A Watershed for Life - Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation

A Watershed for Life
GRATITUDE
REPORT
2013
A Busy Year of Great Accomplishments
We are both so pleased to be able to update you
on the exciting achievements of the past year. It
was all because of you that we were successful so
let’s celebrate together knowing that the impact
of this achievement is that our partner LSRCA can
support more stewardship and education programs and projects happening in our community.
This was also the year that we became officially accredited by Imagine Canada through their
distinguished Standards program for charitable
and nonprofit organizations. It was not a quick
process! In fact, it took us over a year to receive
this designation. To do it, we worked with Imagine Canada’s Standards Program to demonstrate
our compliance in five fundamental areas: board
governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, staff management and volunteer management. Although there are currently
more than one hundred thousand charities and
nonprofits in Canada, we are 1 of only 45 charities who have been accredited in this way. Having
this accreditation will no doubt inspire confidence
among our donors and communities for the work
we do to support the protection and restoration of
the Lake Simcoe watershed.
In addition to these achievements, the last year
saw the Foundation partner with the LSRCA to
create a new interactive fold-out map that gives
residents an easy-to-understand picture of our
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© Jim Craigmyle
Photography
watershed and conservation areas. All new watershed residents in our Inspiring Greener Communities will get one in their Welcome Home Gift Bags
to help them acquaint themselves with their new
community. Feel free to visit the Foundation office
to get yours too!
Nothing that has happened in the past year could
have been possible without the generous help of
our donors and volunteers. Thank you! With you
by our side, we look forward to providing more
support for our watershed’s important environmental work in the year to come.
Sincerely,
Debby Beatty,
President
Cheryl Taylor,
Executive Director
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
The Creeks Project Moves Ahead
Our focus has recently shifted from
the East Holland River Campaign to The Creeks
Project Campaign, making 2013 a year of transition. In partnership with LSRCA, City of Barrie and
Town on Innisfil, The Creeks Project focuses on
the Lovers, Hewitt’s and Barrie Creeks subwatersheds. The Authority has identified more than 189
potential projects that will cost approximately 19
million to complete. Stewardship plans are currently being developed to manage the high profile
projects that will take place around the watershed.
The Authority’s focus in 2013 was on engaging
partners, developing concepts for public demonstration areas and completing initial projects.
To get started, the Authority focused on partner
development in Barrie and engaged with the City
of Barrie, Living Green Barrie and several service
clubs. Once these partnerships were established,
the project was launched in Sunnidale Park on
a fine day in May and hundreds of trees were
planted along Kidds Creek to anchor the project.
Eventually, a public demonstration area will be
built at Sunnidale Park to showcase residential
rain water management and act as a focal point
for The Creeks Project. The showcase site will
knit together work in the Kidds Creek. It will also
act as a teaching tool for nearby residents to learn
about what they can do on their properties that
positively impacts the creek and its fish habitats.
The site will take several years to build and was
well underway by the end of 2013.
“For decades, urban development has
focused on getting water to flow as quickly
as possible away from buildings; however,
the effect in the creeks, streams and rivers
is significant and the overall health of these
bodies of water is severally impacted when
you add up the small contributions from
each landowner.
It will take the contributions of donors,
together with residents to start to fix
the problems in the neighbourhoods
surrounding Kidds Creek.”
Dan Andrews, Watershed Coordinator
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
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A Destination for Natural Inspiration:
Scanlon Creek Conservation Area
© Jim Craigmyle Photography
There have been some exciting developments
at Scanlon Creek in the past year. The Friends
of Scanlon Creek volunteer group continues to
work tirelessly to revitalize the largest Conservation Area in our watershed. Through their events
and workshops, we are connecting with the local
community; inspiring them to get outside with
their families to enjoy nature and get more active.
© Jim Craigmyle
Photography
Thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation for
contributing $328,300 from 2009 – 2013
for the revitalization of Scanlon Creek. The
community now enjoys improved trails, Discovery Play Garden for kids, better signage,
a wonderful off- leash Bark Park for our fourlegged friends and so much more.
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“2013 was a satisfying year for the Friends
of Scanlon Creek. Our volunteers supported the delivery of a variety of community events including the winter Family
Fun Day, the Mayor’s Hike for Health, Kid’s
Fun Day, Bird Watching Workshops and
Nature Walks. Together with LSRCA staff,
the Friends also sponsored volunteer work
days which drew more than 20 volunteers
to help maintain existing trails, construct
new trails, improve trail signage and construct a play fort at the Children’s Discovery Play Garden.
Perhaps most gratifying was to see the expertise and enthusiasm of new members
who wanted to join the Friends of Scanlon
Creek because they value what we are doing and want to contribute. The year was
topped off by a final surprise—receiving
the Pioneering Green Community Award
from the LSRCA in recognition of our efforts!
Ken Vogan, Friends of Scanlon Creek
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
Conservation Kids Camp
Every summer, The Town of Aurora in partnership
with LSRCA, offer children a unique and exhilarating outdoor experience. The Conservation Kids
Camp takes place at Sheppard’s Bush Conservation Area and is an environmental education day
program that gives local children an opportunity
to have fun and learn about the natural world.
Camp activities include cooperative games and
learning about the world of trees, bugs, birds and
the web of life. The camp gives kids the chance to
explore the field, forest and pond, create nature
arts & crafts, build wilderness shelters and much
more. In 2013, there were more than 200 kids
participating in the Conservation Kids Camp.
For almost fifteen years, the Foundation has partnered with the North Newmarket Lions Club to
help support disadvantaged children to attend
Conservation Kids Camp. For the past few years,
Newmarket Cares for Kids, a local non-profit that
provides opportunities for youth to be involved
in recreational programs, has assisted us to help
place children in the camp. Since the camp began, this kind support has allowed for dozens of
kids to get outside and enjoy nature. Conservation
Kids Camp provides wonderful opportunities for
physical skill development and the development
of self-esteem, co-operation within a group, leadership, self-control and perseverance.
© Jim Craigmyle Photography
From the mouths of kids who attended
camp in 2013:
“I made friends at camp because they let
us pick our own groups for activities. I have
even seen a few of the kids since camp
finished.”
“I liked building shelters, and one time we
had to group together to build one.”
“I enjoyed the cook out. We ate hot dogs
and pasta and marshmallows!”
“I never usually do stuff over the summer
but the camp allowed me to do things.”
“The North Newmarket Lions
Club motto is “We Serve”. We
care about creating a strong and
healthy future for our children and are thrilled
to work with the Foundation to help local
kids attend Conservation Kids Camp each
summer at Sheppard’s Bush Conservation
Area in Aurora. It’s a great feeling knowing
we are helping them get outside in the fresh
air and learn about nature close to home.”
North Newmarket Lions Club
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
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Inspiring Greener Communities
Two new builders joined the
Inspiring Greener Communities program in
2013. We are proud
to now have Lormel Homes and
Mosaik Homes involved with this initiative. These
two new groups join the list of many other builders
and developers who are helping to connect new
residents of our watershed with their environmental community. This voluntary program is open to
all groups who have home construction within the
Lake Simcoe watershed.
With each newly constructed home that closes,
the participating builder will donate to LSCF in
support of restoration and protection projects.
Thanks to our partners of this program, all new
home owners in the area will receive a Welcome
Home Gift Bag which contains products and services that are useful and ecofriendly and will help
them get settled in their new watershed community.
“I became a member of Inspiring Greener
Communities because it was the right thing
to do. Attention to water resources and
meaningful support for initiatives for the
protection and preservation of Lake Simcoe is something that we all need to be
continually mindful of. I wanted to do my
part and hope that others will see a similar
value. My contribution was a small one,
but a larger collective industry contribution
could make a difference.”
Paul Bailey, Bazil Developments Inc. (Mosaik Homes)
“As a Lake Simcoe community builder
and supporter of green initiatives, Lormel
Homes is proud to be a sponsor of the “Inspiring Greener Communities” program. We
highly support the work of the Lake Simcoe
Conservation Foundation and their commitment to support a healthy ecosystem that is
balanced by sustainable development.”
Luana Schiraldi, Lormel Homes
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LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
Marinas Coming Together to Protect the Lake
Photo by derekp via
Flickr Creative Commons
The Lake Simcoe Marina’s Care Program continues to evolve as more marina operators partner in
protection of the health of our lake. The program
works to help the boating community understand
the opportunities and challenges facing our watershed. The past year saw much needed support
given to protect the precious lake that connects
us all. Financial support from marinas involved in
the program has helped to improve water quality by reducing the amount of pollutants flowing
into Lake Simcoe; restoring a cold water fishery;
reducing aquatic weed growth; and protecting
our green space and wetlands. The program also
works to provide environmental education to children, develop partnerships to promote public
awareness and raise environmental awareness
among boaters and marina operators.
A big thank you to all the Lake Simcoe marinas
who have made multi-year commitments to this
program. Their support allows for science, research and stewardship projects that will result
in a cleaner Lake Simcoe. These improvements
enhance the boating experience, attract boaters
to the lake and improve the success of businesses
in the watershed.
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
PAGE 6
Events Update
There were many events in 2013, but two stood
out. In February, the 2nd Annual Freezin’ For a
Reason Polar Dip took place and 20 souls braved
the icy water of Lake Simcoe at Innisfil Beach Park
to raise funds for the Foundation. There were hundreds of onlookers gathered to cheer on the dippers as they jumped into the icy lake. There was
also excellent media coverage at the event which
helped to spread awareness of the Foundation
and the work we do. In total, this chilly dip raised
almost $8,000 for the Foundation!
“These types of events give the Foundation
an opportunity to increase the awareness
level around the role we play to raise funds
to support science and research, protection and restoration, education as well as
engagement initiatives for the Lake Simcoe
Region Conservation Authority. “
Lee Hanson,
LSCF Annual Fund Coordinator
Then in June, the Conservation Dinner—our annual signature event—celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Conservation Dinner aims to raise
funds and awareness for the programs and projects happening in the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Because of last year’s anniversary, there were displays honoring the heritage of Lake Simcoe at the
dinner. Very positive feedback was received on all
aspects of the event including the venue, service,
volunteers and atmosphere. Most importantly, the
dinner was sold out with more than $140,000 being raised. Thanks to all our sponsors, staff and
volunteers who made it all possible.
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LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
Board of Directors
(May 2013 to May 2014)
• Debby Beatty,
President
• Brad Rogers,
Vice President
• William Carey,
Secretary Treasurer
• Debbie Bath
• Alan Chapple
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•
Thomas Connell
Ron Craig
Geoff Dawe
Bobbie Drew
Robert Grossi
John McCallum
David Ouchterlony
Steve Schaefer
The following Directors will retire from the LSCF
Board of Directors at the May 28, 2014 Annual
General Meeting:
• Alan Chapple
• Dr. David Ouchterlony
Thanks for your dedicated service to the Lake
Simcoe Conservation Foundation Board of Directors and your commitment to the health of our
beautiful watershed.
Our Staff
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•
•
•
Cheryl Taylor, Executive Director
Judy Milner, Development Officer
Lee Hanson, Annual Fund Coordinator
Brenda Winter, Project Coordinator and
Community Outreach
Volunteer Dinner
Committee
Thank You to all the hardworking dinner volunteers who helped us raise over $140,000 at the
25th Annual Conservation Dinner on June 5th,
2013 at the Carrying Place Golf and Country Club
in King:
•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dan Andrews
Trish Barnett
Wanda Black
Theresa Bos
Janice Bennett
John Brown and staff
Dana Eldon
Shelley Fogelman
Lee Hanson
Megan Hollingsworth
Jean Maltais
Susan McKinnon
Judy Milner
Patricia Milner
Kim Morrissey
Marj Mossman
Meli Rosata
Victoria Sim
Cheryl Taylor
Brenda Winter
Kristen Yemm
Thanks to all Board Directors who also assisted
with the Conservation Dinner.
The Conservation Foundation would like to thank our incredible volunteers.
Your continued guidance and dedication to a healthier watershed is greatly appreciated.
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
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2013 Financial Summary
2013 FUNDRAISING REVENUE: $538,026
WHERE DID IT COME FROM?
Foundations and
Grants: 24%
General Donations: 43%
Events: 27%
Interest: 1%
Transfer to Program
Reserve: 5%
WHERE DID IT GO?
Restoration and
Protection: 38%
Fundraising: 42%
Operating: 13%
Education: 7%
Audited financial statements are available on our website at www.lakesimcoefoundation.ca.
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LAKE
LAKESIMCOE
SIMCOECONSERVATION
CONSERVATIONFOUNDATION
FOUNDATION- GRATITUDE
- 2012 ANNUAL
REPORT
REPORT
2013
Thank You To Our Generous Donors
ECO CHAMPION
($250-$999)
• Janice Robinson
• John Adams
• Joel and Adrienne Slan
• Barbara Bamford
• Gary and Janis Soren
• Bruce and Nancy Bone
• The Lloyd and Gladys Fogler Foundation
• Ian and Margaret Clarke
• Harry and Anne Walker
• William and June Coward
• John Wardrop
• Anthony and Joy DeWerth
• William Prager Limited
• Britton and Nancy Doherty
• Alfred Wirth
• Michael and Maureen Douglas
• Kelin Zhao
• Mary Jane Sarjeant
• Clifford Dresner
• Norah Dunning
• Dr. David and Craig Ellis
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
($1,000-$4,999)
• Jay Feldman
• Donald Bainbridge
• Philip Gilbert
• Joanne Best
• Wendy Gilbert
• Betty and Chris Wansbrough Family
Foundation
• Groundswell Urban Planners
• Paul and Vicki Hand
• Reneé Jarrett and Nick Saccone
• Brian and Susan Kemp
• Donald and Lorraine Lawson
• Jocelyn Lee
• Walter and Marylou Montanera
• Monto Reno Marina
• Jerome Morse and Catherine Lawrence
• Roland Nicholls
• Roger Oatley
• Douglas Osborne
• Geoffrey Peat
• Andee Pelan
• Douglas Reid
• John and Anne Marie Ritchie
• Earl and Esme Bogoch
• Dr. Suzanne Caudry
• Hugh and Carolyn Cleland
• Thomas Connell and Sara Griffiths
• John and Catherine Dale
• Larry and Joyce Dare
• Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
• Jonathan and Roberta Fidler
• Margot Franssen and Quig Tingley
• Virginia Hackson
• Edythe Hall
• Nick and Beryl Hamilton-Piercy
• Mark and Ricki Harris
• Michael Higgins
• Norm Huggins
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
PAGE 10
Thank You To Our Generous Donors
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
($1,000-$4,999)
CONTINUED
NATURE LOVERS
($5,000-$9,999)
• Bryce and Connie Hunter
• James Baillie
• Innisfil Fire Department -Station 2
• Bill and Karen Barnett
• Keswick Marine (1977) Ld.
• Environment Canada
• Gordon and Doreen Lak
• Ivanhoe Cambridge II - Vaughan Mills
• Bruce and Judith Langstaff
• TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
• William and Jean Lawrence
• John West
• Brian and Joannah Lawson
WATERSHED HEROES
($10,000-$50,000)
• Lefroy Harbour Resorts Inc.
• William and Sherri Low
• Steve Martin
• McGregor On The Water
• Wayne and Beverley McLeod
• North Newmarket Lions Club
• Drs. David and Donna Ouchterlony
• Paul Higgins Jr. Fund
• John and Mitzi Pepall
• Andrew and Judy Robinson
• Mark and Marlo Shoom
• James and Carolyn Swan
• Marcella and Joe Tanzola
• Jan and Kathleen Tesar
• The Lawrence and Judith Tanenbaum Family
Foundation
• Robert and Diana Tweedy
• Gail Watkin
• David and Shelagh Wilson
• Gayle Wood
• Mary Grace Wright
PAGE 11
• David Beatty
• Debby Beatty
• The Estate of Jane Valerie Wodehouse
• Helen McCrea Peacock Foundation
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Debby and David Beatty’s Birthday
• Earl Bogoch and Esme Carroll
• Ruth A.E. Green
• Michael Jackson
• Susan Kime
• Arthur and Sonia Labatt
• Edmund and Martha Osler
• Drs. David and Donna Ouchterlony
• Ralph Southward
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Mayor Virginia Hackson, Tom Webster, John
Eaton, Marlene Johnston, Cathy Morton and
Tara Roy-DiClemente from
• Doug Skeffington of Royalpark Homes
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
Thank You To Our Generous Donors
25TH ANNUAL GEORGE RICHARDSON
CONSERVATION DINNER
Nature Lovers
• Sharon Village
Environmental Leader
• Friday Harbour Resort Inc.
Eco-Champion
• Beacon Environmental
• Brookfield Homes (Ontario) Limited
• Cortel Group
• Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
• Great Gulf Group of Companies
• Green Earth Village Inc.
• Holland Landing Landowners Group
IN MEMORIAM
Donald Ernest Cooke
• Bailey Abramovitz
Ernest Crossland
• Alan P. Wells, BAS, CA
• Dorothy McRobb
• Peter Haughland Howden
Beris Erwood
• Donna Janes
Noreen Lewington
• Barbara MacKenzie-Wynia
• Bonnie & Family Fox (Stefan)
• Don Pearson
• Magna
• Donna MacQuarrie
• Malone Given Parsons Ltd.
• Kristin Bristow
• Metrus Development Inc.
• Lisa Dreasher
• Rice Commercial Group
• Mary Slingerland
• SCS Consulting Group. Ltd.
Robert John Pugsley
• Ian Walterhouse
• Urbantech Consulting
IN HONOUR
Birth of Kyra Lily Eleorah Baker
• Dan and Erica Baker
Debby and David Beatty from
• Anthony and Susan Pigott
• Brenda M. White
Dick Sandiford
• Dan and Erica Baker
Jane Valerie Wodehouse
• Humphrey Funeral Home
• James and Mary Roberts
• John A. Wardrop
• Margaret Arnold
• Briare Wynn
• Mary P Hickey
• David and Judy K. Galloway
• Pamela F. Biggs
• David and Kathy Richardson
• Robert McEwen
• David R Glue
• Tess Harvie
• Lorrie McKenzie
• Paul and Rosemary Hannam
• Ruth A.E. Green
• Stephanie Flynn
Scott and Debbie’s Wedding
• Dean Mulvenna
We also recognize the many donors who
have given smaller amounts as well as
those who wished to remain anonymous.
Every gift makes a difference.
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
PAGE 12
Thanks for the Kind Words
We recently asked a group of our donors why they have chosen to support the work of the Lake Simcoe
Conservation Foundation. Can you relate to any of their answers below?
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“We feel very lucky and privileged to be able to spend our retirement years on the
shores of Lake Simcoe swimming, canoeing and having friends and family visit.
Without an organization like yours, government might ignore the threats to our
beautiful lake until it’s too late.”
“We have a family cottage established in 1927. We go up almost every weekend.
We are environmentalists and value the health of the watershed. We support the
work of the Foundation because of our 13-month-old son. It is absolutely imperative to preserve our waterways and restore them where possible.”
“Lake Simcoe is our family’s retreat and we want to maintain its real estate value.
We donate because we want to keep Lake Simcoe waters pristine for us and
future generations.”
“Lake Simcoe is an important quality of life. It is a gem both for wildlife and as
an economic driver for the region. Protecting this treasure through watershed
projects enhancing the creeks and controlling runoff is a priority we endorse.”
“It is important to preserve the Lake Simcoe watershed for future generations so
they can enjoy the lake as we have enjoyed it over the years. I feel that this is a
worthwhile cause to support that is also local. The conservation work is vital to
the future of our area as a tourist attraction as well as for the local residents. Our
area relies heavily on tourism in all the seasons of the year.”
“I spend about 100 hours a year gazing out at the lake from our cottage as three
generations have done before me. The irresistible strain of development has already damaged the lake and will do so more in the future. Everything that can be
done must be done to restore and protect it.”
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
Message from LSRCA Chair
ADAPTING TO THE CLIMATE OF CHANGE
Nothing is constant
except change. This
adage is truer today
than ever before.
In the business of
conservation, we’ve
grown accustomed to
a constantly changing
landscape and the
fact that natural
systems don’t follow
political or humancreated boundaries.
• We were successful in securing over $3 million
in funding through the newly expanded Environment Canada Lake Simcoe Georgian Bay
Clean Up Fund (LSGBCUF) - These funds will
help us implement critical projects throughout
the watershed through to 2017
We are continuously navigating two separate but
overlapping realities - the reality inherent in complex natural systems and the reality of socially
constructed systems. With expert researchers,
natural and applied scientists as well as social
science disciplines informing our work, LSRCA is
well-positioned to take on these challenging realities.
I invite you to read our 2013 annual report to
learn more. It can be found on our website at
LSRCA.on.ca.
Not only are we well-equipped to respond and
adapt to changing circumstances, but our trusted
science and research tells us where we need to
take action and drive change. Our RainScaping
program is an excellent example. RainScaping
aims to transform the way we plan and develop in
more urban environments.
2013 was an exceptional year marked by several
notable highlights across our organization:
• Our re-focused education program continued to grow through new partnerships and is
showing promising signs of sustainability
• Our staff were engaged in a progressive movement to create an exceptional office culture
based on character values
Of course, our work is made possible through
the generous support of our partners. Partners,
like the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation,
who demonstrate the ultimate commitment to our
cause through the funds they raise. In 2013, the
Foundation raised nearly $600,000 to support our
work.
The Conservation Foundation makes possible the
continuation of another important partnership we
have with the watershed itself – which is encapsulated in our vision of “A Watershed for Life”.
Debbie Bath,
Chair of LSRCA
• Our Landowner Environmental Assistance
Program (LEAP) underwent a transformation
and expansion, taking a more urban focus
LAKE SIMCOE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION - GRATITUDE REPORT 2013
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The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
120 Bayview Parkway, Box 282
Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4X1
Charitable No.: BN 11900 3317 RR0001
[email protected]
LakeSimcoeFoundation.ca
The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation is the leading registered environmental charity in our watershed; working to help restore and protect the land and water of the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation programs and projects of
the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. LSCF is accredited in the distinguished Imagine Canada
Standards Program, demonstrating the highest standards for public confidence in the nonprofit sector.