NEWS RELEASE
COUCHICHING CONSERVANCY
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In a significant conservation milestone for the Washago area, the Couchiching Conservancy announced Tuesday the protection of 85 acres adjoining Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve.
The property was donated by Leslie and Irene Bruce, who have strong ties to the area, and is named in honour of their late son, Mitchell Bruce.
Home to species like western chorus frogs, golden-winged warblers, and a variety of turtles, this nature reserve has abundant sedge and cattail wetlands, and a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests.
Expressing their commitment to environmental conservation, the Bruce family shared a statement: “Our family has deep roots in this community, and we are honoured to contribute to its environmental legacy in the name of our dearly missed son and brother. The decision to donate the Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve reflects our love and respect of this land and our dedication to preserve an untouched piece of habitat for the wildlife that live amongst us, for the future generations of our community of Washago, and for the connectivity of the Black River Wildlands.”
The protection of the Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve was also made possible by donors to the Couchiching Conservancy’s Corridors Campaign.
“This fund not only makes the conservancy ready to acquire critical habitat as it becomes available, but ensures we can steward each nature reserve for decades to come,” said executive director Dorthea Hangaard, adding, “In this instance, the combination of a generous land donor and financial support from the community highlights what can be achieved through collective environmental action.”
Wetlands, a key feature of this land, are essential ecosystems that provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna, contribute to water quality, and serve as crucial buffers against flooding.
The Couchiching Conservancy is profoundly grateful for the Bruce family’s generosity and the unwavering support of donors to the Corridors Campaign. This donation marks another significant step toward a healthy and resilient future for our community.
For more information about the Couchiching Conservancy, please visit www.couchichingconserv.ca.
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