It’s more energy-efficient to keep your thermostat at one temperature all day.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Canada Builds An Ocean Sanctuary

After decades of debate over whale captivity, Canada is moving toward a more compassionate solution. A new whale sanctuary is taking shape on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, designed to give formerly captive whales a life that finally resembles the ocean they were born to know.

The project will be Canada’s first natural-sea refuge for whales retired from aquariums, including belugas once held at Marineland of Canada. Because many captive-born whales can’t safely survive in the open ocean, the sanctuary offers a middle ground: a large, sheltered bay with netted boundaries, clean cold water, and room to swim, dive, and follow natural rhythms, without public performances or crowds.

The timing matters. After Canada passed its 2019 ban on breeding and keeping whales for entertainment, the bigger question became where existing animals could go. This sanctuary helps answer that, offering long-term care in a space that prioritizes well-being over spectacle.

If successful, the Nova Scotia site could become a global model for humane, ocean-based retirement for marine mammals.

Sunset of the Day from Florida

Kelli shared this vibrant January 8th, 2026, sunset from Florida, where the sky lit up in bold shades of orange and coral. Soft wisps of cloud danced across the horizon while silhouettes of trees grounded the scene, turning an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.

Thanks to Kelli for sending in this gorgeous Florida sunset. Have a sunset or snapshot you’d love to share? We’d love to see it. Send it our way for a chance to be featured in The Canopy.

Vision Plans Starting at $13 a Month

Take control of your vision care costs with a VSP® Individual Vision Plan. Plans include a comprehensive eye exam and up to 30% savings on lens enhancements, like anti-glare. VSP members save an average of more than $350* a year on their vision care.

See plans.

Savings based on state and national averages for eye exams and most commonly purchased brands and lens enhancements. This number represents average savings for VSP members at in-network providers. Your actual savings will depend on the eyewear you choose, your plan, the eye doctor you visit, your copays, and your premium. Source: VSP book-of-business paid claims data for Aug-Jan of each prior year.

Thank you to VSP Vision Care for sponsoring The Canopy.

How to Appreciate Nature in Winter

Not everyone loves winter, and that’s okay. You don’t have to adore the cold to still enjoy nature when the world turns snowy and quiet. The trick is meeting the season where it is, instead of fighting it.

Start by making comfort the priority. Layer generously, choose insulated boots, and don’t underestimate the power of hats, gloves, and hand warmers. Short outings count. A 10-minute walk, a pause to breathe in crisp air, or stepping outside during the sunniest part of the day can be enough to reset your mood without numbing your toes.

Movement helps, too. Activities like snowshoeing, sledding, winter walks, or even building a snowman naturally warm you up. Slower options (birdwatching, winter photography, or sitting near an outdoor fire) offer a quieter way to notice how nature changes in colder months.

And when it’s truly too cold? Nature can still come indoors. Watch snowfall from a window, visit a greenhouse, tend to houseplants, light a pine-scented candle, or listen to forest sounds. Winter doesn’t have to mean disconnecting. It just asks for a softer, warmer approach.

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: False. Lowering it when you’re asleep or away can save energy.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!