Generous land donation establishes new conservation area near Edmonton to protect forests and honour a legacy
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to announce a significant land donation from George and Joni Greenhough in honour of George’s late father, WJ (Bill) Greenhough, a passionate advocate for preserving wild lands for both people and nature.
The 44-hectare (108-acre) property, now named the WJ (Bill) Greenhough Genesee Conservation Area, is located southwest of Edmonton, near the Genesee Natural Area and the North Saskatchewan River. This scenic landscape, featuring mixed wood forests and diverse habitats, will provide lasting benefits to both wildlife and the local community.
This donation contributes to the conservation of Alberta's forests, which are vital to wildlife and communities alike. Forests not only support biodiversity but also serve as powerful carbon sinks, water filters, and spaces for recreation.
Conserving forests in Alberta helps migratory birds, many of which are declining. The property is home to several migratory bird species of concern, such as the common yellowthroat, eastern kingbird, eastern phoebe, western tanager, and western wood pewee, all considered sensitive in Alberta. It also supports large mammals such as black bears, moose, and white-tailed deer, as well as the western toad, a species of special concern under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.
Once a management plan is in place, the property will join the many other NCC sites across the province that offer public access for hiking and nature enjoyment. Research shows that spending time in nature reduces anxiety and enhances well-being.
While the donation itself is invaluable, land conservation projects incur costs. NCC extends its gratitude to the Greenhoughs and other supporters of this vital conservation effort. Contributions were also made by the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.
This project was supported by the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, which provides significant tax benefits for individuals or corporations who donate ecologically sensitive land.
In collaboration with many people and organizations, NCC has conserved more than 4,000 hectares of land in the Edmonton region. From Wagner Bog, NCC’s first project in Alberta completed in 1970, to this latest initiative, the conservation of land in this part of the province is vital to its unique ecosystems, the species living within them, and our own well-being. NCC is proud to help connect Albertans with nature in special places such as the Beaver Hills, Bunchberry Meadows, and the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Quotes
“WJ (Bill) Greenhough was an early conservationist. He lived his entire life in the community, and on the land in Genesee. He was a member of the local fish and game association for over 40 years and was an avid hunter. He loved spending time in the woods. He found great pleasure in sharing his stories of the great outdoors. This donation honors his role as a steward of the land and his joy in sharing the wilderness with those who cannot often access it. Our donation to conserve this property in perpetuity would be the right way to honour Bill and his legacy of sharing with others. We trust that with our donation, people will be able to access, experience and appreciate the great outdoors.”
George Greenhough, land donor
“We’re truly grateful for this incredible gift from the Greenhough family and their dedication to conservation. Their donation will not only protect important habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife, but also give Albertans a chance to connect with nature. It’s a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.”
Tom Lynch-Staunton, Alberta Vice President, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Facts
- The boreal forest and soils in Canada make up the largest storehouse of terrestrial carbon in the world, holding nearly twice as much carbon per square kilometer as tropical forests.
- More than 400 species at risk ranges are protected by Canada’s forests. Across the county, NCC’s forest conservation work directly supports habitat for 217 federally listed species at risk.
- Canada’s forests provide nesting habitat for an abundance of diverse migratory birds that winter in the U.S., Central America and beyond. From tiny warblers to large swans, it’s estimated that between three and five million birds migrate south from Canada’s boreal forest every fall.
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.
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested $470 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $982 million in contributions raised by Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community leading to the protection and conservation of over 840,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program provides a way for Canadians with ecologically sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for future generations. Made possible by the terms of the Income Tax Act of Canada and the Quebec Taxation Act, it offers significant tax benefits to landowners who donate land or a partial interest in land to a qualified recipient. Recipients ensure that the land’s biodiversity and environmental heritage are conserved in perpetuity.
To learn more about the Ecological Gifts Program, visit: https://www.canada.ca/ecological-gifts.
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