In This Issue:
Message from the Executive Director
Welcome to the second edition of our 2010 newsletter, Landscapes for Life, a quarterly publication for our donors, supporters and partners that will keep you informed on how and where your donations are being spent. This is just one example of our Foundation’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
When you donate to the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF), you are not only investing in a greener and healthier future for everyone now, but for future generations as well. The Foundation ensures that dollars donated get spent on environmental projects and protection that will benefit our Watershed and its inhabitants for years to come.
To date this year, through the generous contributions of our donors, sponsors and partnering groups, the Foundation has raised $402,942.68. Our goal is to reach $450,000.00 by the end of this year! This can only be accomplished through your continued support.
Thank you for joining us in our efforts to protect the future of the Credit River Watershed and offer present and future generations Landscapes for Life.
Sharlene Hardwar
Acting Executive Director
CVC Foundation
Meeting the Challenges that Face Our Watershed
The Credit River Watershed is faced with enormous challenges in the coming days, months, years, and decades. The ways that individuals and groups act in the face of these challenges will affect both human and natural communities. These challenges include climate change, development growth, population growth, water pollution, lack of forest cover, and habitat loss and degradation.
As the human population in the watershed increases, there is a need for more protected natural areas to allow for sustainable recreation, education and appreciation of the natural environment.
The Foundation is dedicated to creating Landscapes for Life by focusing our fundraising and capacity building efforts on the following:
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Restoration and Rehabilitation Programs;
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Environmental Education Programs;
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Trail Development and Ecologically Sustainable Recreation Programs; and
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Building Community Partnerships.
CVC's Top Five Fundraising Campaigns
ISLAND LAKE COMMUNITY TRAILS PROJECT
This year our fundraising efforts have aided in the opening of the South Access Section of the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail. This trail provides an integral link to the Town of Orangeville Municipal Trail System. The Friends of Island Lake have also officially opened the North Shore Trail parking lot. The parking lot has addressed many of our safety concerns with regard to appropriate parking designations for visitors wanting to access the trail.
CONSERVATION YOUTH CORPS (CYC)
CYC had an incredibly successful summer with over 250 youth participating in the CYC Summer Program. Students have the opportunity in the course of a week to participate in a number of stewardship activities. The funding received for CYC from the Foundation makes this program possible.
TERRA COTTA CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING
Thanks in part to the efforts of the CVCF and the Friends of Terra Cotta, Terra Cotta Conservation Area was officially re-opened this spring. We continue to seek support for improvements to the area, including the Watershed Learning Centre.
LANDSCAPES FOR LIFE ENDOWMENT FUND
An Endowment is an investment fund set aside for long term support. Only the income generated from the principal of the investment is expended. The Landscapes for Life Endowment fund is a long term investment in health of the Credit Valley Watershed. The income allows us to continue supporting the CVC’s initiatives right now while the principal investment ensures that there are long-term funds to support the watershed in the future.
RATTRAY MARSH LIVING DISCOVERY CENTRE
The Foundation’s support is helping to transform Rattray Marsh into a living classroom for environmental education and sustainability. This year we have completed numerous infrastructure and restoration projects to enhance the area for visitors. With further support we can continue to upgrade trails, information kiosks and interpretive signage.
2010 Completed Events
Events not only raise money for a cause, they also serve to heighten awareness of high-priority projects. Throughout 2010 we have hosted several successful events:
 The Friends of Terra Cotta hosted a Valentines Dinner, Dance & Auction on February 13, 2010 in support of Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Their efforts blossomed into a success, with the Friends of Terra Cotta raising $6,140.
 The 5th Annual Conservation Gala was hosted in partnership with Conservation Halton at Rattlesnake Golf & Country Club in Milton on May 5, 2010. The event raised $120,000 for CYC and Conservation Halton programs.
 On May 15, 2010, teams came to brave the waters in our 3rd Annual Canoe the Credit event. Paddlers of all levels came out to support a great cause and enjoy a day of outdoor activity. The event raised $19,000 for CVC’s Conservation Youth Corps program.
 The Island Lake Fishing Derby was held on July 10-11, 2010. 200 people competed in our 2 nd Annual Bass Tournament at the Island Lake Conservation Area. The event raised $9,800 in support of the Island Lake Community Trails Campaign.
Mark Your Calendars for our Upcoming Events
The Friends of Terra Cotta host their 2 nd annual Halloween Haunted Forest on October 30, 2010. Festivities kick off with a BBQ at 6 p.m. and activities follow at 7 p.m. This year’s event will include a Haunted Maze, Witches Station, Wagon Rides, a Spirit Walk, a Mad Scientist Lab, a bonfire and Halloween themed indoor games and crafts. The event is for children ages 10 and under (no charge for accompanying adults). Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. All proceeds will go towards the Terra Cotta Centre for Environmental Learning. For more information, or to get your tickets in advance, please contact Julie McManus at 905-670-1615 ext. 418 or jmcmanus@creditvalleyca.ca.
Landscapes for Life Community and Corporate Sponsorships
Meeting our fundraising goals would be impossible if we did not have the support of the community and local corporations. The Foundation works to build partnerships in our community so that we can achieve the goal of creating healthy Landscapes for Life in the Credit River Watershed.
The CVC Foundation would like to send out a great big Thank You to our 2010 partners:
Thank You -
ADP Canada
Aragon Development
AquaResource Inc.
City of Mississauga
Clark Hall Pub – Queen's University
Corporation of the Town of Mono
County of Dufferin
Delta Meadowvale Resort & Conference Centre
Dods & McNair Funeral Home
Dufferin Northern Peel Anglers & Hunters
Edenwood Consulting
Edgewood Valley Developments
Enbridge
Fieldgate Developments
Fielding Chemical Technologies Inc.
GavCom Media Productions
George Weston Ltd.
Kagan Shastri Barristors & Solicitors
M.J. Dixon Construction Ltd.
Mattamy Homes
Mississauga Board of Trade
Montgomery Sisam Architects
Mount Pleasant Community Landowners Group
Mountain Equipment Co-op
National Trails Coalition
Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters
Paradise Homes
RBC Foundation
RONA – Orangeville
Rotary Club of Orangeville
Rotary Club of Orangeville Highlands
Samuel, Son & Co Ltd.
Sunshine Design & Construction Services
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
The Community Foundation of Mississauga
The Erin Mills Development Corporation
Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
Town of Caledon
Town of Orangeville
Feature Donor
In recent years, the Pendle Fund of the Community Foundation of Mississauga has made a significant investment in the Living Discovery Centre. Their generosity over the past four years has enabled Credit Valley Conservation to implement important improvements to the Rattray Marsh Conservation Area.
The Rattray Marsh Living Discovery Centre now operates year-round and offers outdoor learning opportunities and activities including:
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An upgraded trail and boardwalk system that protects sensitive natural areas throughout the property
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Several viewing platforms along the trail system that provide views overlooking the significant features of the marsh and surrounding habitat
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Upgraded kiosks and interpretive signage that guide visitors through a variety of educational, natural, and cultural heritage themes
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Opportunities for local residents and park visitors to engage in hands on stewardship activities and restoration programs to protect the environmental health of the marsh
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Opportunities for park visitors to participate in passive recreational programs such as hiking, bird watching and nature exploration.
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to our Pendle Fund Donor!
2010 Board of Directors
The CVCF Board of Directors is comprised of public and private sector volunteers who support CVC. Our goal is to raise funds and awareness of conservation projects carried out by CVC that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed, and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow.
Marolyn Morrison, Chair
Jim Muscat, Vice Chair
Rae Horst, Secretary Treasurer
Ron Bianchi
Ellen McGregor
Pat Mullin
Bob Shirley
Michael Warrian
Jean Williams
CVC Staff Support:
Sharlene Hardwar, Acting Executive Director
Julie McManus, Partnership Development Coordinator
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