$2 million in land donations help conserve over 1,100 acres in the MRC d’Argenteuil

Lachute, October 15, 2026 – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and its partners are pleased to announce the conservation of more than 1,100 acres in natural habitats in the Oka-Tremblant ecological connectivity region thanks to several land purchases totalling close to $6 million. 

Property owners played a significant role in these projects, with their land donations valued at more than $2 million.

Strategic acquisitions for ecological corridors

DUC’s latest land purchases in the Laurentians will help strengthen the Oka-Tremblant ecological connectivity region. By conserving these natural areas, DUC is protecting biodiversity by maintaining valuable habitats for flora and fauna.  

In Gore and Mille-Isles, an ecological donation combined with a land sale resulted in the conservation of some 780 acres of natural habitats within a core conservation area and an ecological corridor. The Canada Warbler, a species of bird likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable in Quebec, has been spotted on one of the properties and nests nearby.  

In Lachute, over 345 acres are now protected within the Rivière de l’Est watershed wetland complex thanks to two land purchases. One of the properties covers 143 acres and was acquired through a sale with partial donation by Mr. Christopher J. Sweeney. A peatland spans both acquired properties and serves as a habitat of interest for the southern twayblade, an orchid listed as endangered in Quebec. 

A new trail for exploring natural habitats rich in biodiversity

To improve access to nature for the local community, a 1.5-kilometer trail was inaugurated today on one of the properties acquired in Lachute. 

The trail passes near the ruins of Parkes House, winds through a former quarry under revegetation, crosses a young pine forest, and offers a prime vantage point for bird watching. 

Many species find refuge in this area. Surveys have confirmed the presence of breeding species uncommon to the region, including the northern harrier, marsh wren, American bittern, and ring-necked duck. 

Ecological connectivity: a story of collaboration!

The ecological connectivity of natural habitats is, among other things, the result of a close collaboration between conservation agencies and landowners because natural processes and the dispersal of species extend beyond the administrative and cadastral boundaries that divide the land.

“This is a clear demonstration of the strong collaboration between conservation organizations, governments, and the many partners working toward a common goal. These hundreds of acres now under protection represent much more than just land: they ensure the long-term survival of essential habitats and strengthen the resilience of our communities,” says Romy Bazo, Conservation Director, Nature-Action Québec.

“In southern Quebec, where much of the land is privately owned, every contribution counts. Conservation options such as ecological land donations allow landowners to take tangible action while enjoying tax benefits,” explains Mélanie Deslongchamps, Manager of Provincial Operations in Quebec for Ducks Unlimited Canada.  

How to take action

Property owners wishing to participate in a conservation project can contact DUC at conservation@ducks.ca. 

To learn more about the Oka-Tremblant ecological connectivity region, an initiative led by Éco-corridors laurentiens (ECL), visit this website (French only). 

Thank you to our many project financial partners!

Acquisition support:

• Two of the land acquisitions were funded by Nature-Action Québec through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canada Nature Fund. One of the acquisitions received funding from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP), which is also part of Environment and Climate Change Canada. 

• The property purchases and signage were 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.

Support for enhancement work:

• The enhancement work was supported by the Fondation pour la biodiversité et la faune du Québec and its partner, Hydro-Québec, as part of the Programme Hydro-Québec pour la mise en valeur des milieux naturels.  

Support for all projects:

• These initiatives were also made possible through support from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These projects are also funded by U.S. states through the Fall Flights program.  

DUC would also like to recognize the contribution of several stakeholders:

• Les Sentiers de Gore played an active role in developing the trail thanks to the dedication of its volunteers. 

• Conservation Lakefield generously shared its experience with land acquisition and has been actively involved in conservation and monitoring activities in Lachute. 

• Développement ornithologique Argenteuil (DOA) is conducting bird surveys in the Rivière de l’Est watershed wetland complex as part of its project to monitor reference sites in the MRC d’Argenteuil. The organization will also install nest boxes in the area. 

• The Ville de Lachute backed the project by contributing to the development of the sites on its territory.

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 Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canada Nature Fund

The Canada Nature Fund supports the protection of Canada’s biodiversity through the creation of protected and conserved areas and through initiatives that help recover species at risk. The Fund is available to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations, provinces, and territories, and others. 

About Nature-Action Québec

For forty years, the non-profit Nature-Action Québec has had the mission to guide individuals and organizations in applying better environmental practices. The organization works with municipalities, businesses, community organizations and citizens to carry out concrete projects that contribute to improving Quebecers’ environment, health, well-being and quality of life. nature-action.qc.ca 

About the Natural Heritage Conservation Program

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 $558 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $1.1 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 nearly 966,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands. 

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 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 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.