Morgan Arboretum and Woodland Development Association

The Morgan Arboretum and Woodland Development Association is a Canadian registered nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, research, education, and public enjoyment of the Morgan Arboretum. It operates as a registered charity under the business registration number 119046126RR0001.

Overview

The Association manages the Morgan Arboretum, a 245-hectare protected area situated on the western end of Montreal Island, within McGill University’s Macdonald Campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. The Arboretum comprises extensive woodlands, fields, plant collections, and gardens, making it a unique green space within close proximity to the Greater Montreal area.

Mission and Activities

The primary goals of the Morgan Arboretum and Woodland Development Association include:

• Environmental conservation and sustainable management of suburban green spaces.
• Providing educational programs related to forest ecology, conservation, and urban forestry.
• Supporting teaching and research activities in collaboration with McGill University and other institutions.
• Offering a natural setting for public recreation through an extensive network of walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country ski trails.
• Promoting health and well-being by facilitating public access to a natural outdoor environment.

The Arboretum serves as both a research and demonstration forest that exemplifies multiple-use and urban forestry principles. It is home to a rich diversity of ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and old fields, with native Quebec tree species and over 18 collections of trees and shrubs from around the world. The wildlife includes more than 30 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles and amphibians, and upwards of 170 species of migratory and resident birds.

Historical Context

The development of the Arboretum began in the late 1940s and early 1950s, led by Dr. W.H. Brittain, then Dean of McGill's Faculty of Agriculture. His efforts established the initial plantings and stock acquisition, with cooperation from botanical gardens such as the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Since then, the Arboretum has expanded to include natural stands, miniplantations, ecological preserves, and facilities for tree propagation and education.

Facilities and Public Use

The Arboretum provides year-round access to the public for outdoor activities such as walking, skiing, and snowshoeing. It is supported by volunteers, members, and donors who contribute to its development and maintenance through the Association.

Significance

Covering an area larger than Montreal’s Mount Royal Park, the Morgan Arboretum is an essential natural and educational resource in the Montreal metropolitan region. It plays a significant role in promoting environmental stewardship, scientific research, and community engagement in urban conservation efforts.

Business Registration Number: 119046126RR0001
Type: Registered Charity
Location: Western end of Montreal Island, McGill University Macdonald Campus, Quebec, Canada

The Morgan Arboretum and Woodland Development Association continues to preserve and enhance this significant natural area for ecological, educational, and recreational purposes, maintaining its importance as a green haven within an urban setting.[1][2][3][4][5]