Private land donation: the Heron Rocks story

The purpose of this study is to (1) examine what happens to the hopes and dreams of Canadian private land donors, and (2) describe how Canadian land donors are supported by public policy. A case study of the Heron Rocks Friendship Society uncovers the story of a unique land donation where the local community, rather than large non-profit organization involvement, explains ongoing private land conservation success. My methodology includes a interviews with the land donor, board of directors, and insights from private land donation experts. At the case study level, my research indicates that a successful land donation can be created by transcending donor dreams and recipient organization motives through a mutual focus on benefits to broader communities. On the policy side, I identify a need to close the gap between ecological vs. cultural heritage conservation so as to better reflect the practice of private land conservation on the ground.