KAWARTHA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Kawartha Conservation Foundation have partnered to help promote important projects across the watershed as well as introduce new audiences to the great work each organization provides.
““This really came about as a result of recognizing that we all want the same thing; we want to strengthen our communities and support existing and future residents and visitors. This partnership is an opportunity not only to enhance, support and protect our environment today, but also continue to support our communities for years to come.””
Focused on a prosperous, innovative, caring, and progressive Kawartha Lakes enriching the lives of all, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes was established to help the community grow and prosper in the next 150 years. The Foundation works to strengthen the local philanthropic network, linking people who care, with needs in local human services, public infrastructure, and community economic development, by guiding the creation of lasting legacy funds.
““This is a unique partnership to help connect with new audiences. The Kawartha Conservation Foundation shares our values and beliefs in wanting to make our communities better and improve the lives of local residents. ”
““As a group promoting improving access to nature, recreation and improving the environment for all, we are excited to explore the opportunities this new partnership will create for both of our organizations.””
The partnership will see a mutual sharing and promotion of information about each others’ organizations through both the web and social media, highlighting the great work being done across the area by the tireless efforts of the hardworking and dedicated Boards of Directors and volunteers.
““This is a great opportunity to expand the reach and audience of the work we are doing here at Kawartha Conservation, and in particular, the projects we are focused on bringing to fruition to support and benefit our community, while at the same time introducing our audiences to the amazing work the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is involved in. It’s really a win-win for everyone.””
Kawartha Conservation is a watershed-based, non-profit environmental organization that helps ensure the conservation, restoration, and responsible management of water, land and natural habitats through programs and services that balance human, environmental and economic needs. The organization is governed by the municipalities within the Kawartha Conservation watershed, including the City of Kawartha Lakes; Region of Durham; Township of Scugog; Township of Brock; Municipality of Clarington; Municipality of Trent Lakes; and Township of Cavan Monaghan. KawarthaConservation.com
TURTLE NEXT BOX PROJECT AIMS TO PROTECT SPECIES AND DIVERSITY
The Kawartha Conservation Foundation successfully contributes to the programs and projects of Kawartha Conservation by supporting the vision of Kawartha Conservation through raising funds, promoting awareness, and engaging the community to restore and sustain a healthy environment for future generations.
Turtle populations in Ontario are under significant threat with many of our turtle species being listed on the Species at Risk list. At Ken Reid, we have known populations of snapping turtles and painted turtles who come to lay their eggs. In the past, visitors have been able to witness turtles laying their eggs at the beach area, and along the many trails at Ken Reid. Unfortunately, these nests are often predated by other wildlife species that call Ken Reid Conservation Area home.
Adult snapping turtles must lay approximately 1,400 eggs just to replace themselves. This is because of how often nests are destroyed, or young turtles die. With an average nest of 30 eggs, that means each female must lay almost 50 nests for one turtle to survive to adulthood.
What if we could help protect the nests? What if we could support these vulnerable baby turtles to ensure they get a chance to hatch? What if we could do it for less than a week’s worth of coffee at the drive thru? Well, we can!
The team at Kawartha Conservation is partnering with the Kawartha Conservation Foundation and the public to help save turtle nests. For every donation of $10, Kawartha Conservation can build a turtle nest box protector that can be installed once a nest has been established. Visitors to Ken Reid, or any of the Conservation Areas, can report a nesting turtle through the website, or by phone, and the team at Kawartha Conservation will be able to install a nest protector.
Protecting our biodiversity will be achieved by many people making small efforts. Donate your $10 today.
INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND PROJECT WILL BENEFIT ALL FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Over the past two years we have seen the value that greenspace plays in the mental, physical and social wellbeing of our youth. Playgrounds and trails have become the safest and best way for children to find a sense of normal in a crazy and stressful world. No child should be denied these opportunities.
That’s why Kawartha Conservation has implemented barrier free washrooms and trails at Ken Reid Conservation Area. It’s also why we are looking to add a barrier free playground for our community. And it’s more than just accessible, it’s sensory. It means that any child can enjoy the gravity free sensation of a swing, or the adventure of exploring texture and sound on the playground.
The new playground will be moved so that it is closer to our accessible public washrooms, so parents can rest at ease and be able to always keep their children within sight. A barrier free playground encourages inclusion and sets the stage for kids to challenge themselves in a safe environment.
The new playground design will focus on sensory play as well, reinforcing the use of all their senses as they explore the world around them. Sensory play helps to create stronger connections in the brain, improves language skills, and calms anxious children.
An accessible foundation to the playground will allow for easy wheelchair access and provide a soft place to land. This is not only beneficial to children but caregivers and parents alike providing equal access and opportunity for full family fun. Large trees for natural shade will encourage families to explore beyond the playground either in large open areas, or on our nature trails. It will also be next to our cedar forest trail, a popular destination for those who love to feed the birds. This new location for the playground will mean more families can enjoy the thrill of the outdoors. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers have access to picnic tables and benches where children can seek a restful place to enjoy a snack before returning to play with their friends.
The creation of this new playground is a multifaceted project. The hope is that this new area will cultivate experiences that will inspire proactive social behaviour to protect and respect the natural world.
The equipment costs for the playground are estimated at $50,000 plus the cost of installation. Kawartha Conservation is working on the permits and funding to implement this project by the end of 2022. By doing so, we hope to ensure that children and families visiting Ken Reid Conservation Area will be able to enjoy the thrill of a slide, the joy of the swing, and the wonder of exploration surrounded by the wonderous sounds of nature.
Your support can help make this vision a reality.
CONTACT INFORMATION
John Chambers
Marketing & Communications Specialist, Kawartha Conservation
705.328.2271 ext. 220
jchambers@kawarthaconservation.com
kawarthaconservation.com