Canadian Mennonite
Volume 12, No. 7
March 31, 2008
Nature preserve donated to Canadian Mennonite University
Facility will be used to create Braintree Creation Care Centre
east braintree, man.
“Dad, you have no idea of what’s out here!”
That’s what Walter Loewen’s son told him 25 years ago, after the family purchased some property at East Braintree, Man., about 100 kilometres east of Winnipeg.
It didn’t take long for Loewen and his wife Elly to discover exactly what it was they had out there: A spectacular and undisturbed 283-hectare nature preserve of forest, fields and peat bogs bisected by the clear waters of the Boggy River.
At a March 12 ceremony, attended by Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) faculty, staff, students and friends, along with people from the community of Braintree, the Loewens formally signed use of the property over to the university to create the Braintree Creation Care Centre of CMU.
“Our exposure to this setting has meant much to us,” said Loewen, 79. “It has enhanced our faith journey as we marvel at God’s good creation. But now the time has come for us to pass on what we hold very dear in our hearts.”
In addition to the land, much of which is protected by a Nature Conservancy agreement that will keep it in its pristine condition, the property contains a two-storey lodge, three rustic cabins and a modern bungalow, along with other assorted buildings. Along with the property, the Loewens are also donating $250,000 over five years for operations.
Loewen, the founder and former president of Yamaha Canada Music Ltd., said he hopes the donation will “inspire students and others to commit themselves to the furtherance of the Lord’s work by learning how to look after his creation.”
“This is an exciting and moving day,” said CMU president Gerald Gerbrandt, adding that the university is “profoundly grateful to the Loewens for this donation.” By accepting it, “we are committing ourselves to look after that property,” he said, adding that it “will be a symbol and reminder of our commitment to take care of God’s creation, a resource and learning centre for students and others.”
In addition to preserving the land, Gerbrandt said the Creation Care Centre will also serve as a place to do research about the environment and care of creation, and serve as a retreat and teaching centre.
CMU has appointed biology professor Glen Klassen as director of research for the centre. He will oversee the transition of ownership of the property from the Loewens to CMU, and work on refining and developing the vision and program for the centre.