In 1977 the Clifford E. Lee Foundation purchased 140 acres of marsh land from Hector Cunningham, a local farmer, for the purpose of establishing a nature sanctuary. The park was officially opened to the public in 1980 and it was one of the largest projects funded by the foundation. The purpose of the site is to preserve and protect a variety of habitats with their associated flora and fauna, to educate the public regarding natural areas, and provide the opportunity to enjoy nature.
In 1982 the site expanded with the purchase of 160 acres from Mr. Len Clevette. The funds for the purchase of the land were again provided by the Clifford E. Lee Foundation. Starting in 1983 the society began a program to re-establish Canada Geese in the marshland, and in 1988 Ducks Unlimited began a water management program in the area.
With the onset of the 1980’s the Clifford E. Lee Foundation decided to re-evaluate their giving focus. The Foundation chose to focus on Arts Groups in Northern Alberta, and decided in 1985 to give the title of land for the Nature Sanctuary to the Canadian Nature Federation. The site became administered by a steering committee comprised of local residents, the Edmonton Bird Club, and the Edmonton Natural History Club. The objectives of the committee are:
- To manage the sanctuary ecosystem for maximum biodiversity
- To expand the sanctuary in order to maintain the viability and species diversity of existing ecosystems
- To develop and maintain the sanctuary’s physical facilities
- To provide opportunities for the public to experience and study a natural area
- To involve the local community
- To increase public awareness
- To network with resource personnel for the development of a management plan
The sanctuary expanded again in 1991-1992 when the County of Parkland transferred the title for a 16 acre parcel adjacent to the southern boundary. Another 28 acre parcel on the east was purchased and donated to the park by the province.
In 2003 the Canadian Nature Federation decided to divest itself of the land and the sanctuary began to look for a new owner. In 2005 the Management Committee was established as a society, the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary Society. The Society signed a memorandum of understanding with the Edmonton Public School Board in 2006 to use the sanctuary as an outdoor classroom for the Alternative Science Program. In 2007, Ducks Unlimited Canada became the new landowner and the Nature Conservancy of Canada became the conservation easement holder.
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