Protecting Manitoba’s Interlake Natural Area
Dave Menke (USFWS Image Library)
Debby Hirsch grew up spending summers along the shores of Lake Winnipeg.
Over time, she and her husband, Brian, decided they wanted to make a difference to help protect an area that had been so important for Debby and four generations of her family. After some research, they turned to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). “We realized the excellent fit between NCC’s mission and our desire to make a difference,” says Brian.
Recently, Debby and Brian generously provided funding to allow NCC to purchase the Fish Lake Drain Parkland property in Manitoba’s Interlake Natural Area, as they wanted to see it protected.
To mark Canadian Environment Week in June, NCC announced the purchase of the 145-acre (59-hectare) property.
Conservation activities on the property will assist in managing surface water and protecting wetlands. In doing so, NCC will mitigate negative impacts on Lake Winnipeg downstream, directly impacting the health of the lake.
"It’s through the generous donations of Manitobans, families like the Hirsches and other key partners that NCC is able to continue with its work protecting important natural areas, habitats and species for the benefit of all Manitobans," stated NCC regional vice-president Jeff Polakoff. "Canadian Environment Week is an excellent time for us to acknowledge those who make it possible for us to do conservation work necessary for today and for future generations."