Protecting ancient peatlands in southeast Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB (April 16, 2026) – By partially donating carbon-rich peatlands to conservation, a Manitoba family is honouring their uncle’s love for Manitoba landscapes and securing his vision for a healthy future for wildlife and people.
At 257 hectares (636 acres), the Monk Creek Peatlands are estimated to store over 340,300 tonnes of carbon — equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 382,000 passenger vehicles. By keeping this carbon in the ground, this conservation project helps reduce greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, protecting the air we breathe, supporting healthier communities and contributing to a more stable climate for future generations.
Peatlands, though covering only three per cent of the Earth’s surface, store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. These landscapes support clean air and healthy communities and contribute to a more stable climate for future generations.
Honouring community and family legacy
This conservation project, located 10 kilometres southeast of the community of Elma in the Rural Municipality of Reynolds, was made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, including the previous landowner, the William North family, for whom the protection of the Monk Creek Peatlands carries a deep personal meaning. Vince Proceviat, nephew of William North (Uncle Bill), donated a portion of the land in his memory.
Born in Elma in 1912, Uncle Bill dedicated his life to Manitoba’s natural landscapes. He spent his career with the Department of Natural Resources, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to protecting forests and wetlands, ensuring they remained healthy for both wildlife and people.
He also spent many years trapping and hunting in southeastern Manitoba, always with a deep respect for the land and its wildlife. He believed in the importance of conserving wetlands for future generations. Whether feeding birds at his cabin or sharing stories over coffee in town, he carried a quiet passion for nature and community.
By donating a portion of the Monk Creek Peatlands in his memory, the North family has ensured that Uncle Bill’s legacy of stewardship and love for the outdoors will live on.
Acknowledgements
This project was supported by the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. NCC also thanks Jim Richardson, Christine Bridgett & Donna Fossay, the William North family and numerous other NCC donors and partners who contributed to conserve this land.
Quotes
“My uncle Bill spent his entire life caring for Manitoba’s forests and wetlands, whether he was working as a fire ranger, out on the trapline, or simply watching the birds at his cabin. He had a deep respect for the land and believed strongly in protecting these places for the people who would come after us. Donating this land in his memory felt like the most meaningful way to honour that belief. Knowing the Monk Creek Peatlands will be protected forever is exactly what he would have wanted.” — Vince Proceviat, nephew, William North family
“The Monk Creek Peatlands are a living example of why the Nature Conservancy of Canada is committed to working with others to protect these irreplaceable ecosystems. Protecting these old‑growth wetlands ensures thousands of years of carbon storage remain intact and out of the atmosphere, while honouring a family legacy and safeguarding Manitoba’s natural heritage for future generations.” — Kevin Teneycke, Strategic Advisor, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“Protecting peatlands in Manitoba strengthens Canada’s efforts to recover species at risk and conserve habitats. These ecosystems are also among the country’s most powerful natural carbon stores, keeping centuries of carbon safely in the ground. This project shows what we can achieve when governments and partners work together to safeguard ecologically important landscapes.” — The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“Monk Creek is a powerful reminder of how important it is to protect the natural areas that support species at risk. By protecting these peatlands—ecosystems that store significant amounts of carbon, regulate water, and provide essential habitat—we are investing in both climate resilience and biodiversity. Thanks to the dedication of private donors and partners, this project strengthens ongoing efforts to conserve these peatlands and the wildlife that depend on them.” — The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
Facts
- Monk Creek Peatlands includes black spruce bogs and shrubby fens — peatland ecosystems that have been accumulating peat for thousands of years.
- The protection of these peatlands supports the water quality of Monk Creek, which runs through the property and flows into the Whitemouth River, which is nationally recognized for its unique fish assemblage, including the endangered Carmine Shiner.
- Three iconic landscapes converge at the Monk Creek Peatlands: boreal coniferous forest, eastern Superior mixed forest and extensive peatland complexes.
Find photos and video of Monk Creek Peatlands 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 840,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
Contact
Christine Chilton
Director, Communications & Engagement, Prairie Region
204-942-7416
christine.chilton@natureconservancy.ca