Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York yesterday celebrated the addition and protection of 55 hectares of land to the York Regional Forest. The land donated is located in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and was secured through the generosity of the Drysdale family and programs offered through York Region’s Greening Strategy.

“The Drysdale property offers significant environmental benefits,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “Besides its natural beauty and history with the community as a Christmas tree farm, the forest provides opportunities to connect with the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail system. York Region residents are extremely fortunate to have this land protected.”

Two parcels of land were acquired by York Region through a partial donation from the Drysdale family. The property is part of the Regional Greenlands System and is adjacent to the Hollidge Tract of the York Regional Forest.

The property has been owned and managed by the Drysdale family for the past 62 years. To acknowledge the family’s generous donation and to recognize their contribution to the natural environment, these lands will be known as the Drysdale Woods Tract.

“As a growing community, we are honoured to receive this valuable land from the Drysdale family,” said Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Wayne Emmerson. “We are very proud to have their name associated with the York Regional Forest and are excited to take advantage of all the beauty this land has to offer.”