The de Vries Natural Heritage Collection

Part of the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village permanent exhibits, this collection tells incredible stories about our natural world, its biodiversity, both the carelessness and conservation efforts of humankind and last, but not least, the craftsmanship of Jake de Vries and his lifelong passion for preserving natural heritage for both public education and aesthetic appreciation. Although Jake was a hunter in his early years, he was more of a conservationist and considered taxidermy as a method of presenting the wonder and beauty of nature. The majority of specimens were not hunting trophies, but rather victims of either busy roadways or poachers (Ministry of Natural Resources staff often provided Jake with specimens that had met these sad fates). The collection shows the love he had for wildlife and his great gift for bringing these once lifeless creatures back to life.