New protected area reinforces a vital ecological corridor for wildlife and preserves habitats essential to biodiversity
Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, Quebec (January 22, 2026) — Today, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced the protection of Domaine du Lac Léon, an ecologically rich 815-hectare territory in the Lower St. Lawrence region. This vast expanse, with its diverse habitats supporting vulnerable species, plays an important role in ecological connectivity between Quebec, New Brunswick and the State of Maine (in the US). It also contributes to the fight against climate change thanks to its forests and wetlands, which capture atmospheric carbon and purify air and water.
A territory of unique ecological wealth
Domaine du Lac Léon is home to a mosaic of remarkable habitats, including old-growth forests, rivers and wetlands. Species include the American marten, the black bear and the moose. The chimney swift, a small bird recognizable by its short tail and boomerang-shaped wings, can also be found here. It is threatened both in Canada and in Québec. Also present, the Canada warbler is a small songbird with a bright yellow throat and breast, contrasting with the bluish gray of its back, wings and head. It has a slender beak and delicate yellow-rimmed “spectacles”. This warbler is considered threatened in Canada and likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable in Quebec.
A vital corridor for flora and fauna
Located at the heart of an important ecological network, the Domaine du Lac Léon territory contributes to the connectivity of natural environments, enabling species to move freely between the Appalachian Mountains of Quebec, New Brunswick and Maine. This ecological corridor is essential to the survival of many species, facilitating migration, foraging and reproduction, while ensuring greater resilience in the face of environmental disturbance. It also helps preserve vast areas of forest and water, providing species with a stable, interconnected habitat within a natural landscape fragmented by human development.
Forests that capture carbon and purify the air
The Domaine du Lac Léon also contributes to environmental quality by purifying water and air and acting as a major carbon sink. Part of its forests and wetlands have been integrated into Projet forestier PIVOT, an innovative initiative developed in partnership with ECOTIERRA, which values high-quality carbon credits while supporting biodiversity conservation. This approach reflects the importance of collaboration between environmental organizations and companies committed to fighting climate change.
Acknowledgements
Nature Conservancy of Canada thanks the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHPC), the Government of Quebec through the Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project, the Echo Foundation, Walmart Canada, Premier Tech and the Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation. Thanks also to Ecotierra for its partnership in the Projet forestier PIVOT and TD Bank Group for its financial support for stewardship.
Quotes
“This project marks a major step forward for conservation in Quebec. Thanks to our partners, we are ensuring the protection of an ecosystem that is essential for biodiversity and the resilience of natural environments in the face of climate change.” – Camille Bolduc, Project Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“With the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are protecting the ecological richness of Domaine du Lac Léon, Quebec. This site’s forests, rivers, and wetlands safeguard habitat for species at risk while strengthening connectivity across Quebec, New Brunswick, and Maine. Together, we are ensuring that biodiversity is preserved for generations to come.” – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“Protecting 815 hectares of forests, rivers, and wetlands is a big win for nature. The Domaine du Lac Léon provides vital habitat for species at risk like the chimney swift and ensures that wildlife can move freely through connected natural spaces. We are doing our part to keep these landscapes healthy and vibrant for the future.” – The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
“The protection of these natural environments is excellent news for Bas-Saint-Laurent and for Québec. Thanks to initiatives like this one, we are protecting a wide variety of plant and animal species, as well as their habitats. I would like to thank the conservation organizations and partners who are mobilizing for our natural environments, because it is by working together that we can better preserve this rich heritage.” – Bernard Drainville, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Minister responsible for the Maritime Strategy, and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region
“The Domaine du Lac Léon is a natural jewel of great ecological value. I am very proud that my government is investing to protect this exceptional territory located here, in the Côte-du-Sud area. I commend all the partners who are contributing to this large-scale initiative for nature conservation in Bas-Saint-Laurent.” – Mathieu Rivest, Member of the National Assembly for Côte-du-Sud
“When we come together, we can help make a difference for the environment. This new NCC project in Quebec will help protect a region that’s not only ecologically important, but also part of what makes Canada so naturally beautiful. We’re proud to help NCC take care of the unique places and ecosystems that make this country special.” – Rob Nicol, VP Communications and Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada
” Protecting this site is a concrete example of how local action can help preserve the land and sustain its biodiversity and ecological functions. It aligns with Premier Tech’s ongoing commitment to making a difference for the communities in which it operates and the responsible management of peatlands.” — Frédéric Caron, natural resource management — peatlands director at Premier Tech Growers and Consumers.
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 more than $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 more than 800,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
The Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project is a co-funding agreement between the gouvernement du Québec and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), benefiting Quebec conservation organizations. The project aims to protect and conserve natural habitats of ecological interest, notably through the acquisition of private land, for protected and conserved areas and the establishment of ecological corridors. Through this, the ACSQ will promote the development and sound management of the network of protected areas on private land, as well as public access to nature. The funds invested by the gouvernement du Québec over five years must be matched by NCC and its partners with other funds not provided by the gouvernement du Québec.
About Premier Tech: At Premier Tech, we are all about making a difference by connecting People and Technologies — for over 100 years. Premier Tech offers a wide range of products, services, brands and technologies in horticulture, agriculture, packaging, water treatment, digital solutions and biotechnology. Our solutions help increase crop yields, automate manufacturing operations, treat water and support companies in their digital transformation. Premier Tech is driven by nearly 6 100 team members across 31 countries.
Ecotierra is a family-owned social enterprise that develops and operates integrated, sustainable agroforestry projects. Based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, the company works closely with small producers and landowners to promote responsible land management, support the sustainable development of rural communities, and address soil degradation and climate change. Active for 15 years, Ecotierra has generated nearly $30 million in value from products sourced from family farms and forests. Pivot, its first forestry project in Quebec, aims to integrate 15,000 hectares of forest land across multiple regions of the province over time.
Launched by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in 2017 to accelerate the conservation of natural areas connected by ecological corridors, the Quebec Ecological Corridors Initiative (QECI) is coordinated by NCC and led by a group of 10 organizations. The group offers a collective approach to land use planning and advises provincial and municipal governments, woodlot owners, farmers and other key stakeholders. The group also carries out mobilization, capacity building, recognition and support activities throughout southern Quebec.
Photos and videos of the Domaine du Lac Léon can be found here.
Contact
Ania Wurster
Communications Manager
Nature Conservancy of Canada – Quebec Region
C: 514 415-4124
ania.wurster@natureconservancy.ca