Gary Bell, Eastern Ontario Program Director, and NCC donor Greg Poehlmann (Photo by NCC)

Greg Poehlmann

Born and raised in Ottawa, Greg Poehlmann grew up familiar with the parks and natural areas in the region. His parents played a strong role in instilling him with a love of nature in his youth, and that appreciation was reinforced by Greg’s membership in the Macoun Field Naturalists club. That fondness remains at the core of how he lives today.

Elbow Lake, Frontenac Arch, ON (Photo by NCC)

As a 32-year member of the Canadian Forces, Greg gets to spend a lot of time outdoors. Natural places have always been a source of inspiration to Greg — a space for exercise and healthy living, and a place to find a moment of quiet and inner peace.

A contributor to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) for over 15 years, Greg has made a point of donating a set percentage of his annual salary to the causes and organizations that he believes in, but this year stands out as the culmination of a long-time goal.

"I made a decision many years ago to make a sizable donation to purchase land for conservation, as I believe habitat loss is the greatest threat to Canadian wildlife, says Greg. "My recent donation means that I have accomplished one of my life-long goals, to make a living legacy of my time on earth, in addition to my two wonderful sons."

Blanding's turtle, Frontenac Arch Natural Area, Ontario (Photo by Ryan M. Bolton)

NCC is incredibly thankful for Greg’s gift towards the Frontenac Arch, and happy that we get to connect it to a part of the country he’s so fond of. Those conservation lands will be a place that sustain critical wildlife habitat, and that Greg and his family — and all Canadians — can hike and kayak in and enjoy for generations to come.