The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced it had received a generous land donation in Alberta. The NCC said Edmonton resident Margaret Van De Pitte and her late husband Frederick have donated a 240-hectare property known as the Great Grey Wildland (GGW). Located about 100 kilometers north of Edmonton near the Hamlet of Rochester, it said this property featuring boreal forests and wetlands will now be conserved permanently.“On a slippery spring day, my husband and I sought a piece of wilderness to escape the city,” said Margaret in a press release.“We followed bear tracks to an old cabin, venturing deeper into the forest to lose ourselves.” Margaret called the GGW “just the place for us.” While it is pristine and teeming with life, she said it boasts stunning views of wonders such as the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. In the GGW, she said city dwellers “quickly see our small place in the vast picture — a humbling, satisfying realization.” She expressed gratitude the forest will endure because of the NCC. The Van De Pittes bought it in 1971 as a peaceful retreat to escape city life, appreciating its quiet beauty and rich wildlife. In 2006, they partnered with NCC to create a conservation agreement to preserve its natural values. With this donation, the NCC said they entrust it with conserving its habitats forever.It said the GGW is an important piece of habitat, connecting nearby Crown lands and provincial protected areas, including the Tawatinaw Natural Area and Spruce Island Lake Natural Area. Additionally, it noted it is home to diverse wildlife, including northern flying squirrels, black bears, lynxes, and an array of boreal bird species. Also, it hosts an incredible diversity of plant life, with more than 30 unique plant communities identified. Among these plants are 11 species of orchids, including the striped coralroot and the sparrow’s-egg lady’s-slipper.In Alberta, the NCC said it has helped conserve boreal forests supporting wildlife and communities. It added these forests are Canada’s largest terrestrial carbon storehouses, holding almost twice as much carbon per square kilometre as tropical forests.In collaboration with partners, it has conserved more than 4,000 hectares of land in the Edmonton area. From NCC’s first Alberta project Wagner Bog in 1970 to this latest one, it said conserving land in this part of the province is essential for unique ecosystems, local species, and its own well-being.It encouraged Albertans to follow the inspiring example of the Van De Pittes. During this season of giving, it said they should consider supporting conservation efforts that protect natural landscapes and ensure a sustainable future for their children and grandchildren.NCC natural area manager Delaney Schlemko said the Van De Pittes love for the land and generosity “have created a safe haven for the diverse species that call Great Grey Wildland home — from black bears and olive-sided flycatchers to a variety of orchids.” “Conserving Alberta’s biodiverse landscapes takes a community effort,” said Schlemko.“Exemplary land stewardship and generosity from Albertans not only protect vital habitats but also preserve the essential ecosystem services that nature provides.” The NCC announced in June its latest project in Alberta aimed at conserving the Bob Creek Ranch — a 2,537-acre property in the Southern Foothills..Nature Conservancy of Canada expands conservation efforts in Alberta's Southern foothills.This initiative is part of its ongoing partnership with the Waldron Grazing Co-operative, which has conserved two other ranches in the area.The Bob Creek Ranch is ecologically significant, featuring fescue grasslands, montane ridges, and riparian areas and is home to various species, including grizzly bears, elk, and golden eagles.
