GRCF-2018-Annual-Report.Pdf
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Photo Credits Cover: Rockwood Conservation Area / Kevin Tupman Page 8: Luther Marsh / Kevin Tupman 2018 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY Page 14: Pinehurst Lake / Tina McAuley Page 22: Fishing near Belwood / Peter Kesseler Page 26: Canoe on Grand River / Quiet Nature Find Your Calm Page 4 Welcome Message Page 14 Our Donors Donor Highlights: 16 Arca Financial Group 17 Richard Kleri 6 Wells Fargo Bank 18 Susan Forster 8 Bill and Kathryn Troubridge 19 The Lifers 10 Sutherland Insurance 20 Rotary Club of Dunnville 12 Ayr Farmers Mutual 21 The Davis Family Insurance Company 22 Scholarships and Grants 23 About the GRCA 24 Financial Overview 26 Our Leaders 27 Grand Champions 3 FIND YOUR Malcolm Matheson, Wayne Fyffe, Sara Wilbur, Chair Vice Chair Executive Director When was the last time you stood at the That balance is vital. How do we stay grounded in just a moment. Whether walking a leafy trail or Please read on to learn more about how our river’s edge and listened to the wind in the these times of rapid change? enjoying a refreshing sunset lake swim, there is donors are making the Grand River watershed leaves? It’s an image that might conjure up nothing else like it. a better place, for all of us. Research indicates that outdoor experiences are a peaceful morning spent fishing, a happy restorative. Nature provides space for reflection, A lot has changed since the Grand River memory with your family, or a moment of personal growth and the joy of discovery — Conservation Foundation was founded 54 years calm at a time when you really needed it. an opportunity to feel like we are a part of ago to raise funds for conservation projects that The Grand River Conservation Authority’s something bigger than ourselves. have few or no other sources of funding. But a vision is simple: a healthy watershed where lot has stayed the same: we still need spaces that But it’s not just about data — it’s deeply personal. we live, work, play and prosper in balance help us find our place in nature, no matter what We have all had a moment of wonder in nature, with the natural environment. our age or stage. where the rest of the world disappeared for 4 5 Wells Fargo Bank Toronto, Ontario Conservation volunteering is one of the best ways to connect with our natural world. It’s a great opportunity to play a hands- on role in making our watershed better, while enjoying the benefits that come with spending a day outdoors. With support from the GRCF, the GRCA’s volunteer program continued to grow in 2018. Volunteers planted more than “Our team came from Toronto for the second year in a row to help out. 14,200 trees and shrubs, removed more than 50 m3 of invasive Volunteering is a fantastic team- species and collected more than 7,700 kg of litter. They also builder, but more than that, it gets a contributed more than $56,000 to assist additional groups to lot of important work done and we all take part, and to support additional programs such as outdoor learn about nature in the process. That education. education is really important to make the benefit last even longer.” Some groups, like Wells Fargo Bank, undertook special projects ~ Jeff McInenly, to encourage species to thrive. The nesting sites that their team Director, Global Corporate Banking built will promote the safe growth of local turtles at the Laurel Creek Nature Centre. In Ontario, seven of the eight species of native turtles are at risk of disappearing. 7 Bill and Kathryn Troubridge Elora, Ontario Located near the source of the Grand River, the Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area plays a major role in making sure flows in the Grand River can support our daily lives. At about 5,900 hectares, it is also a very special place for wildlife. More than 260 bird species have been seen, in addition to a diverse array of animals, plants and trees. The area is a source of “Losing yourself and becoming part enjoyment for nature enthusiasts of all kinds. of the vibrant ecosystem of Luther is an experience everyone should With the support of donors, upgrades were made to the enjoy, whether they are birding, hunting infrastructure at Luther Marsh in 2018, as well as hunting, or simply enjoying the habitat restoration work and control of invasive species, to outstanding scenery. For Kath and provide healthy native ecosystems. me it is a chance to step away from our busy everyday world and renew Bill and Kath Troubridge are dedicated conservationists and our spirits. We want to help others to supporters of Luther Marsh. They spend countless hours find this experience by visiting Luther enjoying nature and pursuing their passion for hunting. Marsh.” ~ Bill Troubridge 9 Sutherland Insurance Guelph, Ontario As a longtime Guelph business, Sutherland Insurance has always considered a healthy environment one of the pillars of their charitable giving. Their values are in action, supporting multiple conservation programs that make the Grand River watershed a better place. “Now, more than ever, we realize how Through a partnership under their Client Loyalty Program, important it is for young people to hundreds of trees are planted annually throughout the Grand put away their technology, escape River watershed. They have also supported the new Guelph from the noise of the city and Lake Nature Centre, which will host more than 20,000 student experience the outdoors. As our learners annually, in addition to thousands of park visitors. company enters its 150th year, we are showing our appreciation for our 2018 marked many changes to the landscape at Guelph Lake clients and the whole community Conservation Area. In preparation for the new Centre, work by proudly supporting the GRCA’s on a learning forest trail loop and access to the future centre conservation efforts.” began, along with tree planting and habitat enhancements ~ Suzanne Sutherland that will give students diverse opportunities for outdoor learning. 11 Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Ayr, Ontario The GRCA’s FWR Dickson Wilderness Area has been a popular spot for decades. With no admission fee, families and nature enthusiasts flock to the area to watch the wildlife, walk the trail and especially, to feed the chickadees. But for families “Almost everyone from Ayr and the with strollers or people with mobility challenges, visiting surrounding communities has visited Dickson wasn’t so easy. Dickson at some point, with their kids or on their own. The community In the fall of 2018, the community officially dedicated a new, wouldn’t be the same without it. It 150-metre boardwalk, information kiosk and trail, with more was only natural that Ayr Farmers Mutual would support improvements than $90,000 raised. to such a great natural resource, Ayr Farmers Mutual stepped up and became one of the enabling enjoyment for all.” leading donors for the project. The whole community can ~ Brian Sayles, Past Chair now enjoy Dickson no matter what their level of mobility is. 13 Elizabeth Clarke Thank you to those Waterloo Mark Cooper OUR DONORS Ruth Cornish Region Rick Courtois Judith Cousineau Ron Dahmer who have made an Maria Arevalo Nancy and Colin Davy Howard Armitage James den Ouden Christina Arthurs Emily Derry Katherine Bader Margaret Dickson investment in our Sharon Bartholomew Dianne Ditner Jim and Sandy Beingessner and Family Joel and Gloria Doherty Fund of the Kitchener Waterloo Daryl Dore Community Foundation quality of life John and Sue Egoff Matthew Betik Janet Elgie Carol Betts Marlene Epp Oren and Christine Birch Rick Fielding Bill and Bonnie Bishop Sue Foxton Jan Blackburn The GRCF is grateful Robert Fraser Elizabeth Blanchett Ross Gibaut Max and Lynn Blouw Stephen and Deanne Gillies to recognize the many James Bowman Doug Gould Alison Boyd Estate of Linda Gower Doug Brock* donors who made The Greaves Family Douglas Brock Fund for Conservation Tony and Rita Grebinski & Music of the Kitchener Waterloo donations and future David and Hildegard Hales* Community Foundation Helen Hall Larry Brokenshire Jane Hare commitments, as well as to Ted and Mary Brough Sara Hartley Alex and Trish Brown Family Fund of Douglas Heard the Kitchener Waterloo Community conservation partnerships Brian Helmling Foundation Meredythe Hertz Anthony Broxterman Matt Hibbins and scholarships in 2018. Krista Bunn Beverly Hiller Karen Buschert Richard and Penny Hobson Mary Anne Cain Rebecca Horsman Robert Caldwell Lisa Hube Stewart Campbell Brian Huber Wayne and Elizabeth Caston Carol Hulls Margaret Cation Jessica Jaremchuk Rachel Chodos * Indicates donors who have made a Helen Jowett Sonja Christensen planned gift commitment to the GRCF. Julie Joza 15 Alice (Braley) Judges - Walter Judges Fund Faryal Rizvi Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan Brad Davidson of the Kitchener Waterloo Community Sean and Amy Rutherford Ontario Trillium Foundation - Waterloo Wellington Chapter Floyd and Kim Davis Foundation Liz Saraiva Pierogi Pigs Kevin Davis Monika Kienapple Brent Sargent Reid’s Heritage Homes Ltd. Gord and Audrey Derii Robert Kniess Ingo Schoppel Run for the Toad Mike Dmetriuc Chelsey Konya Faye Shouldice Rytech Machine and Repair Inc. Nadine Dmetriuc Bob and Maxine Kubiseski Daryl Smith S.S. Papadopulos & Associates Paul Emerson Sandra Lachance Michael Smyth Schlueter Hyundai Danielle Fletcher Dustin Lang George Sousa Schmuck Truck Wayne and Pat Fyffe Harold Lauber Art Stewart St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Basia Florio Estate of Arthur Lee Rosemarie Sugg Stantec Consulting Ltd. Brenda Gibbs Valerie L’Heureux Barbara Veale Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church Melody Horton Kerry Long* Nadine White The Corporation of the City of Cambridge Wayne Knox Rob Maciel Sara Wilbur-Collins and Peter Collins* The Tent Works Ltd. Darrin Kyle Linda MacLeod Trish Wilbur Tri Gator for Kids Don and Sharon Lawrence Arca Financial Group, Waterloo Michael and Margaret Mallory-Smyth Jacqueline Winstel Volunteer Action Centre of KW Area Tim and Valerie MacAskill Richard Kleri, Ayr Tracy Mann Sherry Wolf Westmount Funeral Chapel Brenda Manfredi Mary Alice Martin Ken and Corinne Wood Susan Mann Over the years, Richard has Financial peace of mind can lead to Tony Martin Peter Woolstencroft Mavie Mark volunteered with many organizations community peace of mind.