Donald Johnston (courtesy of Heather Johnston)

Remembering Donald Johnston, a conservation hero with a monumental legacy and impact

Passionate, creative and accomplished are just a few of the many ways that those who have had the fortune to know Donald Johnston remember him. In February 2022, Donald passed away peacefully at age 85, surrounded by loved ones. His legacy lives on and continues to give back to his community by way of art, charity and environmental protection. Donald had many accomplishments over his lifetime, including co-founding the law firm Johnston Heenan Blaikie, being an instrumental force in developing the Canadian film industry in the 70s and his involvement in federal politics in the late 70s and 80s.  

Among his many passions, he always loved nature and the beauty of Quebec’s Sutton Mountains. Many guests from around the world had the pleasure of enjoying his musical talents from his home while marvelling at the view of the mountains in Glen Sutton. 

Donald was instrumental in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) work in the Sutton Mountains as part of the Green Mountains Nature Reserve initiative, championing land protection since the early 2000s. He was the first supporter to transfer a property in the area to NCC. A little later, he encouraged his children to pursue even more extensive protection. Further east in the Sutton Mountains, he supported the protection of a beautiful creek that flows well beyond the farms and homes of the Missisquoi Valley. His actions helped safeguard large mammals, such as black bear, bobcat and moose, over 20 at-risk plant species and several birds of prey that rely on the habitats found in this nature reserve.

We are grateful for Donald’s dedication and support of the Green Mountains Nature Reserve. Thanks to him and other nature supports, we can continue to accelerate the pace and scale of conservation, to double our impact by 2030.

Find out the many ways that you can help protect nature here.