A significant natural area in Gananoque has received official recognition as a protected and conserved area.
The Town’s Judith Scott McLean Memorial Forest has been added to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD) after being included in the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ 2025 submission. The designation means the property now contributes to the 11.2 per cent of Ontario that is officially recognized as protected.
The 35-acre managed forest was donated to the Town by the McLean family in September 2023. Located at the east end of Gananoque, south of the commercial area, the property borders the St. Lawrence River and has long been enjoyed as part of the Town’s trail system.
The lands will be formally known as Judith McLean Woods, honouring the late Judith Scott McLean and recognizing the family’s generous gift to the community and future generations.
A plaque has been erected with the following wording as requested by the family:
“Judith Scott McLean Memorial Forest
Ivan and Marguerite Scott purchased this land as a working farm from the Dempster family in 1950. Their daughter Judy inherited the farm in 1981. Judy’s goal was to preserve a habitat for native plants and animals. In her memory, Judy’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are proud to donate this property in perpetuity to the Town of Gananoque. Our hope is that the residents of Gananoque and its visitors will respect and enjoy the natural beauty of this property as much as Judy did. Please, respectfully enjoy the trails, animals, plants and lovely view of the mighty St. Lawrence River from “Turtle Rock”.
– The McLean Family”
(By: Tim Baltz)
