The Kenauk Corridor

The Kenauk Reserve is a pristine area that has been protected through private ownership since the King of France originally granted this 65,000 acre wilderness domain to François de Laval, a Bishop of New France, in 1674. Located between Montreal and Gatineau and easily accessible by highway, Kenauk falls within an ecological corridor linking Plaisance and Mont-Tremblant provincial parks.

As one of North America’s largest private nature reserves, the goal of the organization is to establish a baseline inventory of biodiversity and monitor the property with a 100-year time horizon. Its mission is to support, coordinate, and supervise scientific research by working with schools and local communities. 

Kenauk’s main threat is climate change, which scientists are closely monitoring. The corridor is also always vulnerable to development, and the property owners are addressing this concern with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to ensure that the land is protected in perpetuity.

Partnership Impact

• 65,000 Acres of Land Protected: Safeguarding vital ecosystems and biodiversity.
• 112 Rare and Endangered Species Identified and Protected: Including the four-toed salamander, walking fern, black maple trees, eastern whip-poor-will, pearlshell mussels, conopholis plant, various bat species, and more.
• 56 Research Projects Implemented: Contributing to long-term sustainable management and conservation strategies.
• 775 Youth Engaged: Expanding environmental education programs and increasing awareness among young generations.
• 2 Episodes of On the Frontline Released: Showcasing conservation efforts and their impact.

Mission

In January 2022, Age of Union committed to donate US $3 million over three years (2022, 2023, and 2024) to protect the corridor and enhance the research program by building up the Research Pavillon that will allow a larger flow of research projects on the corridor as well as the education programs taking place every summer on the property.

Age of Union is also supporting Kenauk’s research and education programs on their protected territory through the Kenauk Institute, with the ultimate goal of preserving the land for future generations and dedicating it to natural sciences and education.

Kenauk Institute has four programs that Age of Union is supporting, along with other donors:

• Partnership with NCC: This involves land conservation, monitoring, and corridor expansion.
• Research Programs: These programs focus on community relations, research program management, and creating the largest temperate research forest in the world. Kenauk is partnering with universities and public stakeholders to open an outdoor lab dedicated to studying the impacts of climate change.
• Pavilion Construction: This building aims to expand the capacity for hosting research and education programs, providing appropriate facilities.
• Education Programs: These are permanent and impactful nature education summer programs for youth.

Iconic Species

The area’s old-growth forests and wetlands house exceptional biodiversity, including rare and at-risk plant and animal species, such as black maple, which is designated as a vulnerable plant species under the Quebec Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species, and eastern wood-pewee, designated as a species of special concern under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Lake Papineau in Kenauk serves as the origin of the Salmon River, also known as the Kinonge River. This pristine water source plays a vital role in providing essential habitat for a diverse range of fish species while preserving water quality downstream for neighbouring communities. Additionally, Lake Papineau is home to the iconic Black-throated Loon, renowned for its distinctive calls echoing across the boreal lakes and wetlands of Canada. These aquatic birds are primarily water-dwellers, venturing ashore solely for mating and incubating their eggs. Their unique physiology, with legs positioned far back on their bodies, enables efficient swimming but results in awkward movement on land.

One-dollar coins in Canada feature an image of a solitary loon on their reverse side, which has earned them the affectionate nickname “loonies.”

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