Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Foundation has announced that more than half of a million dollars was raised for important conservation work in 2023.
“I’m pleased to report that last year, the Foundation was extremely successful in its fundraising efforts,” said Foundation President Claire Wales. “Thanks to the wonderful generosity of donors and event participants throughout the year, the Foundation is able to provide grants to the Essex Region Conservation Authority in the amount of $570,601 to undertake important conservation work.”
Some of the highlights that this funding will support include nearly $125,000 toward the historic restoration works at the John R. Park Homestead; more than $125,000 toward tree planting and habitat restoration efforts, $95,000 to support the development of public access and recreation at the newly acquired Collavino Conservation Area; more than $50,000 in support of outdoor education, $26,000 toward creating a new entrance to the Cypher Systems Group Greenway in Amherstburg and nearly $20,000 to refresh the entrance at Devonwood Conservation Area.
Authority Chair Jim Morrison noted that the importance of these funds raised by the Foundation cannot be overstated. “On behalf of the ERCA Board of Directors and all of the regional residents who will benefit from the conservation impact of these generous donations, we are so grateful,” Morrison said. “The changes to Conservation Authority Act make the work of the Foundation more important than ever in ensuring we can continue to work together to achieve a state of environmental sustainability for the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region.”
Fundraising plans for 2024 are well under way and the Foundation hopes to equal its efforts in this calendar year. “On behalf of the Foundation, we are so grateful to the many generous donors and supporters whose philanthropy has made this tremendous support possible,” Wales said.
Since 1977, the Essex Region Conservation Foundation has been enriching and sustaining the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region as the Place for Life.