Turner Island will be protected forever

TURNER ISLAND. Lake Muskoka

MUSKOKA - Through a conservation easement with the Muskoka Conservancy, Mary Gilmour has protected Turner Island on Lake Muskoka in perpetuity.
Recognized in 1995 by the Muskoka Heritage Foundation for her stewardship of, and natural care for, the 16-acre island, Gilmour decided to take the additional step to ensure her ethic of care remains beyond her years. While the land will remain in private ownership, the easement ensures that the buildings and land will still be enjoyed as always, and the natural features will be protected.
Since her great uncle purchased the island in the 1920s the land has been used only passively for summer recreation. It was not only the natural beauty, but also the draw of a close friendship that first brought Gilmour’s family to Muskoka.
“I guess he followed his friend who had a place on Gibraltar Island” explained Gilmour of her great uncle. “They saw each other a lot, at home and on the lake.”
Under her care and the care of her family, Turner Island has remained virtually untouched for generations. Over the past 100 years there have been two major events that have altered the make-up of the Island. A fire in 1912 and a windstorm in 2011 impacted the trees and wildlife. True to their stewardship ethic, Gilmour and her family gave nature a helping hand by planting native trees and shrubs, but mostly they sat patiently and allowed nature to heal itself.
Muskoka’s tradition of linking families and friends is important to the vision of Muskoka Conservancy. “The Conservancy believes in working with our community to help them protect our natural areas for the benefit of the public,” explained Kristie Virgoe, executive director with Muskoka Conservancy.
The benefits of the island’s protection will extend far beyond the island itself.
“The development of shorelines can have a significant effect on water quality,” explained Allyn Abbott, Muskoka Conservancy president. “This conservation easement will ensure that the Turner Island shoreline remains natural and continues to have a positive impact on the lake’s water quality.”
The 4,000 feet of undisturbed shoreline and adjacent rocks and forests typical of the Muskoka landscape also provide important habitat for many native animals including fisher and deer.
For Gilmour, her joy in the island comes from “playing in the water, walking around the island and just being there.” She also enjoys the natural setting for her photography, finding ample inspiration there.
The conservancy is honoured to help Gilmour protect Turner Island.
“This donation is the first to be celebrated under our new name, Muskoka Conservancy,” said Virgoe. “With 28 properties now entrusted to our care, we are grateful for the support of our community and honoured by their trust in us to protect over 1,600 acres of Muskoka’s iconic landscape.”
For more information contact Virgoe at Muskoka Conservancy 705-645-7393 ext. 204 or kvirgoe@muskokaconservancy.org.

Submitted by the Muskoka Conservancy

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