It’s 118 acres of a little bit of everything: mixed-wood and black spruce forest, swamp, wetlands, and a lake. But the best part? It remains untouched.

Funnell Lake Conservation Site, west of Beaverlodge, was generously donated to Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) by Dorothy (Funnell) Ireland. The land was used as a reprieve from the city and the family even built a cabin, often spending weekends walking the trails and paddling their boat on the lake.

Even though this land has been within the family for generations, one would be hard-pressed to notice human activity. “It’s a hidden gem,” says ACA biologist Sarah Bradley. “To have all that within one quarter section is unique.” Moose, deer and bears frequent the area, as well as a large and diverse list of birds and plants. On top of that, Funnell Lake is a trumpeter swan breeding area—major considering these swans are designated as Threatened under the Wildlife Act, with only 166 breeding pairs in the entire province.

It’s a small trek to reach Funnell Lake, but well worth it. Hike, hunt, pick berries or bird watch. As this incredible hidden and untouched haven endures, there for us to enjoy in so many ways, our thanks goes to Dorothy.