Edmonton family’s generous land donation protects 240 hectares of boreal forest in Alberta
The Great Grey Wildland is home to a remarkable diversity of life
Just in time for the season of giving, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is thrilled to announce a generous land donation in Alberta. Margaret Van De Pitte and her late husband, Frederick, have donated a 240-hectare property known as the Great Grey Wildland. Located about 100 kilometers north of Edmonton near the Hamlet of Rochester, this property featuring boreal forests and wetlands will now be conserved permanently.
The Van De Pittes, longtime residents of Edmonton and supporters of conservation, bought the property 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 the land’s natural values. Now, with this donation, they entrust NCC with conserving the property’s habitats forever.
A refuge for boreal biodiversity
The Great Grey Wildland 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.
The property is home to diverse wildlife, including northern flying squirrel, black bear, lynx, and an array of boreal bird species. Year-round residents like the boreal chickadee, black-backed woodpecker, and great gray owl — the property’s namesake — share this habitat with neotropical migratory birds, such as the blackpoll warbler and the olive-sided flycatcher, a species of Special Concern under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. Findings from the 2024 State of Canada’s Birds Report reveal that long-distance migratory birds have declined by 29% since 1970, highlighting the importance of conserving the breeding habitats of these species.
The property also hosts an incredible diversity of plant life, with over 30 unique plant communities identified there. Among them are 11 species of orchids, including the striped coralroot and the sparrow’s-egg lady’s-slipper.
A gift benefiting us all
In Alberta, NCC has helped conserve boreal forests that support both wildlife and communities. These forests are Canada’s largest terrestrial carbon storehouses, holding nearly twice as much carbon per square kilometer as tropical forests. Intact boreal forests, like the Great Grey Wildland, also filter and store freshwater, providing clean water for surrounding ecosystems and communities.
In collaboration with partners, NCC has conserved over 4,000 hectares of land in the Edmonton region. From Wagner Bog — NCC’s first Alberta project in 1970 — to this latest project, conserving land in this part of the province is essential for unique ecosystems, local species, and our own well-being. NCC is proud to connect Albertans with nature in beloved places like the Beaver Hills, Bunchberry Meadows, and the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
NCC encourages Albertans to follow the inspiring example of the Van De Pittes. During this season of giving, consider supporting conservation efforts that protect our natural landscapes and ensure a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. By coming together to conserve these precious places, we can create a legacy that benefits both nature and people.
Quotes
“On a slippery spring day, my husband and I sought a piece of wilderness to escape the city. We followed bear tracks to an old cabin, venturing deeper into the forest to lose ourselves. It was just the place for us! Pristine and teeming with life, from microbes to elk and bears, it also boasts stunning views of wonders like frequent northern lights and the Milky Way. Out here, we city dwellers quickly see our small place in the vast picture — a humbling, satisfying realization. We’re grateful this world of bogs, fens, and self-sustaining forest will endure, thanks to The Nature Conservancy of Canada.” – Margaret Van De Pitte, land donor
"Margaret and Fredrick Van De Pitte’s love for the land and generosity have created a safe haven for the diverse species that call Great Gray Wildland home, from black bears and olive-sided flycatchers to a variety of orchids. Conserving Alberta’s biodiverse landscapes takes a community effort. Exemplary land stewardship and generosity from Albertans not only protect vital habitats but also preserve the essential ecosystem services that nature provides." – Delaney Schlemko, Natural Area Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada
About
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
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