The 14, 324 hectares of land that the Nature Conservancy of Canada has bought is in an area called Kenauk, which means turtle in Algonquin. Photo (Nature Conservancy of Canada)
The two pieces of newly acquired land are important, but small pieces in a bigger puzzle, says Bonin.
“As a society and government, we have a very important role to play. It is not just that our gardens and street fronts and mountains should be left alone. We are responsible for our landscape.”
Contributing to future protection
Investments in land made by the Nature Conservancy of Canada are matched by the federal and provincial government, with additional donations provided by the private sector and individual Canadians.
These purchases are important steps towards taking care of a rapidly changing landscape, says Bonin.
“With a changing atmosphere and climate, we must at least maintain some viable components of our terrestrial and aquatic landscapes so species can move freely around.”
Growing research is showing that species are moving northwards to find cooler habitats due to global warming. The individual purchases are kind of a “see the forest for the trees” situation; each purchase bringing another connection to the future network of protected land.
“We want to be able to ensure that we will continue to have the legacy of our values, in every tree, every river, and every pond,” says Bonin.