Nearly 5,000 acres are now protected in the upper Saint-Charles River watershed

Quebec City, September 17, 2026 – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is proud to announce the acquisition of more than 400 acres in the municipality of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, at the heart of the upper Saint-Charles River watershed.

Thanks to a $900,000 grant from the City of Québec and support from several partners, the project fosters the conservation of the watershed’s natural habitats and helps uphold the water quality of the main source of drinking water for the local population. 
 
This latest initiative means that nearly 5,000 acres are now protected in the upper watershed of the Saint-Charles River. 

A strategic initiative for water supply

The Saint-Charles River watershed provides drinking water to more than 300,000 people. This latest land acquisition is directly in line with the plans for the protection of drinking water sources and the Natural Environment Management and Enhancement Plan (Plan de gestion et de mise en valeur des milieux naturels, or PGMN) for the upper Saint-Charles River watershed, as it upholds the site’s essential ecological functions such as water filtration and flow regulation. It also contributes to the area’s resilience to climate change and carbon sequestration.  

“In a context of climate change, protecting sources of drinking water is one of the greatest legacies we can leave for future generations. By investing in the conservation of this strategic territory in the Saint-Charles River watershed, the City of Québec is tackling the problem at its source. It’s a concrete step toward preserving the quality of drinking water for more than 300,000 citizens, all while protecting the biodiversity and upholding our region’s ability to fight climate change,” says Marie-Josée Asselin, vice-chair of the Québec City executive committee responsible for water and the environment. 

“Protecting the natural areas that safeguard our drinking water is a responsibility we share. By conserving this part of the Saint‑Charles River watershed in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada, we’re helping keep water clean for the people of Québec City while strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience across the region. As outlined in our nature strategy launched earlier this year, conserving carbon-rich ecosystems will contribute to long-term climate action. Thank you to our partners for their leadership and commitment to protecting these vital landscapes for the long‑term benefit of our communities,” says the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.

“The natural environments of the Saint‑Charles River watershed are treasured by the region and play a vital role in protecting the drinking water that hundreds of thousands of people depend on. By supporting the conservation of 165 hectares in this area, we are helping preserve biodiversity, strengthen the region’s resilience to climate change, and ensure clean water for the people of Québec City. This achievement demonstrates what we can accomplish when we work together to protect nature,” says the Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature).

A core conservation area of nearly 1,250 acres, more than 600 CFL football fields

This latest acquisition also strengthens a well-established core conservation area. The efforts put forth by DUC, the City of Québec and the municipality of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury ensure landscape continuity that helps sustain biodiversity. Together, these protected sites enhance habitat connectivity, which is essential for wildlife to move about and find food. This network of protected natural habitats helps create important ecological corridors.

“This project illustrates the full potential of collaboration between conservation organizations and municipalities. By joining forces, we can preserve natural habitats of exceptional value while addressing real challenges such as protecting drinking water sources, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring access to nature. By contributing to carbon sequestration, these ecosystems also play an important role in the fight against climate change. The benefits are real, both for nature and for communities,” explains Mélanie Deslongchamps, manager of provincial operations in Québec for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Greater public access to nature 

The municipality of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury is considering incorporating this land to its network of accessible natural spaces, in particular through the possible creation of a regional park. This would provide citizens the opportunity to discover the various habitats the site has to offer. These habitats are home to a wide array of wildlife, including beavers and several species of water birds. 

“This project is in line with the vision I have for the development of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury: focusing on an area that is accessible, protected and developed to its full potential, and capable of creating a positive and lasting impact on the community through outdoor activities, eco-tourism and greater quality of life—all while serving major ecological functions for the entire Capitale-Nationale region,” says Sébastien Couture, mayor of the municipality of Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury. 

Thank you to our financial partners!

In addition to the City of Québec’s financial support, this project is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF). This project was also part of the Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project, a financial assistance program co-funded by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the gouvernement du Québec.  

About Ducks Unlimited Canada 

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the country’s largest land conservancy and a leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.  

 
About the ACSQ project 

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 Québec 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 The Nature Conservancy of Canada 

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.  

About Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) 

Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) is a $1.4 billion, 10-year fund (2021–2031) administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada to help conserve, restore and enhance the management of ecosystems such as wetlands, peatlands, forests and grasslands, in order to help tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The NSCSF focuses on three main objectives: (1) conserving carbon-rich ecosystems at high risk of conversion to other uses that would release their stored carbon, (2) improving land management practices to reduce their greenhouse gas emission-causing impacts on Canada’s ecosystems, and (3) restoring degraded ecosystems. Overall, these projects will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increased carbon sequestration, while also providing benefits for biodiversity and human well-being.