Happy Valley Forest grows by 72 acres

Happy Valley Forest is 72 acres larger today thanks to a donation from a private landowner.

Dr. Henry Barnett's gift helped grow the King forest to more than 200 acres.

"Species need a large area of undisturbed forest to survive," Dr. Barnett said, while his wooden walking stick sat against the podium.

The preservation of this forest began when 20 acres of the Mary Tasker property was donated to Nature Conservancy Canada and it has snowballed into more than 200 acres of protected land. The Happy Valley Forest is considered a special area that could achieve old-growth status in the next 50 years.

Representatives of Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, York Region, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, the federal government and the Nature Conservancy of Canada gathered at the entrance of Happy Valley Forest at the end of the 7th Concession Tuesday to celebrate the partnerships that have been formed, resulting in the preservation of the Oak Ridges Moraine's most mature, diverse and extensive upland hardwood forest complexes.

The forest is home to more than 200 species of plants, 110 birds, 21 mammals and 19 reptile and amphibian species.

Two years ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the forest to announce a $225-million investment through the Natural Areas Conservation Program to help non-profit organizations secure ecologically sensitive lands to preserve diverse ecosystems, wildlife and habitat.

As of last March, 336 properties have been acquired and the habitats for 74 at-risk species have been protected.

Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown spoke on behalf of Environment Minister Jim Prentice.

"Eight kids in my family tramped these hills in our childhood," she said as a woodpecker tapped loudly in the trees above. "The great outdoors is where we live, where we work and where we play, but most importantly, it is how we forge our identity as Canadians."

As development continues to boom in York Region, only through these programs can forests be protected and preserved, said Dr. Ron Tasker, whose property begins where Dr. Barnett's ends.

"Just look at it - it's a beautiful thing," he said. "We want the younger generation to be able to experience what we have."

For more information, visit www.natureconservancy.ca/ontario

York region - Happy Valley Forest grows by 72 acres.