North American Native Plant Society

Conservation Properties

Preserving wild lands is an important function of environmental organizations. NANPS currently owns two conservation properties: Shining Tree Woods in the Carolinian zone of southern Ontario and Zinkan Cove on the west shore of the Bruce Peninsula on Lake Huron. Both properties offer unique gifts and distinct challenges.

Maintaining conservation lands is a prodigious responsibility but the rewards are equally great. While relatively small, NANPS properties are home to a number of rare flora and fauna and we are justifiably proud of our efforts to protect them.

If NANPS is to continue adequately managing these lands, however, we need your help.
Please consider

joining NANPS Land Management Committee,
coming out to a stewardship outing, or
donating to our Land Management Fund.

Zinkan Island Cove

This 12 acre (5 hectare) alvar on the west shore of the Bruce Peninsula was brought to NANPS attention by then Treasurer, Trish Murphy, in 2003. The purchase was brokered by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, which now holds an environmental easement on the property.

Undeveloped shoreline is very rare on Lake Huron. Although the property is a designated Area of Natural or Scientific Interest (ANSI), the threat of development encroachment was very real.

Shining Tree Woods

In April 1994, NANPS, then the Canadian Wildflower Society, had the opportunity of purchasing of rare piece of Carolinian forest in Norfolk County Ontario. With the help of a $10,000 grant from the Ontario Heritage Foundation, a large donation from an anonymous donor, and the stalwart fund-raising efforts of our members, we were able to acquire this amazing woodland.