Feature story
Ensuring the future of resilient forests with the best conservation tools for each region (page 8). Learn more about the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) work at Kootenay River Ranch Conservation Area in BC’s East Kootenay.
Species profile
One of Canada’s largest mammals, dependent on vast tracts of forests, grasslands and tundra, faces threats as significant as its stature (page 12). Nestled on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the forests of Geddes Creek Conservation Area provide safe passage for wide-ranging animals, like grizzly bears.
Project Updates
NCC has ensured the future of a vital natural corridor, aiding at-risk turtles in moving safely between habitats near La Mauricie National Park (page 14).
Your impact
The Zen-Ridge conservation project in southwest Saskatchewan has been expanded by an additional 1,040 hectares, bringing the total area to 1,235 hectares of vital grassland habitat. The Nor’Westers project in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is connecting natural corridors around Lake Superior (page 19).
Your voices
The Bonnyman family of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, has a deep connection to nature.
Rooted in sustainable forestry and wild blueberry farming, the Bonnyman family is building a legacy of conservation.
In 2016, they donated 167 hectares near the Pugwash River to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The Docherty’s Brook Nature Reserve, home to over 600 mature and rare eastern white cedar trees, provides vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species to thrive.
“My father, Carl Bonnyman, bought this land in the late 1960s. We decided it doesn’t matter whose name is on the deed if the trees are never going to be cut. And we thought a national organization like NCC could manage it better than we could. We saw this as an opportunity to share something,” says Allan C. Bonnyman.
In 2024, Allan’s son, Angus, donated an additional 37 hectares in Tatamagouche, including a century-old eastern hemlock stand, lake shoreline and freshwater wetlands. Now known as Hemlock Hill, at Mattatall Lake Nature Reserve, it is an important refuge for songbirds and waterfowl.
“We are thrilled that this very special grove of hemlocks and a large portion of the Mattatall Lake shoreline will be preserved for future generations, thanks to NCC and its partners,” says Angus Bonnyman.
