Scott's Thoughts, Fall 2026
Is your family soul in Muskoka?
By Scott Young, Executive Director
My job allows me to do some very cool things. One of my favourites is walking the land with families. One experience that stands out is a hike on an island led by a barefooted man who was overflowing with stories connected to the incredible pocket of unspoiled nature they had simply chosen to let alone for five generations.
He spoke of being a kid in a bathing suit running through the Hemlock forest in his bare feet. He pointed to a tree he climbed often, and fell from once and had the wind knocked out of him. Catching his breath, he lay in the pine needles looking up through the towering forest and marvelled at clouds drifting above. He talked about being a teenager and sneaking barefoot at night over the hill to visit girls his age.
The way he spoke, I could see the world through his eyes. It was easy to feel why protecting the land is so important to his family. While they are fully onboard with protecting ecological value, it’s so much more than that. It’s not for privacy or for a tax cut, either. What is very plain to see on this trail with this bare-footed man is that this land is the soul of this family.
The Spirit of Land Conservation
That is the spirit of private land conservation, and we know many families feel this way about their land, even if they have no intention of turning it over to the protection of a nature conservancy. Not everyone has the resources, we get it, and we can still walk the land together. There are other ways to express that feeling of connection.
At Muskoka Conservancy you can do it by becoming a member, donating monthly, volunteering, or naming us in your will—no land donation required.
Help us protect more of Muskoka. Whether it’s riparian area on a lake or a huge back country acreage with ponds and wetlands, we are working hard to make sure the ecological values and the spirit of Muskoka thrive for future generations. We invite you to join us. Believe me, it’s fun!
Muskoka Conservancy Turns 40 in 2027
And time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe 40 years have gone by. 2027 is Muskoka Conservancy’s 40th Anniversary and we are planning some big time fun! We are setting some ambitious goals, too. If you’re part of one of those families that have their souls planted firmly in the pine needles, we want you to join us. Keep watching our socials, get on our email list, share this newsletter, and check our website to learn more.
It takes a lot of people and families to make this nature thing work happen. We hope to walk the land with you soon!
