Campaign targets $1M for nature
Conservation group aims to preserve, expand green areas
The Essex Region Conservation Foundation marked its 40th anniversary Wednesday night by launching a new fundraising campaign aimed at raising $1 million over the next three years.
The campaign, entitled The Place for Life, is looking for donors to commit to pledges over the three years to help the Essex Region Conservation Authority preserve and expand the local natural environment.
“We are asking each of you to ask yourself what makes you embrace this region as home?” The Place for Life campaign co-chair Susan Stockwell-Andrews said to a crowd of about 100 at The Windsor Club on Riverside Drive.
“Do you have a special trail? A favourite forest? Are you proud of our stunning waterfront, which is right there for us? Have you ever connected with your heritage by visiting the John R. Park Homestead? What connects you to this place, and makes it the place for life?”
Pledges are being sought in four categories:
connect communities through trail development;
green our region to achieve a state of environmental sustainability;
inspire future generations through conservation education, and
preserve our heritage at John R. Park Homestead.
“Together we can reach this goal, and we’re off to a flying start,” said Stockwell-Andrews.
The campaign has already raised about $300,000, including $225,000 for the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) Centennial Hub that will join the Tecumseh, LaSalle and Herb Gray Parkway systems with three kilometres of new trail and a community entrance to the trails.
“We feel that initiatives such as this have a positive long-term effect on the community,” said Janet Kelly, chair of Rotary (1918)’s legacy committee.
“We’re pleased to be able to support ERCA’s efforts.”
Campaign co-chair John Omstead said that when ERCA first formed in 1977, Essex County had only 3.5 per cent tree cover, the worst in the province.
“The legacy that we have put together means that in 2017 we are approaching nine per cent tree coverage,” said Omstead, adding that ERCA has planted six million trees since its inception.
When ERCA started there were no green trails, Omstead said.
“The John R. Park Homestead and Kingsville Train Station have been protected to ensure the stories of our ancestors are preserved,” said Omstead.
Pledge options include $1,000 a year for three years, $500 a year for three years, and the payments can be spread out monthly, annually or in one lump sum.