International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-08 was the largest program of Arctic and Antarctic science ever undertaken, a period of intense international cooperation that generated volumes of technical data and reams of handwritten observations. IPY was responsible for more than 200 research projects, with thousands of scientists from 62 nations examining a wide range of physical, biological and social-science subjects. Canada, a nation with vast territory north of the Arctic Circle, has fittingly played a lead role.

The January/February 2010 issue of Canadian Geographic contains a polarpalooza of stories, ranging from an intimate portrayal of life at the Yukon's Kluane Lake Research Station to a profile of a student geographer from Labrador on exchange in Norway. We shine a spotlight on the largest ever Inuit health survey and the mysterious disappearance of mercury from the atmosphere when the Arctic sun rises. It's all part of our crucial quest to understand the North.

In the December 2009 issue of Canadian Geographic — the magazine's 80th-anniversary issue, an all-wildlife extravaganza — we look at the evolution of wildlife conservation and management. As Brian Payton notes in the cover story, flash back 80 years, or 40 years, or even one year, and you will see myriad examples of wanton entitlement by humans believing that unlimited numbers of animals were put on Earth simply for us to hunt. Fortunately, you will also find many stories of innovative thinkers who have led us to appreciate the interrelatedness and vulnerability of species and ecosystems and whose discoveries have led to generations of biologists, conservationists and citizens dedicating themselves to enriching the health of the planet's wildlife.

PLUS: Candace Savage on the rebirth of the black-footed ferret — the world's cutest predator; Dan Bortolotti on the mysterious lives of blue whales — the world's largest animal; and much more.

In the October 2009 issue of Canadian Geographic, writer Russell Wangersky and photographer Ned Pratt explore Newfoundland's rugged Northern Peninsula, a region that wasn't connected to the rest of the province by road until the 1960s. The peninsula faces many of the same challenges affecting the entire province — chiefly, a struggling fishing industry and an exodus of young people — but its natural beauty and Norse history have given birth to a burgeoning tourism business, and its resilient residents know how to be true jacks of all trades. It's what they've done for decades.

PLUS: Read about the newfound, fragile alliance between green builders and heritage advocates in Canada, as two camps working to conserve for the future find common ground. And get the scoop on an archaeological controversy at the construction site of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.

In the July/August issue of Canadian Geographic, writer D'Arcy Jenish and photographer Martin Beaulieu hop aboard a freighter for a trip on the St. Lawrence Seaway. For the past 50 years, the seaway has served as an important artery for ships carrying the coal, grain and iron ore that fuelled Canada's economy. Major changes to those heavy industries, however, are forcing the seaway to adapt as it enters its next half century. Find out how the seaway is dealing with both economic and environmental challenges, and how it is tied into the lives and livelihoods of thousands of Canadians.

PLUS: Read about the changing role of Canada's national parks wardens as the corps turns 100. And discover an Arctic arts festival — and the joys of summer camp.

In the June issue of Canadian Geographic, our annual environment issue, writer John Lorinc gauges the strength of Canada's wind energy industry. Countries such as Denmark, Germany and Spain are a decade ahead in terms of wind energy production, and the United States is making major gains. So where does Canada stand? And what of the concerns about noise from wind turbines and their encroachment on ecologically sensitive terrain? Read Lorinc's cover story for a comprehensive investigation of the industry's promise of clean power and green jobs.

PLUS: Meet Canadian Geographic's Environmental Scientist of the Year, a marine biologist who is leading a 10-year international project to paint a clear picture of life in the Earth's oceans.

In the April issue of Canadian Geographic, writer Monique Roy-Sole and award-winning photographer Benoit Aquin document the tenacity of Canada's oldest industrial city, Trois-Rivières, which is attempting to reinvent itself while celebrating its 375th birthday. Writer Mark Abley explores another resurgence, that of Canada's once-scorned Métis people, who are finding new strength and pride in their culture. And writer Heather Pringle digs into the fascinating story of archaeologist Pat Sutherland, whose work is shedding new light on the misunderstood relationship between Norse travellers and the Dorset in Canada's Arctic.

PLUS: Meet the Canadian who's bringing bike lanes to Mexico City's snarled streets, and ride shotgun with a safety-conscious long-distance trucker.