Winter 2018 NCC magazine

Contents
Nature Conservancy of Canada WINTER 2018
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: BRENT CALVER, JESSICA DEEKS, PAUL NICKLEN/GETTY IMAGES.
A life of conservation
As this issue went to print, we
learned with great sadness of the
passing of our friend and colleague
James Duncan, the Nature Conservancy of
Canada’s (NCC’s) regional vice-president in
Ontario. James was a lifelong conservationist
and an inspiration to us all.
James had a huge personality, a quick
wit, a heart of gold and a love of the deal.
The creativity he brought to negotiating
land transactions will remain legendary. His
passion for Canada’s natural heritage didn’t
end with doing the deal; he was equally
committed to ensuring lands in our portfolio
were well managed for the conservation
values that first drew him to them.
He was also the consummate fundraiser,
and his enthusiasm for his work was infectious.
He truly enjoyed getting to know his
donors and the reverse was also true, based
on the number of calls and notes received
as news of his passing spread.
James did whatever it took, including
traveling to New York City in the fall of 2000
to attend the auction where Middle Island, the
southernmost land in Canada, was to go to the
highest bidder. The winning auction card was
held by James Duncan on behalf of the Nature
Conservancy of Canada.
James leaves an incredible legacy of
protected landscapes, primarily in Ontario,
but also across the country. He is survived by
his beloved wife and three sons, and will be
deeply missed by his NCC family. In a future
issue we hope to share details of a tribute to
James reflecting his passion for nature in his
home province.
Linda Stephenson
Linda Stephenson
Vice-president, regional operations
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14 Migration nation
There are more than 575 migratory
species in Canada. Learn more about
a few of them.
16 The Forks
This property in Winnipeg connects
us with Manitoba’s natural heritage.
17 Picture perfect
Scientist Bianca Perren captures
nature with her watercolour set.
16
FEATURE STORY
Wild in the city
Access to wild places near urban centres is important to our well-being
12 Unicorns of the sea
Narwhals have gained increasing attention
as scientists better understand them.
14 Project updates
Rewilding wetlands in BC, tackling invasive
trees in Saskatchewan and celebrating
partnership in Ontario’s York Region.
16 Geoff Green: Setting sail
Inspiring a new wave of conservationists.
18 Links for Lynx
NCC director of conservation in Quebec,
Hubert Pelletier, locks eyes with a lynx.
natureconservancy.ca
WINTER 2018 3