OUR MISSION

To protect and restore Canada’s natural environment by supporting organizations engaged in land conservation.

ABOUT US

MapleCross is based in Ontario, Canada.

THE MAPLECROSS STORY

Dr. Jan Oudenes and Dr. Isobel Ralston established the MapleCross fund upon exiting their respective business careers in 2017. They have had the opportunity to travel widely, together developing an understanding and respect of the Canadian wilderness. From hiking the Rocky Mountains and canoeing in Ontario and on the South Nahanni River (Northwest Territories) to quietly appreciating the forest on their own property, Isobel and Jan have become increasingly aware not only of nature’s beauty and splendour, but also its fragility. They created MapleCross with the intention to invest in and protect ecologically sensitive land, preserving natural features and biological diversity for generations to come. The environmental changes caused by humankind, directly and indirectly, have been staggering. Beyond the contributions of MapleCross itself, Jan and Isobel hope that this endeavour will inspire others to direct their own efforts and contributions to safeguarding our irreplaceable planet.

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Jan Oudenes, Ph.D.

Jan Oudenes was born in The Netherlands, grew up in a business environment and completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in radio and nuclear chemistry at the State University of Leyden. Subsequently he moved to Edmonton in 1974 and studied at the University of Alberta. After completing a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry, he studied at the Eidgenössische Hochschule in Zurich, Switzerland, investigating the prebiotic origin of life. Upon his return to Canada in 1982, he joined Torcan Chemical Ltd. in Aurora, a start-up laboratory company in pharmaceutical chemicals. Under Jan’s leadership the company gradually became an internationally well-known contract research, development and manufacturing organization in the field of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly for very complex molecules. Jan also started an equipment company, Aurora Chemicals Ltd., which designed and marketed equipment to handle highly active products. Torcan Chemical matured into a commercial manufacturing company of a number of novel APIs and, after a decade of strong growth, Jan initiated the sale of the company in 2001 for his shareholders.

In 2003, Jan started up a new company, Alphora Research Inc., with the mission to research new chemical processes and to develop manufacturing processes for novel and very complex molecules. It took approximately a decade to build another powerhouse in the pharmaceutical market, from concept to approximately 150 personnel, laboratory and manufacturing facilities, and to develop a wealth of new manufacturing technologies to assist pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies from invention to the market place. An exciting endeavour indeed! Once the company had been firmly established, Jan sold the business in 2017 en route to yet another venture: MapleCross.

During his studies in Alberta, Jan developed an appreciation for nature, enjoying many visits to the Rocky Mountains. It left an enduring impression, together with canoeing in Ontario, and enjoying outdoor ventures to the Yukon and the South Nahanni River. Ultimately, our appreciation has led to the establishment of MapleCross and our mission: “Investing in Canada – Investing in Nature”.

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Isobel M. Ralston, Ph.D.

Isobel Ralston holds B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from The University of Western Ontario and The University of Alberta, respectively. She has approximately 30 years’ experience in global drug development and has held senior management positions in established international pharmaceutical companies. She has also consulted to the emerging pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, assisting in the research strategy and project management of novel pharmaceutical products.

Isobel’s love of nature grew during childhood camping trips across Canada with her family. She has backpacked, hiked and canoed in various regions of Canada (Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Yukon) and frequently cycles near her home and in Europe. Isobel sits on several Boards and continues art studies.

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OUR ADVISORY TEAM

chriss ballard
+Chris Ballard
Chris Ballard has a history of supporting environmental and land use causes, most recently as the Ontario’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change implementing the government’s plan for a clean environment and a sustainable economy. He also served as the Minister of Housing and the Minister responsible for Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Chris’ political experience also includes being a municipal councillor in Aurora, Ontario. His leadership in journalism, communications and public affairs includes terms as President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada. Chris’ favourite activities always involve being outdoors in nature.
ian buchanan
+Ian Buchanan
Ian has 40 years of environmental management experience and has been the Senior Advisor to the MapleCross Fund since 2019. His career includes 17 years as the Manager Natural Heritage and Forestry at York Region, Ontario, managing the Urban Forest, invasive species, and the York Regional Forest. Ian worked 18 years with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as ecologist, and Fish and Wildlife Lead. He has solid experience in conservation land management, and has spoken on environmental matters to both the House of Commons Environment Committee, and the Senate. He was an Associate of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, Vice President and Director with the Ontario Forestry Association, and a Director with the Invasive Species Centre and Forests Ontario.
machtelt oudenes
+Machtelt Oudenes
Machtelt Oudenes is an advisor on environmental law, climate change and carbon market mechanisms, working for international and European organisations, and public authorities across the world. She has over 20 years’ experience in drafting environmental legislation and regulatory guidance, evaluating implementation of policies and giving legal advice. Previously, Machtelt was a legal and policy advisor for the Climate and Sustainability Group at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and a legal researcher at the University of Leiden. Machtelt holds a Master of Law in International, European and Environmental Law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. Her love for nature started at an early age and has grown over time while hiking in the mountains, cycling through Dutch landscapes and visiting the breathtaking nature reserves in Canada.
bill ralston
+Bill Ralston
Bill currently lives in Vancouver, BC and works in the landscaping industry. As an avid hiker, surfer, canoer and camper, Bill spends most of his spare time exploring the outdoors in Canada and abroad. These experiences have resulted in a deep appreciation of nature, its benefits to mental health and the increasing need to protect and preserve our ecosystems. Bill’s academic background is in horticulture, turf management and English. Bill is thrilled to be a part of the MapleCross journey and supports MapleCross’ vision of inspiring others in land conservation.
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OUR PARTNERS

bc parks foundation logo
bruce conservatory logo
community forests international
appalachian corridor logo
georgian bay land trust logo
island nature trust logo
nature conservatory of canada logo
nature trust of British Columbia logo
nature trust of new brunswick logo
nova scotia nature trust logo
oak ridges moraaine land trust logo

PROTECTED PROPERTIES

MapleCross has made a major contribution to the acquisition of each of the following properties:

ALBERTA

South Wakamao Shores
South Wakomao Shores
Lake Wakomao, AB
113 hectares
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BRITISH COLUMBIA

Princess Louisa Inlet
Princess Louisa Inlet (I)
Princess Louisa Inlet, BC
800 hectares
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princess louisa inlet II
Princess Louisa Inlet (II)
Princess Louisa Inlet, BC
259 hectares
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West Ballenas
West Ballenas Island
West Ballenas Island, BC
40 hectares
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Mount Edziza
Edziza
Mount Edziza, BC
3500 hectares
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lonesome lake
Lonesome Lake
Stuie, BC
62 hectares
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princeton grasslands III
Princeton Grasslands – MapleCross Meadow (Phases I, II and III)
Princeton, BC
1048 hectares
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young point
Young Point
Lasqueti Island, BC
104 hectares
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Nicomen Slough Parcel A
Nicomen Slough
Nicomen, BC
8 hectares
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cable bay
Qw’xwulwi’s Cable Bay Conservation Area
Galiano Island, BC
26 hectares
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keremeos columns
Keremeos Columns – MapleCross Grassland
Similkameen Valley, BC
194 hectares
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MANITOBA

breda bay
Lake Winnipeg Sunrise Coast (MapleCross Siglavik Wetlands and MapleCross Beach Ridge at Breda Bay)
Lake Winnipeg, MB
45 hectares
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maple cross block at lake ranch
MapleCross Block at Lake Ranch
East Shoal Lake, MB
2680 hectares
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NEW BRUNSWICK

ross island
Ross Island
Grand Manan, NB
373 hectares
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NOVA SCOTIA

Spectacle Island
Spectacle Island
Wedgeport, NS
24 hectares
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MapleCross Melrose Hill Forest
MapleCross Melrose Hill Forest (Phases I and II)
Mabou, NS
261 hectares
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ONTARIO

maple cross nature reserve King
MapleCross Nature Reserve – King
King Township, ON
32 hectares
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maplecross tract Cockburn
MapleCross Tract
Cockburn Island, ON
589 hectares
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maple cross nature reserve Kemble Ontario
MapleCross Ridge Nature Reserve
Kemble, ON
41 hectares
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barrow bay cliffs nature reserve
Barrow Bay Cliffs Nature Reserve
Lion’s Head, ON
147 hectares
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maple cross coastline reserve
MapleCross Coastline Reserve
Prince Edward County, ON
55 hectares
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maplecross meadow at Staley Point
MapleCross Meadow at Staley Point
Wolfe Island, ON
33 hectares
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maplecross nature reserve at River and Ruin
MapleCross Nature Reserve at River and Ruin
Lowville, ON
28 hectares
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smaple cross nature reserve at Canning's Falls
MapleCross Nature Reserve at Canning’s Falls
Caledon, ON
28 hectares
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rose island
Rose Island Nature Reserve
Carling Township, ON
116 hectares
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CAPE CHIN
MapleCross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin
Bruce Peninsula, ON
212 hectares
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PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

crown point
Wji’kijek – MapleCross Natural Area (I)
Alexandra, PEI
47 hectares
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lewes king county pei
MapleCross Upland Hardwood Natural Area
Lewes, Kings County, PEI
44 hectares
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crown point
Wji’kijek – MapleCross Natural Area (II)
Alexandra, PEI
26 hectares
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morewll river
MapleCross – Morell River Riparian Zone Natural Area
Bangor, PEI
15 hectares
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QUÉBEC

Secteur maplecross
Secteur MapleCross
Shawinigan, QC
509 hectares
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ross island
Saint-André-d’Argenteuil
Saint-André-d’Argenteuil, QC
509 hectares
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ross maplecross
Ross MapleCross
South-Stukely, QC
225 hectares
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SASKATCHEWAN

Buffalo Pound
Buffalo Pound
Buffalo Pound, SK
866 hectares
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rangeview
Rangeview
Robsart, SK
391 hectares
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Property Summary List

Total: 13,450 hectares

  Org. Name Location Land Size
(hectare)
2017
1 ORMLT MapleCross Nature Reserve – King King Township, ON 32
2019
2 NCC MapleCross Tract Cockburn Island, ON 589
3 BTC MapleCross Ridge Nature Reserve Kemble, ON 41
4 BTC Barrow Bay Cliffs Nature Reserve Lion’s Head, ON 147
5 BCPF Princess Louisa Inlet (I) Princess Louisa Inlet, BC 800
6 NCC MapleCross Coastline Reserve Prince Edward County, ON 55
7 NCC MapleCross Meadow at Staley Point Wolfe Island, ON 33
8 NTBC Princeton Grasslands – MapleCross Meadow (Phase I) Princeton, BC 446
9 BTC MapleCross Nature Reserve at River and Ruin Lowville, ON 28
10 BTC MapleCross Nature Reserve at Canning’s Falls Caledon, ON 28
2020
11 NCC Secteur MapleCross Shawinigan, QC 509
12 INT Wji’kijek – MapleCross Natural Area (I) Alexandra, PEI 47
13 INT MapleCross Upland Hardwood Natural Area Lewes, PEI 44
14 BCPF Princess Louisa Inlet (II) Princess Louisa Inlet, BC 259
15 NCC Buffalo Pound Buffalo Pound, SK 866
16 NSNT Spectacle Island Wedgeport, NS 24
17 GBLT Rose Island Carling Township, ON 116
18 NTBC Princeton Grasslands – MapleCross Meadow (Phase II) Princeton, BC 390
19 BCPF West Ballenas Island West Ballenas Island, BC 40
20 BTC MapleCross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin Bruce Peninsula, ON 212
2021
21 NTNB Ross Island Grand Manan, NB 373
22 BCPF Edziza Mount Edziza, BC 3500
23 NCC Saint-André-d’Argenteuil Saint-André-d’Argenteuil, QC 509
24 NCC MapleCross Beach Ridge at Breda Bay Lake Winnipeg, MB 4
25 NCC MapleCross Siglavik Wetlands Lake Winnipeg, MB 41
26 BCPF Lonesome Lake Stuie, BC 62
27 NTBC Princeton Grasslands – MapleCross Meadow (Phase III) Princeton, BC 213
28 BCPF Young Point Lasqueti Island, BC 104
29 NTBC Nicomen Slough Nicomen, BC 8
30 NTBC Qw’xwulwi’s Cable Bay Conservation Area Galiano Island, BC 26
31 NCC South Wakomao Shores Lake Wakomao, AB 113
32 INT Wji’kijek – MapleCross Natural Area (II) Alexandra, PEI 26
33 INT MapleCross – Morell River Riparian Zone Natural Area Bangor, PEI 15
2022
34 NCC MapleCross Block at Lake Ranch East Shoal Lake, MB 2680
35 CFI MapleCross Melrose Hill Forest (I) Mabou, NS 190
36 CA Ross MapleCross South-Stukely, QC 225
37 NCC Rangeview Robsart, SK 391
38 NTBC Keremeos Columns – MapleCross Grassland Similkameen Valley, BC 194
39 CFI MapleCross Melrose Hill Forest (II) Mabou, NS 71

FUNDING

We make donations to organizations that have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) registered charitable number. MapleCross does not accept donations from individuals or corporations.

Funds are primarily for land securement with the objective of land conservancy and the preservation of Canada’s nature.

+Other Donations
MapleCross supports the following environmental charities:
Toronto Wildlife Centre
Toronto, ON
www.torontowildlifecentre.com
Cumberland Community Forest Society
Cumberland, British Columbia
www.cumberlandforest.com
Kus-kus-sum
Courtenay, British Columbia
www.projectwatershed.ca
Forests Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
www.forestsontario.ca

other donations

CONTACT US

Courtesy NCC

FOR ALL INQUIRIES:

For all inquiries, or if you are a Canadian charitable organization working for nature conservation and interested in partnering with MapleCross, contact us at info@maplecross.ca