The Maitland Conservation Foundation (MCF) works in partnership with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority to raise funds for a variety of watershed projects. The Foundation is a registered, charitable organization that is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. The MCF has been raising funds for local projects since its incorporation in 1975.
Through the Foundation, individuals and businesses can contribute to projects that protect and enhance watershed forests, rivers and soil. The Foundation welcomes general donations as well as donations directed to specific projects including:
- Inspired by Nature Campaign – this campaign is raising funds to support:
- Restoring Nature’s Place – restoration of floodplain, river valley, stream buffers, streams and forests throughout the watershed to build resiliency to the impacts of climate change. Assess and identify ways to improve the health of the forests in the watershed. The Foundation’s support of the on-going Aquatic Health Assessment Project will help Maitland Conservation identify priority sites for restoration efforts.
- Improving Accessibility to Nature – to develop and improve infrastructure and trails in Conservation Areas. To support projects to improve the health of forests, wetlands and meadows for wildlife and pollinators. Recently the Foundation funded the reconstruction of a bridge at Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area. The Foundation has also recently launched a campaign to raise funds for a picnic shelter with storage at Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area. The picnic shelter is envisioned as a community gathering area and will facilitate special events at the site. The goal is to raise $140,000.
- Memorial and Celebration Grove – the Memorial-Celebration Grove is located at the George Taylor Conservation Area south of Walton. For a donation of $100 a large-stock deciduous tree will be planted in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a milestone event. Smaller donations are also gratefully accepted. Individual trees in the groves are not identified with names however, donor and memorial names are listed on a kiosk at the site. To make a donation for a memorial or celebration tree please call the Foundation at 519-335-3557 ext. 246, email foundation@mvca.on.ca or visit our page at CanadaHelps.
