Trent University Saddened to Learn of the Passing of Visionary Conservationist Dr. Ronald Reid ’20 (hon)
Dr. Reid worked with the province to protect millions of acres of Ontario land, founded the Couchiching Conservancy, and championed the Conservation Land Act
The University community is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Ronald Reid ’20 (hon), a widely respected and award-winning conservationist who was presented an honorary degree from Trent in 2020 for his remarkable contributions to protecting millions of acres of land in Ontario.
Dr. Reid worked with the province of Ontario and other organizations to safeguard natural landscapes, supporting the largest-ever expansion of the Ontario parks system. He played a pivotal role in wide-scale environmental planning, assisting with the passing of the Conservation Land Act and contributing to the Niagara Escarpment Plan, which served as a model for the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and the Greenbelt Plan.
As the founder and first executive director of the Couchiching Conservancy in Orillia, Dr. Reid was instrumental in protecting more than 14,000 acres of land in Couchiching-Severn. He also served as a trusted advisor to many other land trusts in Ontario and beyond.
In September 2018, the Couchiching Conservancy honoured Dr. Reid by naming its largest nature reserve after him. The Ron Reid Nature Reserve provides habitat for several species listed by the Species at Risk Act.
Dr. Reid is the author and/or key contributor to several influential nature books including Canoeing Ontario's Rivers, Creative Conservation, and Beyond Islands of Green.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James Street East, Orillia on Friday December 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A celebration of life is to be held in the Spring.
The University extends heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Reid and to all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Read Dr. Reid’s full obituary.