Historic Sites of Manitoba: Freeman Conservation Monument (RM of Killarney-Turtle Mountain)

A stone monument and plaque near Highway 3 in the Rural Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain commemorate a bequest in 1996 of 996 acres of land by farmer Harvey Wayne Freeman (c1940-1995) to the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation on a condition that it be maintained in perpetuity as wildlife habitat.

A plaque attached to the monument reads, “Freeman Donation. Wayne Freeman’s love for wildlife was reflected in the way he farmed his land. In accordance with his last wishes, 996 acres was generously donated by Harvey Wayne Freeman to the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation for ‘Wildlife Habitat in Perpetuity.’ The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation. February 19, 1996. Hon. J. Glen Cummings Minister."

Nearby is a interpretive panel by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation describing Mr. Freeman’s farming background, the importance of restoring the grasslands that are a part of his land donation, and how wildlife grazing, including cattle grazing, can help in managing this ecosystem.

Freeman Conservation Monument (September 2021) Source: Rose Kuzina Plaque on Freeman Conservation Monument (September 2021) Source: Rose Kuzina Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.17649, W99.73444 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Manitoba Organization: Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation / Manitoba Habitat Conservancy

Sources:

Obituary [H. Wayne Freeman], Brandon Sun, 29 June 1995, page 19.

“Donated land provides habitat for over 1000 species,” Russell Banner, 26 August 1997, page 7.

This page was prepared by Rose Kuzina and Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 29 April 2026

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!