Winkler’s Discovery Nature Sanctuary (DNS) was honoured last month with Recreation Manitoba’s Nature Award for 2026.
The award seeks to recognize individuals, groups, organizations, or outdoor destinations who demonstrate leadership in green practices and climate change initiatives, are an active steward for green spaces and nature, and encourage exploration of natural built environments.
The 34-acre site in northeast Winkler—which offers a refuge filled with natural grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands—certainly fits the bill, and the committee which oversees the site is humbled by the recognition.
“The City of Winkler nominated us for this award,” shared Paul Goossen, DNS board chair, noting they were thrilled when they learned a few weeks ago that they had been selected as the winner. An awards luncheon was held Feb. 27 in Winnipeg. “I think it provides us with sort of a confirmation of the work that we have done over the years since 2017.”
That was the year work began in earnest on the site, which officially opened to the public the following year. Today the sanctuary continues to provide people of all ages with the opportunity to experience nature first hand, walking the trails through the site and viewing the various educational displays that dot the landscape.
“We’ve had a number of people involved with our committee, past and present,” Goossen reflected, noting this honour “goes to show that we managed to demonstrate leadership and that we’ve managed to demonstrate concern for nature, as well as for just the enjoyment of a place of sanctuary for people that would like to get away, relax, do some nature activities or learn more about the environment.”
Getting the word out about the sanctuary is an added bonus to this award.
“It really highlights the DNS and highlights the fact that the city or Winkler is interested in the environment,” Goossen said. “That is a plus, because the city is a very industrial business-oriented city, but it has been very gracious in providing 34 acres of land within Winkler proper as a green space and as a space for citizens and visitors to come and visit and enjoy it.”
Over the past decade, the sanctuary has become a popular place for nature-lovers. Goossen estimates the site sees upwards of 3,000 visitors a year.
“So that’s encouraging to see. And people love to come out there. There are so many regulars that come out to enjoy it, and we still get the school groups as well,” he said. “I think it’s still very much a destination for people to come to walk with friends or just enjoy the place.”
With spring inching ever closer, Goossen shared that the committee plans to continue work this year on its grassland restoration project, which seeks to establish a sea of native grasses on about 6.5 acres.
“We had a fall seeding last year and we’re going to have a spring one this year,” he said. “We’re hopeful that we’ll see some really good growth there.”
They also hope to bring back the popular Water Festival, which hasn’t occurred the past few years. The event brings in elementary school students to learn from environmental experts and volunteers about water and its role in the ecosystem.
“Hopefully that’ll work out to happen probably in late May or early June,” Goossen said.
As always, the DNS committee welcomes fresh faces eager to get involved.
“We absolutely need more volunteers,” Goossen stressed. “If there are people that enjoy flowers or gardening, working with shrubs and things, who would like to care for the pollinator garden, the shrub garden, we would love to have them, even if they come out for an hour a week. Whatever they can spare we’d be grateful for, because it helps keep things looking nice and sharp.”
You can learn more about the Discovery Nature Sanctuary and connect with them about volunteering on their website: discoverynaturesanctuary.ca.
