John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Fund

The Maitland Conservation Foundation administers the John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Fund. The Trust Fund was created in 1996 to honour John’s contributions to environmental conservation and to continue the projects that were so special to him. John reforested marginal lands, implemented soil and water conservation techniques on his farm and was instrumental in the preservation of Naftel’s Creek and the Saratoga Swamp. He believed strongly in teaching others about the importance of our natural environment. Over the past 29 years the Trust Fund has built on John’s legacy by supporting a variety of conservation initiatives.

The Trust Fund is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors:

Chair: Geoff King
MCF Liaison: Phil Beard
Secretary: Klaus Seeger

Directors:

Susan Chan
Alison Lobb
Clare Day
Vicky Rao
and Honourary Director Mark Sully

All donations to the JHETF are invested. Only the revenue from those investments is used for projects each year. The Trust Fund principle continues to grow. The Maitland Conservation Foundation, that administers the JHETF, is a registered charity and donations are tax deductible with your receipt.

Trust Fund Projects and Activities

The 2025 Plant Sale and Spring Hike was held on May 10th at the Knights of Columbus Hall parking lot in Goderich. This event is held in partnership with the Maitland Trail Association. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us. For information on the 2026 event please call Susan at 519-524-2804 or email foundation@mvca.on.ca

Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area Privy Replacement (total cost of $7,000) – new accessible privy built and installed.

Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area Trail Improvements (total cost of $8,000) – repairs to approximately 365 metres of trail have been completed involving the installation of new base layer and geogrid and textile mid-layer to enhance stability and durability. A compacted gravel top-coat was then added.

Forest Management Restoration and Tree Planting (total cost of $2,500) – Planting of large stock trees at forested Conservation Areas to increase specieis diversity and forest health.

Forest Management Invasive Species Control (total cost of $13,500) – Buckthorn and phragmites control will continue on MVCA lands including Naftel’s Creek, Lake Wawanosh, Howick Forest Seed and Source, and Wawanosh Valley Conservation Areas.

Naturalization at Administration Centre in Wroxeter (total cost of $2,300) – Development of a planting plan to remove an area of cut grass in front of the building. Species will include a selection of native shrubs and plants. The expected planting timeframe is spring 2026. In addition, native plants were purchased and planted this year to fill in the existing wildflower gardens at the front of the building.

JHETF Board of Directors

Trail work at Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area.

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Donations to the John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Fund may be made on-line through the Maitland Conservation Foundation’s page at CanadaHelps. If you would like to donate by cheque please make it out to the Maitland Conservation Foundation and include JHETF in the memo line.

Cheques may be mailed to:

Maitland Conservation Foundation
Box 127,
Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0

The Trust Fund also welcomes donations by e-Transfer at foundation@mvca.on.ca . If you donate through an e-Transfer please also email your contact information to foundation@mvca.on.ca or call Lori Gordon at 519-335-3557 ext. 246 so a charitable receipt can be forwarded to you.

For more information about the Trust Fund please contact:

Geoff King, JHETF Chair – geoffsdking@outlook.com
Phil Beard, MCF Interim Executive Director – pbeard@mvca.on.ca or 519-335-3557 ext. 231

Trust Fund Projects and Activities

Foundation

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Working for a Healthy Environment