What’s New?
Niagara Land Trust Foundation 3rd Annual General Meeting and Potluck Social – March 3, 2011
NLT MEMBER UPDATE – October 2010
Hello NLT Supporters,
It’s been busy this past month. The following is an update for the last month. Please feel free to provide feedback and suggestions on how to make these updates more informative for members, volunteers and friends. If you have something you would like posted in upcoming updates please forward it my way (nkiers.nlt@gmail.com).
Cheers,
Natalie Kiers
Executive Director
“To conserve the natural heritage of the Niagara Peninsula”
Content Updates
1. News
2. Committee Updates
3. Resources
4. Community Events
Like the Niagara Land Trust on facebook here
Support the Niagara Land Trust by donating through Canadahelps
Thank you to our members, volunteers and friends for your continued support.
1
American Friends of Canadian Land Trusts
On Friday October 29, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty with Bonnie Sutherland of the American Friends of Canadian Land Trusts announced at Thickson’s Woods Nature Reserve near Whitby Ontario that Americans who own land in Canada will get essentially the same tax breaks as Canadians. Americans will not only be able to avoid the Canadian capital gains tax, but they will also be able to claim the gift as charitable donations on their U.S. tax returns. This is HUGE news for Land Trusts! See the article posted in the Globe and Mail here
Call for members and volunteers: Please feel free to tell your networks about the NLT, invite a friend or two to join one the committees. Lets spread the word and engage the Niagara Community about the NLT. Together lets protect Niagara Natural Heritage!!
The NLT Farmers Market Tour is officially over. We had many people stop by to support and inquire about the work we do. The winners of the Raffle were Emmanuel Frimpong-Manso and Olivia Streef!
2
Science & Stewardship
The committee has completed the ELC inventory for the Smith Property. We will begin to enter in the data so we can use it in the Baseline Document Report. Progress is being made on the Baseline Document Report.
Next meeting Tuesday November 2, 2010
Fundraising & Marketing
This committee, the Board and other NLT members attended a very informative workshop “How to ask without asking” with Liz Palmieri. Here we learned about some tools and the right approach to fundraising. At the workshop it became apparent that we need a communications/marketing plan. We are in the process of forming an Ad hoc committee of experts from the community to help with this task. We are hoping to have the meeting in the next few weeks and have a plan by the end of the month. Next meeting Thursday November 4, 2010
Nominations & Membership
A big priority this year is going to be recruitment at all levels of the organization; at the Board, member and volunteer level. If you know anyone who would like to get involved in any way, please let us know.
Next meeting : TBD
3
This document was suggested by Paul Robertson
Fostering Collaboration Among Stakeholders in Sustainable Landscape Planning in Southern Ontario – A discussion paper for the Stewardship Network on Ontario
Natural Heritage Reference Manual, 2010
4
Monday November 1
PFN Monthly meeting – Emerald Ash Borer in Niagara
Location: Mountainview Uniter Church, Glendale Ave. St. Catharines
Time: 7:30pm
Saturday November 13
Western New York Environmental Congress
Join us as we discuss recent progress on efforts to improve our environment and how we can all work together to protect Western New York’s natural resources in 2011. The Congress is open to ll
interested participants – visit GrowWNY.org [2] for additional information.
Location: City Honors High School, 186 E. North St., Buffalo, NY
Time: 8:15 -3:00pm
Wednesday November 16, 2010
Pre-Latornell Ecological Recovery Plan Free Workshop
Open to all organizations & individuals practicing stewardship as a means of delivering conservation programs at local and regional scales
Location: Nottawasaga Inn & Conference Centre, 6015 Highway 89, Alliston, Ontario
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
RSVP Required: Contact Doug Wolthausen
wolthausen@sympatico.ca
November 17,18,19
Latornell – 2010 Biodiversity: Connecting People, Land and Water
Location: Nottawasaga Inn & Conference Centre, 6015 Highway 89, Alliston, Ontario
Further info: http://www.latornell.ca/
Thursday December 2, 2010
A trail for Lake Erie – 2010 Open House and Workshop Series-FREE
The purpose of this workshop is to refine coastal trail route, suggest sites of interest and ask questions
Location: West Harbour Restaurant, 3 Marina Drive, Port Colborne
Time: Day workshop 2:00-5:00pm
Open House: 5:00-6:00pm
Evening Workshop: 6:00-9:00pm
See here for more details or email questions to coast@carolinian.org or call 519.433.7077
May 26-27
Leading Edge 2010
Hosted by the Niagara Escarpment Commission
Location: Brock University
http://leadingedgeconference.blogspot.com/p/accommodations.html
Article: Tax changes will favour land trusts
NLT MEMBER UPDATE – September 2010
Hello NLT Supporters,
Happy Fall!! Hope you all had a wonderful summer and are enjoying the beautiful fall colours. The following is an update from over the last little while. Please feel free to provide feedback and suggestions on how to make these updates more informative for our members, volunteers and friends. If you have something you would like to be posted, please forward it my way (nkiers.nlt@gmail.com).
The following is the breakdown of the content for this update
1. News
2. Committee Updates
3. Events
Like the Niagara Land Trust on facebook here
Support the Niagara Land Trust by donating through Canadahelps
Cheers,
Natalie Kiers, Executive Director
Niagara Land Trust Foundation
Call for members and volunteers:
Please feel free to tell your networks about the NLT, invite a friend or two to join one the committees. Lets spread the word and engage the Niagara Community about the NLT. Together lets protect Niagara Natural Heritage!!
Our Ontario Trillium Foundation announcement made the online Niagara This Week publication.
Please see the article.
Some NLT Members and Natalie K have visited St. Catharines, Grimsby, Port Colborne, Brock U and Welland Farmers’ Markets over the last little while. This coming week and weekend Natalie K will be at the Pelham and NOTL Farmers Market. We have a bottle of reisling, tour and tasting donated from Pondview Estate Winery and a backpack donated from Outdoors Orientated up for grabs through the raffle. Tickets must be bought in person and the draw will happen at the end of the NLT Farmers’ Market Tour. Come stop by and get a ticket(s) and say hi!
Natalie K attended the Green Day at Niagara College on September 14, 2010.
The NLT is partnering with Niagara College HR program.
Students will complete real life projects for the NLT while gaining skills and creating a portfolio related to what they are studying.
The NLT is also partnering with the Niagara College GIS program.
The students will be creating maps that will identify priority areas based on our project selection criteria.
Science & Stewardship
The S&S Committee has been busy completing the ELC for the Smith Property. The property has been classified to the Ecosite level and the summer and fall flora inventories are complete. This coming spring, the vegetation lists will be added too, as well as, an avian and amphibian survey. The committee will be processing the field data and adding it to the Baseline Document Report (BDR). Next on the list is the Stewardship Plan. Next meeting Tuesday Oct 5, 2010
Project Review
The PR committee has met in the last month and is getting back on track after a break over the summer. We are one meeting away from submitting a Draft Conservation Agreement to the Lawyers. Next on the to-do-list is to begin the appraisal with John Penwarden.
Next meeting Tues. Oct 12, 2010.
Strategic Planning
This committee met a few times over the last few months to review the Annual Committee Workplans and review last years Strategic Plan. The committee has updated the actions items based on the workplan reviews and the Assessing your Organization Report completed early this year. See the updated Strategic Plan is attached.
Fundraising & Marketing
We have not met in some time but will be meeting this month, we have a whole lot of things to get talking about, some include:
- NLT visual image and marketing plan with Tri Media
- Fundraising
- Stewardship Fund fundraising
Next meeting: TBD
Board of Directors
Next meeting Tues. Oct 26, 2010
NLT Farmers’ Market Tour
Come and say hi if you are in the area!
- Thurs. Oct 7 – Pelham Farmers’ Market – Municipal Parking Lot, Pelham Town Square, Fonthill
- Sat. Oct 9 – NOTL Farmers’ Market – At the Corner of Niagara Stone Road (Hwy 55) & Niven Road
- Sat. Oct 16 – Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market – Sylvia Place
Wayne R will be presenting to the Friends of Fort Erie Creeks on Wed Oct 6, 2010.
How to ask without asking Workshop
Wed Oct 6, 2010 from 6-8pm at the Region.
Come and join Liz Palmieri, Executive Director of the Niagara Community Foundation for an informative workshop to become more comfortable with asking for money for the cause you support. It is not to late to RSVP. Please email nkiers.nlt@gmail.com.
The long and awaited Niagara Birds book is ready and fresh off the press.
The official launch is Sat. Oct. 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Lookout Point Country Club in Fonthill.
Here is a link to get a preview http://www.brocku.ca/tren/niagarabirds/
Niagara Falls Nature Club Monthly meeting will be Wed Oct 20, 2010, 7:30-9:30pm
Presentation from Sean Fox about the Elm Recovery Project
Peninsula Field Naturalist Monthly meeting will be Mon. Oct 25, 2010, 7-9 pm
The OLTA Gathering will be Oct 28-31 in Peterborough. See here for details about the schedule.
Article: Trillium grant for the Niagara Land Trust
NLT MEMBER UPDATE – August 2010
Happy Summer to everyone! Hope you are all enjoying the summer and getting outdoors and enjoying all it has to offer.
Here are this months updates:
There is some major news?The Niagara Land Trust has received 2 years of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation!!! YAY!!! Thank-you to everyone who helped in any way getting the proposal completed. The funding will help with the Administration capacity as well as head up starting our marketing strategy!! Stay tuned for a formal announcement.
We have a new mailing address, please update your records.
104-155 Main Street East, Suite 234
Grimsby Ontario,
L3M 1P2
If you need to call me at the office, the number here is 905.945.4700
Next on our plate is FUNDRAISING, everyones least favourite aspect. I hope we can change this opinion and be successful and sustainable fundraisers. We need to start planning for the upcoming year. We need to raise funds for our Stewardship Endowment Fund, project/program costs, and additional administration costs. Lisa Campbell has prepared a simple chart to help brainstorm future fundraising events/ideas. We also would like you to put a bit more thought into it and let us know how the idea can be implemented, when, where, who the target audience is, etc. Please take 20 min to fill out one suggestion and send it back to me. The chart is attached. Please send 1 suggestion or more if you have some by Friday August 13, 2010. The chart is attached. The fundraising and marketing committee will be meeting later this month. Please stay tuned.
The Science and Stewardship Committee met earlier in July for their monthly meeting. He committee also completed its second field visit to ELC (Ecological Land Classification) the property. Thanks to those of you who came out! We are generating quite the extensive vegetation list. Stay tuned for the next visit.
Upcoming events
Please see the NLT calendar for upcoming weekly events.
The Strategic Planning Committee Meeting
August 10
5:30pm
Regional Building Cafeteria
On Aug 14 and 15, St. Williams Nursery and Ecology Center will be hosting Forest Fest. Please see attachment flyers for further info.
NLT MEMBER UPDATE – July 2010
Article: Land Trust protecting Niagara’s natural heritage
Hello NLT Members,
Happy Canada Day and hope everyone is enjoying their summers to date. It has been some time since an update…I apologize for this. Please find some updates below. I trust that you are all well and I hope to see you soon.
Yours in Conservation,
Natalie Kiers
If you are a member or volunteer I encourage you to become a friend of the Niagara Land Trust. The form is here.
1. Committees
Science and Stewardship:
- Started ELCing Smith Property, have over 100 flora species recorded to date
- Working hard on the BDR document.
- Next field date July 18 at 8:30 am. All are invited. Please let Jason E (jasonbelliott@yahoo.ca) if you will be in attendance.
Project Review:
Not much to update on here, will have some updates next month.
Fundraising and Finance:
Have not had any meetings recently, but we are looking to hold an event in the near future. Anyone have any ideas?? Please feel free to share with me.
Strategic Planning:
Meeting has not been scheduled to date, please stay tuned.
Members and Nominations:
Anyone know individuals who may be interested in getting involved with the NLT? Please send along the NLT brochure and pass along the NLT website for more info.
2. Updates
Natural Heritage Strategy:
The NLT has been invited to be a part of the Natural Heritage System Framework coordinated by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and the Region of Niagara. We will have an NLT representative on the Steering Committee and Scenario Development Team.
Ontario Land Trust Alliance:
OLTA is moving, please update your records.
10 Adelaide Street East, Suite 401
Toronto Ontario, M5C 1J3
Phone: 416.588.6582
3. Important Dates:
Please see the NLT Calendar for a full listing of upcoming events.
July 14, 2010 – Friends of Short Hills Provincial Park BBQ and meeting
Time: 6pm
Location: St. Johns Outdoor Education Centre
Description: Please join the FOSHPP for a BBQ and presentation by Natalie K and Jim S about the Niagara Land Trust.
July 17. 2010 – Field day at Smith Property
Time: 8:30am
Location: Smith Residence, 105 Orchard Hill Drive
Description: ELC and inventory to be continued. Please let Jason E (jasonbelliott@yahoo.ca) if you will be in attendance.
Note: Dress for the weather and terrain (i.e. proper footware) and bring binocs, guides, bug dope, water, snacks etc
NLT MEMBER UPDATE – 4/08/2010
1. NLT Annual General Meeting a huge Success
The NLTs 2nd Annual General Meeting held on March 6, 2010 was a huge success. We had 31 attendees. There were committee presentations from committee Chairs and Ian MacNab, Executive Director of Ontario Land Trust Alliance gave an excellent presentation. Carla C made beautiful flower arrangements that were given away via a draw. Thanks to everyone who brought in some food/snacks to share. Also, the new brochure was hot of the press to handed out to all attendees. Thank you again for your hard work!
2. Become a Friend or Partner of the NLT
Please become a Friend or Partner of the Niagara Land Trust by filling out the form attached. Please also share this brochure with your networks electronically. If you would like any hardcopies please contact Natalie K (nkiers.nlt@gmail.com). Please do your part and tell other people in the Niagara Community about the Niagara Land Trust. Thank you in advance for spreading the word and becoming a friend or partner of the NLT!
3. Facebook
Please join the Niagara Land Trust Fan Page and share with your networks.
4. Committee Updates
Project Review – Joe T and Natalie K attended an Ecogifts workshop on Monday March 22. It was very informative and Natalie K has submitted an application to become an Eco-Gifts Eligible Recipient. We are still making great progress on the Smith Conservation Agreement. We received some example farm agreements from the Ontario Farmland Trust and the Couchiching Conservancy.
Science & Stewardship – Continuing to work on the Smith Baseline Document Report and Stewardship Plan.
Fundraising and Marketing – Two new members have joined this committee, Barbara Austin and Grant Titan. The Potential Donor List still needs some work. For those of you who have not added your name to the list could you do so and send back to Natalie K nkiers.nlt@gmail.com. Thank you to those that have responded. I hope you see how critical this is.
Strategic Planning – This committee can be expecting emails in the upcoming month as it is time to review the NLT Strategic Plan. All committee are completing their Annual Committee Work Plan Reviews and 2010 Annual Committee Work Plans. The Assessing Your Organization report will also be available for your review. Could all members that are not on the Strategic Planning Committee review the Strategic Plan (attached) and provide any comments/suggestions to Joyce S jsankey@cogeco.ca
5. Events
Please see the NLT calendar for further information
NLT Committee Meetings
Project Review – TBD
Science and Stewardship- April 20, 2010
Strategic Planning- TBD
Fundraising and Marketing- April 21, 2010
Directors- April 29, 2010
Saturday April 10, 2010 – 9am
Peninsula Field Naturalists
Meet at Birding tower at Beamer Conservation Area.
Bring lunch and a flashlight and join Hamilton Naturalist Club to explore the Eramosa Karst (small caves)
Contact Brian Calvert 905.892-6267
Saturday April 17, 2010 – 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Niagara Falls Nature Club Annual Dinner
Cost $25.00
Location – Betty’s Resturnat, Sodom Rd, Chippawa
Presentation: Algonquin Park and Tom Thompson.
Contact Win Laar: 905 262 5057
Saturday April 24, 2010 – All Day
RaptorFest
Peach King Centre, 20 Livingston Ave. Grimsby, On
http://www.raptorfestival.com/index.html
Saturday May 1 – 10am-4pm
FrogFest Niagara
Heartland Forest on Kalar Rd between Chippawa Creek Rd and Brown Rd.
(see flyer attached for more info)
NLT MEMBER UPDATE – 2/10/2010
1. Our AGM has been scheduled. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more info.
- Date: Saturday March 6, 2010
- Time:7:00PM
- Location: Niagara College, NOTL Campus W212
- Speaker: Ian MacNab, Executive Director of Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA)
2. The NLT has updated the website. Please visit and let us know what you think www.niagaralandtrust.com
- A calendar has been added, through the events tab. I will be posting the NLT committee meetings as well as upcoming events in our area. If you have any dates that you would like me to add to the calendar to inform our members and website visitors please let me know (for example conferences or workshops, other environmental organization meetings or outings)
- a login area is being created where all approved minutes will be posted for your review. Note: you will be getting the login info shortly.
- Our document library is being improved as well. If you have any links or resources that you think would benefit NLT volunteers, please pass along to me at nkiers.nlt@gmail.com. It will soon be available.
3. The NLT has a facebook page, please join our group and help spread the word about the Niagara Land Trust. Also the NLT has a profile on the NESTniagara site.
4. The NLT received funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Jackman Foundation late last year. These funds are greatly helping in the operational side of things.
5. Committee Updates
- Project Review – We are moving forward with the Smith Conservation Agreement. The in-depth narrative appraisal has started.
- Science and Stewardship – We are moving along and completing the Smith Baseline Document Report (BDR) that will accompany the Conservation Agreement. We will be continuing to work on the Smith Stewardship Plan and developing a Stewardship Team for this property
- Marketing and Finance and Fundraising – We will be meeting later this month to determine some fundraising ideas/plan to accompany our Strategic Plan and what marketing we can attach with it. If anyone knows someone who has marketing or fundraising background, please invite these individuals to the NLT as we could use some more help and expertise in these areas
- Members and Nominations – We have been busy planning the AGM and recruiting new members.
- Directors – Feb 4 the Board completed the Assessing Your Organization (AYO) exercise with OLTA to evaluate our governance with the Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices.
Upcoming events
See the NLT Calendar
1.Caring for SAR workshop – Carolinian Canada
- Date: Saturday March 6, 2010
- Time: 9am-4pm
- Location: Rittenhouse Hall, OMAFRA, Vineland
NLT MEMBER UPDATE – 3/1/2010
1.
Looking forward to seeing you at this years AGM
NIAGARA LAND TRUST Annual General Meeting
Saturday March 6, 2010 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Niagara College, NOLT Campus Room W212.
135 Taylor Rd, NOTL, ON
with light refreshments and snacks
PLEASE BRING REUSABLE MUG
Please join us for the Niagara Land Trust’s 2nd Annual General Meeting. Come learn more about the NLT, meet the Directors, Members & friends of the Land Trust, hear about our successes, our current projects, future plans, get involved in one of the 6 committees or just enjoy an evening out. Ian MacNab, the Executive Director from the Ontario Land Trust Alliance is our guest speaker. Ian M. will enlighten us on the provincial land trust movement & how the Niagara Land Trust is contributing.
Note: Please park in front parking lot and enter main entrance. There will be no charge for parking.
For more information about the NLT please visit our website www.niagaralandtrust.com
Please RSVP to Natalie Kiers, NLT Administration Co-ordinator at nkiers.nlt@gmail.com
“To conserve the Natural Heritage of the Niagara Peninsula”
2.
Members, please expect a AGM package in your inbox that will include
NLT Strategic Plan
2009 Financial Statements
2009 Minutes – Please review and bring any concerns to my attention before the AGM
2010 Agenda
3.
Website will be worked on in more detail this coming month.
4.
Please see Calendar for upcoming NLT committee meetings as well as upcoming community events. If you know of any additional events, please email nkiers.nlt@gmail.com.
Finance Fundraising and Marketing – 3rd week of March- TBD
Project Review- Tuesday March 9, Walker Board Room
Science and Stewardship – Thursday March 11, Location TBD
Strategic Planning – stay posted we will be meeting in the spring
Directors Monthly Meeting – Thursday March 25, 2010, Location TBD
5.
Continue to invite friends and your networks to join the Friends of the Niagara Land Trust facebook page.
6.
Committee Updates
- Project Review – working through easements for Smith Conservation Agreement
- Science and Stewardship – Continuing to work on Smith Baseline Document Report and the Smith Stewardship Plan.
- Finance, Fundraising and Marketing – We have created a NLT info brochure with Friends of the NLT membership/donation section. We are also moving forward in the Care for the Land you Love program to raise awareness about stewardship as well as create a lasting stewardship endowment fund with the Niagara Community Foundation. We are in the beginning stages of establishing a fundraising plan for the NLT.
- Directors – Received the Draft Assessing Your Organization (AYO) report from OLTA. This report/exercise has been very valuable and has helped us prioritize our next steps. This will be a great supporting document to accompany the NLT Strategic Plan.
Upcoming events
See the NLT Calendar for all upcoming events, highlights include:
1.Caring for SAR workshop – Carolinian Canada
- Date: Saturday March 6, 2010
- Time: 9am-4pm
- Location: Rittenhouse Hall, OMAFRA, Vineland
- Flyer and draft agenda attached
2. OLTA Workshop – Eco-gifts and planned giving.
Date: Monday March 22, 2010
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Helping Hands Orillia – Meeting Room – 210 Memorial Ave. Orillia On.
3. Ontario Trillium Foundation Workshop – Taking Advantage of Social Media for Non-Profits
Date: March 26, 2010
Time: 1pm-4pm
Location: Norfolk District Business Development Corporation, 4077 Highway #3, East Simcoe, Ontario
NIAGARA LAND TRUST Annual General Meeting
Saturday March 6, 2010 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Niagara College, NOLT Campus Room W212.
135 Taylor Rd, NOTL, ON
with light refreshments and snacks
PLEASE BRING REUSABLE MUG
Please join us for the Niagara Land Trust’s 2nd Annual General Meeting. Come learn more about the NLT, meet the Directors, Members & friends of the Land Trust, hear about our successes, our current projects, future plans, get involved in one of the 6 committees or just enjoy an evening out. Ian MacNab, the Executive Director from the Ontario Land Trust Alliance is our guest speaker. Ian M. will enlighten us on the provincial land trust movement & how the Niagara Land Trust is contributing.
For more information about the NLT please visit our website www.niagaralandtrust.com
Please RSVP to Natalie Kiers, NLT Administration Co-ordinator at nkiers.nlt@gmail.com
“To conserve the Natural Heritage of the Niagara Peninsula”
Note: Please park in the main front parking lot and enter through the front doors. There will be NO parking fee for this event.
Update June 2009
Niagara Land Trust Foundation is a Charitable Organization!
A heartfelt thank-you to all those who helped to make this memorable event possible, including Rick Dykstra and Malcolm Allen who sent letters to CRA on our behalf. “It has been a journey but I’m very proud & excited that we all have accomplished this very crucial step in our mission to conserve the natural heritage of the Niagara Peninsula.” (Paul Robertson, Vice Chair)
Committee Updates
The Board of Directors Committee
At the May 5th, 2009 meeting the Board passed a resolution formally adopting the Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices as published by the Canadian Land Trust Alliance in 2005. All Members should take the time to familiarize themselves with this document on the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) website. This establishes our ethical framework and accepted practices and is an important step for us to be accepted into OLTA as a member land trust. The Board is also pleased to announce that we have engaged the services of Natalie Kiers on a part time basis to assist NLT as our key coordinator.
The Strategic Planning Committee
We have begun the process of reviewing our short and long terms goals and renewing them now that the NLT has been formally established. We are fortunate to have Barbara Austin, Professor of Business Planning and Strategic Management at Brock University, as a NLT member to help guide us through this important process. Please check for an update on our progress in the days ahead.
The Project Review Committee
We are looking forward to completing our first conservation agreement on a beautiful 50 acre property in the St. Johns valley, which features valley land forest, 12 mile creek, a Christmas tree farm, and productive agricultural land. We have also been approached by an owner to have his property reviewed to determine whether it meets NLT criteria for possible acquisition.
Marketing Committee
We have been busy brainstorming ideas for a new logo and marketing material we can provide to potential partners and supporters in the community. We are also reviewing how we will use this website to provide outreach information to everyone. Stay tuned.
Finance and Fundraising Committee
We have established a budget for the year and we are now applying to various sources for grants. We also have also been brainstorming some interesting fundraising ideas.
Science and Stewardship Committee
We are in the process of familiarizing ourselves with the various sources of information related to biological data and planning in Niagara. We are also looking to establishing the framework of a NLT management and stewardship policy, one which ensures communities can experience their connection to nature through recreation and environmental education.
Members and Nominations Committee
We annually review our membership and committee volunteers. If you would like to join the Niagara Land Trust as a member or if feel you could contribute to one of our committees as a volunteer, please contact Natalie Kiers at nkiers.nlt@gmail.com for further information related to completing our application form (click here).
Official Launch of the “Niagara Land Trust”
Thursday, April 10, 2008 – 5:30 pm
Rittenhouse Room, Vineland Research Centre, Vineland
Members of the media are invited to attend the official launch of the Niagara Land Trust (NLT) on Thursday, April 10, 2008 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Rittenhouse Conference Room at the Vineland Research & Innovation Centre, Vineland.
The NLT is a land trust organization registered in 2008 as a non-profit, non-government body dedicated to holding natural lands in trust for the public benefit.
This unique not-for-profit organization will protect the special natural features of the Niagara Peninsula for future generations. The NLT can achieve this by direct ownership and management of land, by holding conservation easements, by a range of stewardship initiatives with private owners and by working with landowners and other organizations sharing our desire to protect nature. The NLT protects significant natural areas, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and ANSIs (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest), and productive agricultural properties. It also protects large intact natural areas, especially high quality upland forests, headwater areas and other critical watershed areas such as river corridors, and natural areas close to urban centres. As well, the NLT protects natural areas with scenic, educational or recreational value, and special landscapes under particular threat, such as Carolinian forests and lakeshores. We will support and encourage good stewardship by sharing information with landowners about natural features, management techniques, and conservation.
The launch event will also feature two guest speakers. Ron Reid, Executive Director, Couchiching Conservancy will speak on how the Couchiching Conservancy has grown to be one of the Canada’s most successful and highly regarded land trusts. Ian Buchanan, Manager of Natural Heritage & Forestry Services, York Region will speak on how the York Region has engaged the entire community in the management and use of their regional forests. A light meal & refreshments will be provided.
Agenda:
5:30 pm to 5:45 pm – Welcome and an update on the launch of the Niagara Land Trust
Lisa Campbell, Ecologist with L. Campbell & Associates, Grimsby
5:45 pm to 6:25 pm – “Growing a Land Trust from Infancy Onwards”
Ron Reid, Executive Director, Couchiching Conservancy.
Ron has been Executive Director of The Couchiching Conservancy for the past 6 years, and was part of the founding Board for the organization nearly 15 years ago. He has been Chair of the Ontario Nature Trust Alliance, a Public-at-Large Member of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, and Board member of far too many environmental and educational organizations. As well as a 5-year stint as Conservation Director for Ontario Nature, he has over 20 years consulting experience for a wide variety of government and non-government clients.
6:25 pm to 6:35 pm – break
6:35 pm to 7:15 pm – “Green Infrastructure Partnerships within York Region”
Ian Buchanan, Manager of Natural Heritage & Forestry Services, York Region
Ian has worked as a professional ecologist for over 22 years. He worked for 15 years as a Biologist and then Manager with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. In 2002 he began work with the Regional Municipality of York to develop and implement a variety of environmental programs including the Greening and Securement Strategies. Ian has extensive experience with environmental protection and public land management, including managing Crown Land and the York Regional Forest.
7:15 pm to 7:30 pm
Wayne Redekop, Lawyer & former Mayor of Fort Erie
To review the membership structure of the land trust
Directions:
From the QEW exit at Vineland, Victoria Avenue (exit 52). Travel north towards the lake approx. 300 m to the Research Centre (OMNR/OMAFRA office) on the left side.
For further information:
Paul Robertson, Chair
Founding Committee – Niagara Land Trust
Tel: (905) 714-0723
Email: paul@treesunlimited.ca