Land donations support our conservation mission

The Merry family’s legacy

“Different types of land can support our conservation mission, depending on whether the land’s value is best realized as real estate or as waterfowl habitat,” says Lynette Mader, DUC’s manager of provincial operations in Ontario. “For some donors, the tax benefits are going to be attractive today rather than later as part of an estate gift. That was the case for George Merry’s donation.”

Donating land is an innovative way to support conservation, whether the land is worth money or more valuable as habitat.

Dr. George Merry and his family owned 50 acres (20 hectares) on Wolfe Island at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. The property was swampy, with a natural beach shoreline that fronted on Big Sandy Bay.

“Twenty years ago, swamps were regarded as of no value by people who didn’t understand conservation,” says George. “But we realized that the potential of the property was really in the preservation of the wetland.”

George decided that DUC should take over the property. A long-time waterfowl hunter, he was a dedicated member and contributor to local chapters and he knew good habitat when he saw it.

“Big Sandy Bay is a phenomenon, a very valuable wetland of which there are very few in Ontario. During migration, it almost rivals Point Pelee.”

DUC’s first gift of land in Ontario

In 1999, George’s property became DUC’s first gift of land in Ontario. The habitat is exceptional for waterfowl, part of a larger wetland that many thousands of birds use for rest, food and shelter.

Over the years, George continued to support DUC. He served on DUC’s National Board of Directors and chaired the Ontario Volunteer Convention. His dedication to conservation was honoured in 2013 with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“My history with Ducks Unlimited goes back to 1979,” he says. “I knew I’d get a tax receipt for the donation but that isn’t what I was interested in. I had discussed it with my family and we were interested in the land being used for conservation.”

George’s “swamp” still plays a key role in securing the LaSalle Marsh coastal wetland complex.

“This place is enjoyed by hundreds of people now. They walk in from the gate on the edge of our former property to the sandy beach. It’s just beautiful.”