McMaster University is expanding the McMaster Forest Nature Preserve with the addition of more than 14 acres of ecologically significant, biodiverse land in West Hamilton, strengthening opportunities for research, learning and long-term environmental stewardship. The expansion was made possible through a philanthropic gift from the Patrick J. McNally Charitable Foundation, along with land donations from local landowners Mark Tamminga, Joany Verschuuren, Bill Walker, Heather Hill and Ken Vanderlaan. Together, these contributions ensure the land will be protected in perpetuity. The announcement coincided with Earth Week at the McMaster Carbon Sink Forest, where more than 100 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered for the forest’s annual tree planting. “What makes today meaningful is not only what has been protected, but what has been made possible,” said McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor Susan Tighe.