A local conservation group is putting plans in motion to protect hundreds of acres of wild land in southwest Edmonton from urban sprawl and development – but needs millions of dollars to do it.

The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society is trying to protect a large piece of untouched natural land, located near 199 Street, near the North Saskatchewan River, called the Big Island Wood Bend Natural Area.

The 400 hectares of land is home to plenty of wildlife, and hundred-year-old forests – but is at risk of being developed.

“It’s one of those things that people don’t always think about, but is very important,” NSRVC Founding Member Stephan Madsen said. “It’s not just the river channel itself; it’s the area that supports it.

“As Edmonton’s biggest wetland, it plays a vital role in keeping the North Saskatchewan healthy.”

That particular area has already survived one attempt at industrial development, in the last six years, a Metis company proposed a gravel pit for part of the property twice.

However, the plan was turned down by City Council.

“In order to have our vision obtained, of having a continuous river valley from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan, this is an important place,” Councillor Karen Leibovici said.

But Madsen said it could be the subject of other proposed developments.

“If you stick an industrial development here, not only will you destroy the very fabric of what’s here and chase away all the herds, but you’ll completely interrupt that ribbon of green, it’s done,” Madsen said.

So, the society is launching a public campaign; to raise about $20 million – to buy the mostly privately owned land and have it designated a conservation area by the City of Edmonton.

Madsen said the society had already heard from people interested in helping out – the Edmonton and Area Land Trust has also offered to help.

“We often have the opportunity to either buy land, if an anonymous donor comes forward, so we’ve had a look at it and saw its value,” Executive Director Pam Wight said.

If the group is successful, the area would become one of the largest protected natural urban areas in Canada.

With files from Ashley Molnar