In the 1960s, Thor Wikstrom (93) built a home for his family in a village called Laval, north of Montreal, Canada. The window gave a great view of Ile Ronde. Wikstrom convinced the then owner to sell the small island to him. Since then he has been protecting nature on the island.
family standing
With the expansion of Montreal, Ile Ronde also became an increasingly sought after land to be built, but the family remained stagnant. «Nature is more important than a little stupid money in my pocket», Wikstrom told CBC News. «I said: ‘This is something that must be protected!’ And I kept my word.”
Donated to Conservation Canada
To guarantee that the island will be preserved for eternity, the family has now donated the land to Nature Conservation Canada. This is good news for nature and animals.
The map mute turtle no longer has access to a large part of its former habitat due to new buildings along the river. Ile Ronde continues to provide a place to live for these turtles. In addition, a unique species of tree called shagbark hickory grows on the island. Ile Ronde is also home to many species of wild birds and ducks.
