The first time Tom Dickinson walked up some land on Corral Road near Wells Gray Park, he encountered some black-bear dens in the ground and, a bit farther along, a pioneer-era cabin and corral.
Subsequent walks through the area revealed a wetland habitat the dean of science at Thompson Rivers University had not seen anywhere else in the 5,250-square-kilometre provincial park.
“I knew it was an important place,” he said.
What he’s learned since, Dickinson said, is that 160-acre parcel of land its owners Anne and Roland Neave just donated to the university is so unique and important that two international researchers have already told Dickinson “they’d be here in a heartbeat” to continue their own research at the site.
For the university, the donation will enhance its existing Wells Gray Wilderness Centre and give TRU the opportunity to add some permanent buildings and increase the long-term research and educational opportunities the terrain provides.
It’s not just a reality that appeals to Dickinson’s faculty and students, he said; with the presence of old artifacts, “there’s a lot of geography and stories to be had up there and it will be beneficial to the geographers here, too.”
About one-third of the land is a wetland and home to many animal and bird species.
Dickinson said a recent visit to the site also showed him the extent of the botanical inhabitants of the area.
It’s also an important black-bear habitat and is one of the spots Dickinson has taken others to see grizzlies.
A researcher from Finland who toured the site with Dickinson said he’s not seen anything comparable anywhere in North America in terms of the habitat, flora, fauna and other aspects that, combined, create a virtual classroom teeming with learning opportunities.
Dickinson, who recently returned from a UNESCO meeting, is hoping the donation will also enhance a bid to see the park given a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
“It has huge ecological value,” Dickinson said.
The Neaves are long-time supporters of the university and, with this donation, bring their total gifts to TRU in the past two decades to almost $600,000 in value.
The owners of Wells Gray Tours, they also established the first endowment for scholarships for geography students at TRU.
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