Thank you to everyone who participated in the 9th annual Desbarats Christmas Bird Count, which took place on December 28, 2024. Despite the poor weather on count day, it still ended up being an above average day compared to previous years. 21 field observers and 15 feeder watchers managed to count 44 species for a total of 2828 birds (the average is 39 species and 2430 birds).

The Kensington Conservancy is excited to be able to introduce you to the Burnedover Island Preserve, which was generously donated by Philippa Matheson. It becomes TKC's latest nature preserve that will be protected in its natural state forever.

The Kensington Conservancy had a fantastic team of seasonal staff join us this year. We hope you enjoy reading their recaps of their time with us. ​We wish them all the best in this future endeavours!

Earlier this week, The Kensington Conservancy presented this year's Pam Bent Conservation Award to Shacynne Anne Sarroza. This annual award goes to a Sault College student in a Natural Environment and Outdoor Studies program who demonstrates good leadership skills, good academic achievement, is a global thinker and demonstrates a passion above and beyond the program expectations. It is in memory of Pam Bent, a seasonal resident in the Desbarats area who had a passion for education and nature. Congratulations Shacynne, we wish you the best of luck in your future!

The Kensington Conservancy is excited to announce the acquisition of the Turtle Rock Preserve. This is a 7.8-acre property with 168 metres (1,550 feet) of undeveloped shoreline along Quebec Bay within the St. Joseph Channel. This property was named Turtle Rock by its previous owners, as the shape of the peninsula gracefully curves like the back of a majestic turtle rising from the water.

The Kensington Conservancy is happy to announce the protection of Bowen Island, located in the Township of Tarbutt, Ontario, (35km southeast of Sault Ste. Marie). Bowen Island is a 15-acre island with 1.28 km (4,200 feet) of shoreline. The island lies in the St. Joseph Channel of Lake Huron, a section of the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron.