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 27 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: Wendy Hoernig
- Secretary: Klaus Seeger
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 2024 Plant Sale and Spring Hike was held on May 11, 2024 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 2025 event please call Susan at 519-524-2804 or email [email protected]
- Replacement of boardwalks and bridge at Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area. The JHETF is working to raise $20,000 for this project. Trail improvement work got underway in the summer of 2022.
- Support of Maitland Conservation’s Forest Health Assessment. This research project is looking at the health of woodlots across the Maitland watershed and is an update to a study initiatied 20 years ago.
- Planting of native trees and shrubs at Turnberry Floodplain Conservation Area, Galbraith Conservation Area and at Gorrie Conservation Area.
- Removal of invasive species in Goderich.
Froggy Fest 2024
We had the opportunity to participate in Froggy Fest on Sept. 21 in Goderich. The attendance was tremendous and it was a great opportunity to chat with families about the work of the Trust Fund. Thanks to the event organizers and our partners who made it such a wonderful morning.
JHETF Board of Directors
Trail work at Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area.
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 [email protected] . If you donate through an e-Transfer please also email your contact information to [email protected] 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 – [email protected]
Phil Beard, MCF Interim Executive Director – [email protected] or 519-335-3557 ext. 231
