March 2011
CVC Foundation Banner
Events:
 Island Lake Bass Fishing Tournament

Saturday, July 9 & Sunday, July 10, 2011
Island Lake Conservation Area
Join us at the tournament for your chance to win! $4,500 in cash prizes, open to all persons aged 12 years and older, on-site camping available and children’s trout pond. Proceeds to support Island Lake Community Trails Campaign.
In This Issue:


Message from the Executive Director

When Credit Valley Conservation formed in 1954, it was a pioneer organization in identifying the need to protect and preserve the natural environment for present and future generations.  These groundbreakers quickly realized that they could not take on the task alone, so in 1964 the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation was founded. The CVC Foundation was charged with the task of assisting CVC conservation initiatives by raising funds and awareness.
 
Today, there is no controversy – the environment needs people to champion its cause.  As we face issues pertaining to global climate change, decreasing quantities of clean water and air, and the impacts of development on natural heritage, the role of CVC becomes so much more vital if we hope to sustain a livable planet for today and tomorrow.
 
As a registered charity, the CVC Foundation assists CVC with the daunting task of environmental protection by raising funds for local conservation projects.
 
We invite you to join us in our endeavours. Be a champion and donate, volunteer or spread the word. Every action and every contribution counts.
 
Terri LeRoux
Executive Director

Landscapes for Life Campaign
Currently, the CVC Foundation is actively campaigning and raising funds in support of four featured CVC projects.  These projects address the need to increase environmental protection now, as well as develop sustainable practices for the future.
 
1.  Conservation Youth Corps:  This unique program allows local youth of the Credit River Watershed the opportunity to engage in conservation and natural resources management projects in a structured, science-based environment.   Through this program, youth are making a tangible difference in the environment, while also gaining the skills and knowledge to become our future “Green Leaders”.
 
2.  Island Lake Community Trails Campaign: The goal of this project is to complete a 12km fully wheelchair accessible, walking and cycling trail around the perimeter of Island Lake. This trail will act as a community hub, linking together the trail systems of Orangeville, Caledon, Dufferin and the Town of Mono. The completion of this dynamic trail system at Island Lake Conservation Area will also help preserve natural areas, promote environmental education, and increase the health and wellbeing of the local community.
 
3. Rattray Marsh Living Discovery Centre:  Located in the heart of Mississauga’s waterfront, Rattray Marsh is being transformed into a living discovery centre, an outdoor classroom for local residents and area visitors.  This classroom will be created through an upgraded trail system, upgraded kiosks, interpretive signage, environmental education programming, and opportunities for the local community to engage in stewardship and restoration projects. 
 
4.  Terra Cotta Centre for Environmental Learning:  The CVC is creating both indoor and outdoor environmental learning opportunities for local residents and area visitors to Terra Cotta Conservation Area.  There are many upgrades and infrastructure developments planned for the Terra Cotta Centre for Environmental Learning, including an amphitheatre for outdoor education and community theatre.


Looking Back: Significant Accomplishments in 2010
 
CVCF has had another successful year of raising funds and awareness for conservation projects throughout the Credit River Watershed.  We have a lot to celebrate!
 
  • Raised $393,000 in support of CVC projects and programs.
  • Funded the completion of the South Access Trail section of the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail at Island Lake Conservation Area.
  • Ensured that the Conservation Youth Corps program could reach more youth than ever before!  The CYC Summer Program added a fourth crew in 2010 and the High School Tree Planting Program conducted 27 learning/planting events throughout the Watershed.
  • Attracted more than 1,000 people to the Halloween Haunted Forest at Terra Cotta Conservation Area.
  • Furthered the transformation of Rattray Marsh Conservation Area into a living discovery centre through another generous donation from the Pendle Fund at the Community Foundation of Mississauga.
TOP
 
Looking Forward: Fundraising Targets for 2011
 
Building on our success in 2010, our 2011 fundraising target is $400,000.
 
Island Lake Community Trails Campaign: $200,000
Conservation Youth Corps: $150,000
Terra Cotta Centre for Environmental Learning: $15,000
Landscapes for Life Endowment Fund: $15,000
Dod’s and McNair Memorial Forest: $10,000
Rattray Marsh Living Discovery Centre: $5,000
Other: $5,000 
TOP
 
Featured Event:
 
Valentine’s Dinner and Dance
The Friends of Terra Cotta hosted their third Annual Valentine's Dinner and Dance on February 12, 2011.  Local residents and nature lovers alike came out to show their support. The event featured Rick and Shelly Sargent of Caledon Media as the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening, a superb dinner served by the Terra Cotta Inn, and an energetic dance floor led off by Zumba dancer Ivonne.  Many generous local sponsors helped to make our live and silent auction a success through their donations, including Caledon Country Club, the Brampton Flight Club, Spirit Tree Estate, the Caledon Ski Club, Just Cupcakes, the Terra Cotta Inn, and Theatre Orangeville.  Thank you to all our sponsors and guests who helped us to raise funds in support of the Terra Cotta Centre for Environmental Learning.

TOP
 
2011 Events:
 
Canoe the Credit
Date: Sunday, June 5, 2011
Location: Credit River at the Mississauga Canoe Club, Port Credit
Cost: Minimum pledge of $1,000 (per team of eight)
Features: Team Challenge, Family Fun Paddle, Conservation Displays, BBQ and more.
Proceeds to support: Conservation Youth Corps
For more details visit:
www.canoethecredit.ca
 
Conservation Gala
Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Location: Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, Milton
Cost: $125 per person / $1,200 table of 10
Features: Cocktail reception, a live and silent auction, a gourmet dinner, and lots of fantastic live entertainment
Proceeds to support: Conservation Youth Corps
For more details visit:
www.conservationgala.ca 
 
Island Lake Bass Fishing Tournament
Date: Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, 2011
Location: Island Lake Conservation Area
Cost: $35 one day entry / $60 two day entry
Features: $4,500 in cash prizes, open to all persons aged 12 years and older, on-site camping available and children’s trout pond
Proceeds to support: Island Lake Community Trails Campaign
For more details visit:
http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/foundation/events/ilcaweekend.html
 
Landscapes for Life Charity Golf Tournament hosted by Scotiabank
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011
Location: Credit Valley Golf & Country Club, Mississauga
Cost: $2,400 Foursome (includes lunch, dinner, prize packs, green fees, and cart) $150 Dinner Only
Features: Prestigious, exclusive golf course and opportunities to win incredible prizes!
Proceeds to support: Various environmental protection efforts of CVC
For more details visit:
www.creditvalleyca.ca/foundation/events/charitygolf.html
 
Our Donors

Our sincerest gratitude to our donors that have contributed $1,000 or more since January 1, 2011:
  • EJLB Foundation
  • Enbridge
  • Holcim Canada
  • MonoAmaranth Public School
  • RBC Foundation
  • Roland & Rae Horst
  • Technicor Industrial Services Inc.
  • TD Friends of the Environment
 
Featured Donors
 
We would like to thank the EJLB Foundation, Enbridge, Holcim Canada, the RBC Foundation and TD Friends of the Environment for their recent, significant donations in support of the 2011 Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) program. 
 
This year, CYC hopes to expand their Spring and Fall tree planting program to reach a greater number of youth throughout the watershed.  Participants in the CYC program not only have the chance to conduct environmental stewardship through the program, but also to engage in environmental learning activities which foster an awareness of climate change and an understanding of sustainability.  These donations are helping to lay an educational foundation for today’s youth, who will grow to be tomorrow’s green leaders. 
 
Thank you EJLB, Holcim and RBC for your generous contribution.
 
Our Volunteers
 
The work of the Foundation would not be possible without the efforts of our local fundraising groups. 
 
Friends of Terra Cotta
Local residents formed the Friends of Terra Cotta in 2008 as a fundraising committee dedicated to transforming Terra Cotta Conservation Area into the Terra Cotta Centre for Environmental Learning.   Currently, the Friends of Terra Cotta are working hard to raise funds for an outdoor amphitheatre.  This dedicated group runs two annual signature events:  The Halloween Haunted Forest and the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance.  These events not only raise money for the amphitheatre, but also increase the profile of the conservation area by attracting new people to this environmental gem. 
 
The Friends of Island Lake
The Friends of Island Lake formed in 2005 to enhance community involvement and awareness of the need to expand the current trail system at Island Lake Conservation Area.  Their vision is to complete the 12km long Vicki Barron Lakeside trail.  In addition to the construction of the fully wheelchair accessible pathway, trail amenities will include information kiosks, viewing platforms, interpretive signage, and boardwalks over environmentally sensitive wetlands.  The Friends of Island Lake is comprised of local residents, businesses, community partners and members of local government who all share this vision.  Together, they raise funds through grants, events, corporate and individual donations, while also contributing work in-kind to the actual construction of the trail. 
 
Rattray Marsh Protection Association
The Rattray Marsh Protection Association (RMPA) was formed in 1979 and has been integral to the area’s long term protection and appreciation.  RMPA is made up of local residents and community members who are dedicated to ensuring that the community and its visitors benefit from quality education, interpretive and stewardship opportunities at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area.  The RMPA is a very active group of volunteers who can be found throughout the year conducting plantings and removing invasive species.  They truly take a hands-on approach to Caring for the Credit.
 
Board of Directors
The Foundation Board is a group of environmentally-committed, prominent individuals dedicated to supporting a healthy watershed for economically and socially sustainable communities.
  • Marolyn Morrison, Chair
  • Jim Muscat, Vice Chair
  • Rae Horst, Secretary Treasurer
  • Ron Bianchi, Trustee
  • Ellen McGregor, Trustee
  • Pat Mullin, Trustee
  • Karen Ras, Trustee
  • Bob Shirley, Trustee
  • Mike Warrian, Trustee
  • Jean Williams, Trustee 

Staff
Terri LeRoux, Executive Director 905-670-1615 x424 or tleroux@creditvalleyca.ca
Sharlene Hardwar, Partnership Development Coordinator 905-670-1615 x247 or shardwar@creditvalleyca.ca
 
Visit us at www.landscapesforlife.ca
Our mailing address is:
1255 Old Derry Road
Copyright (C) 2011 Credit Valley Conservation Foundation All rights reserved.