Courtesy
A serene view of the sprawling wetland on Heather Ross’s 200-acre property in Cookshire-Eaton, home to diverse wildlife and rare plant species
Heather Ross shares her journey in conservation
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A captivating exploration of biodiversity and conservation is set to unfold on Feb. 26, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Centre Communautaire Amédée Beaudoin in Lennoxville. Heather Ross, a retired veterinarian and passionate nature lover, will share her inspiring journey of creating a nature sanctuary on her 200-acre property in the Eastern Townships. Hosted by the St. Francis Valley Naturalists’ Club, the presentation, “Nurturing a Nature Sanctuary,” will offer an in-depth look at Ross’s efforts to discover, document, and protect the precious biodiversity thriving on her land.
Ross’s property, nestled in the Cookshire-Eaton area, is a remarkable blend of ecosystems, including cultivated land, a rare old-growth sugar maple forest, and over 100 acres of wetlands. In an interview, she shared the story behind her conservation mission, which began almost five years ago when she was struck by the rich diversity of life on her land. “I didn’t even realize they were all there,” Ross said, describing her first encounters with the abundant wildlife captured on her nature cameras. “When I saw all the wildlife and some of the rare plants and birds, I thought, ‘I’ve got to somehow preserve this.’”
Her property is a sanctuary for a range of species, including moose, bears, lynx, snowshoe hares, and a family of coyotes. Ross has documented these creatures through video footage collected over nearly a decade, which she plans to share during her presentation. “I have footage of all these animals,” she explained, adding that she has also observed rare plant species, such as orchids and unusual ferns, as well as ancient maples that are estimated to be between 200 and 400 years old. “The biologists who visit are always most impressed by the big, huge maple trees,” she noted.
The old-growth forest is not just a relic of the past but an active habitat for diverse wildlife. These ancient trees, some of which are partially dying, provide crucial refuge for owls, woodpeckers, and fishers. “That’s probably why I have fishers,” Ross explained, highlighting the importance of these ancient habitats. The wetlands on her property also play a significant role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance. “The coyotes help keep the beavers in check, preventing them from getting out of control,” she added, emphasizing the interconnectedness of predator and prey dynamics on her land.
Beyond conservation, education is at the heart of Ross’s vision for her sanctuary. She has partnered with local schools, community groups, and three universities, including the University of Sherbrooke, to provide students with hands-on learning experiences. “The educational side of the property is really important to me,” she explained. Her commitment to education extends to maintaining a network of trails that allow visitors to explore the land and learn about its unique habitats. “I work hard to keep the trails accessible so that when schools and the community come, they can experience being right in the middle of the swamp or next to a beaver house,” she shared.
Ross’s approach to conservation is uniquely holistic, combining sustainable agricultural practices with environmental stewardship. She continues to engage in haymaking and raises horses while ensuring that these activities coexist harmoniously with the surrounding ecosystems. “I wanted to preserve the wetlands and the old-growth maple forest, but also maintain the agricultural side of things,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to balancing tradition with conservation.
Her journey into conservation led her to explore ways to protect her property for future generations. Initially, her project was approved under a program designed to safeguard private nature reserves. However, potential changes in legislation, notably Quebec’s Bill 86, have complicated her efforts. While the bill has stalled her project, Ross remains steadfast in her commitment to her land’s preservation. “It’s not about politics for me. It’s about protecting this unique environment,” she stated, focusing on her upcoming talk on the nature sanctuary itself rather than the legislative challenges.
During her presentation, Ross will share personal stories about her conservation journey, showcase her extensive collection of wildlife footage, and discuss the delicate balance she maintains between agricultural use and environmental protection. Audience members can expect a powerful narrative of discovery, stewardship, and a deep connection to the land.