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.
