Partners unite to safeguard vital habitat for wildlife and communities in western Newfoundland March 3, 2026

Project conserves essential ecosystems while strengthening climate resilience for neighbouring communities 

Stephenville Crossing, NL (March 3, 2026) – The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and its partners have protected 118 hectares of vital wetlands, river shoreline and mature boreal forest in the western part of the province. These lands and waters provide important habitat for species at risk, help lessen the impacts of climate change and provide residents of Stephenville Crossing and surrounding communities with valuable recreational opportunities and healthy lifestyle benefits. 

The newly established Harrys River Nature Reserve, on the edge of its namesake river in Stephenville Crossing, is home to many at-risk species. The river winds through the reserve, connecting Georges Lake to the St. George’s River Estuary and provides key spawning grounds for Atlantic salmon. Some of the wildlife that benefit from the area include woodland caribou and Newfoundland pine marten, which is provincially listed as vulnerable under the Endangered Species Act. A wide variety of birds also depend on the area for breeding, nesting and feeding. Provincially rare birds such as great blue heron, black-headed gull and olive-sided flycatcher, which is listed as threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act, are notable ones.  

This project was made possible through the generous support of the Cahill Family Foundation, the Patten Family Foundation and private donors. In addition, this project was supported by the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. 

The wetlands and forests covering Harrys River Nature Reserve play an essential role in helping Stephenville Crossing and nearby communities adapt to climate change. These ecosystems store carbon and provide natural protection against drought, flooding and wildfires. The wetlands absorb excess water during heavy rainfall and can help slow the spread of wildfires during dry periods. 

Working together 

The dual crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change demand more is done to protect nature, faster. NCC is accelerating conservation at an unprecedented pace and scale and is pleased to collaborate with foundations, businesses, individuals and government to support nature for people, wildlife and communities. 

There is more opportunity to conserve special areas for the benefit of people and wildlife alike. By working together, nature conservation flourishes through partnerships and the involvement of community and landowners.  

Facts  

• Covering about 60 per cent of Canada, the boreal forest is one of the most important natural landscapes on Earth, storing more carbon than any other forest and even more per square kilometre than tropical rainforests. It’s also a vital home for wildlife, providing nesting habitat for millions of migratory birds that travel from Canada to the U.S., Central America and beyond each year. 

• The mixed forest on this nature reserve contains an abundance of mature yellow birch trees. These are often home for blue felt lichen, a rare species listed as special concern under the Species at Risk Act. The forest also includes rare black ash, listed as threatened under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Endangered Species Act. 

• As with most other NCC properties, the Harrys River Nature Reserve is open to the public. NCC welcomes people to engage with nature on this property in a variety of ways, including recreational activities, cultural uses and responsible legal hunting, fishing and trapping. NCC welcomes pedestrian access and advises ATV users to transit our properties on existing trails only. 

• The Town of Stephenville Crossing has had a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. In 1995, the town signed a Wetland Habitat Stewardship Agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to protect a 1,590-hectare wetland habitat within the town’s planning boundaries. 

Quotes 

“Newfoundland’s landscapes are deeply woven in the Patten family history and sense of responsibility. Protecting areas like Harrys River matters to us because these lands safeguard species, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure future generations can experience the same connection to nature that has shaped our family’s interest and respect for it. We support projects like Harrys River because we have a firm belief that conservation is vital to protecting what makes Newfoundland so special.” – Nichole Patten, Patten Family Foundation 

“The Cahill Family Foundation is proud to support the creation of the Harrys River Nature Reserve in Stephenville Crossing, a project that reflects our vision of building strong, sustainable communities and our core value of looking after our people. Protecting the natural places that sustain our communities is a responsibility we take seriously, and one that has guided our support for conservation projects with the Nature Conservancy of Canada over the years. We are pleased to be one of the primary supporters working alongside NCC to advance this important project. Together, we are helping preserve vital habitat, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure the region’s natural spaces remain healthy and accessible. This project represents the kind of long-term, community-focused impact our family is committed to supporting.” – Fred Cahill, Cahill Family Foundation  

“We are very excited about this new project in the community of Stephenville Crossing. When the opportunity arose for NCC to pursue the creation of this new nature reserve, it was a natural decision to go for it. I am proud that we could build on the excellent work the town has done to steward the natural spaces that help to make this area special. We hope our work to establish this new nature reserve helps to amplify the conservation leadership the Town of Stephenville Crossing has shown and serve as an inspiration for other communities.” – Piers Evans, NCC Program Director for Newfoundland and Labrador 

“Protecting wetlands, forests and river habitats is essential for the wildlife that depends on them. By conserving these natural areas, the Harrys River Nature Reserve provides critical support for species at risk and safeguards the ecosystems they rely on to survive. This milestone represents an important step forward in maintaining the rich biodiversity that defines this region, while ensuring these landscapes remain healthy for generations to come.” – The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature) 

“Protecting Canada’s natural areas strengthens our biodiversity and climate resilience. This project with the Nature Conservancy of Canada helps safeguard habitat for species at risk and demonstrates the impact we can achieve when we work together.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature 

Find photos of Harrys River Nature Reserve here. 

About 

Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. As an environmental charity working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive. Learn more at 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 $500 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $1 billion 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 830,000 hectares (2 million acres) of ecologically sensitive lands. 

The Patten Family Foundation is a family led charitable organization rooted in a business that has been started, owned, and operated by family for more than 160 years. Guided by a strong belief in philanthropy, the foundation is committed to giving back to the community that has supported the family’s business across generations, with a focus on initiatives that create lasting positive impact. 

The Cahill Family Foundation was established in 2019 to continue the longstanding Cahill family tradition of community service. Built on decades of giving back, the Foundation supports organizations that are working to build strong, sustainable communities across Newfoundland & Labrador. Our goal is to foster meaningful, collaborative relationships the help create long-term, sustainable benefits in areas such as health, education, cultural initiatives and community well-being. The Foundation is directed by Fred Cahill, President of The Cahill Group of Companies, and his children, David and Jennifer continue the family’s tradition of leadership, philanthropy, and community investment. 

Contact 

Jensen Edwards 
Acting Manager, External Affairs 
Nature Conservancy of Canada 
C: 438-885-9157 
jensen.edwards@natureconservancy.ca