About the Foundation

Types of Projects undertaken by the Conservation Foundation:

Support for tree planting and land reforestation initiatives
Support for rehabilitation efforts such as data collection, carp exclosures, habitat structure installation and butterfly gardens
Support for environmental education programs
Development of a Living Discovery Centre at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
Establishment of a memorial forest and a memorial bench program
Support for trail development and maintenance across the watershed
Educational bursaries for students entering post secondary education at the University of Guelph , the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo in the fields of Geography and Environmental Studies
Support for the acquisition and protection of environmentally significant lands

The Role of CVC Foundation in the Credit River Watershed Community

When CVC was created in 1954, the Credit River and its communities were facing great challenges. Property damaging floods were a regular occurrence. In the summer water flow was reduced to a trickle and, in some areas, sewage, industrial discharge and sediment polluted the water.

Since the formation of Credit Valley Conservation, a slow but steady recovery has begun. Today the water is cleaner and damaging floods and droughts less frequent. There is as much forest cover in the watershed now as there was 100 years ago and Atlantic Salmon, which have not been seen in the river in 150 years, are beginning to return.

Despite these accomplishments, there is still much to be done. Restoration of parts of the river is still needed and accommodating future population growth, while protecting the river, will continue to be an incredible challenge.

In 1964, Credit Valley Conservation established the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation to support its activities. Since then the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation has been assisting Credit Valley Conservation with the daunting task of environmental protection.
Members and donors to the CVC Foundation firmly believe that our personal health, economic well-being and quality of life are inextricably linked to the health of our natural environment.

We also believe that the Credit River Watershed is an incredible place to live, work and play and we want it to stay this way.

Our group of dedicated volunteers engages the community in support of projects including tree planting and reforestation, habitat restoration, trail development, environmental education and the protection of environmentally significant lands.

Together, we are the guardians of the Credit River, which has been placed in our trust by the people of the watershed. We take our responsibility seriously and will ensure that this trust is earned.

Objectives

To provide opportunities (that will benefit residents and visitors to the Credit
Valley Conservation Authority Watershed);

1)   to protect and enhance water quality and quantity;

2)   to protect and enhance sustainable forest and wildlife       communities using an ecosystem approach;

3)   to promote landowner stewardship programs that contribute to       the conservation of our natural environment and wildlife       resources;

4)   for environmental education accessible to people of all ages and       backgrounds;

5)   for affordable and ecologically sustainable recreation       accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds;

6)   for the acquisition and protection of environmentally significant       lands;

7)   to sustain natural heritage sites;

8)   to contribute to a natural and archeological legacy;

9) for scholarships and bursaries for individuals in the scientific,       environmental, and/or archeological and natural heritage fields       of education and research.

Board of Directors

The foundation board is a group of environmentally committed prominent individuals dedicated to raising funds and awareness to support an environmentally healthy watershed for economically and socially sustainable communities.

The foundation board is comprised of public and private sector volunteers from watershed municipalities and communities. The projects that the Foundation supports offer a tangible benefit to residents in communities through-out the watershed.

2007 Board of Directors

Marolyn Morrison, Chair, currently the Mayor of Caledon and was a CVC Board Member until December 2004.

Leslie Adams, Vice Chair, Special Advisor, environmental issues to the Canadian Government for the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development.

Rae Horst, Secretary Treasurer, and current Chief Administrative Officer of CVC.

Ron Bianchi, Trustee, is the former Executive Meteorologist of The Weather Network and Past President of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society.

John Grange, Trustee, runs Lorthlorien Farm in Cheltenham, On. and Lorthlorien Farm South in Florida and is an active member of the Concerned Citizens of Caledon.

Phil Green, Trustee, is president of Greenbridge Management Inc. and founding Chair of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee.

Doug Keaney, Trustee, is a Sales & Management Executive and the Past President of the Brampton Symphony Orchestra.

Ellen McGregor, Trustee, is from the private sector and is Chair and C.E.O of Fielding Chemical Technologies Inc.

Pat Mullin, Trustee, is currently the Chair of the CVC Board of Directors and a Councillor for the City of Mississauga.

Nancy Mulholland, Trustee, is a long time resident of the Watershed and President of Hickory Falls Ratepayers Association.

Jim Muscat, Trustee, is a former Toronto Police Services Sergeant and Communications Spokesperson and the current President of the Learning Disabilities Association of Mississauga.

Dr. John Richardson, Trustee, is a respected veterinarian in Brampton and an active member of the Concerned Citizens of Caledon.

Bob Shirley, Trustee, is the Vice Chair of the CVC Board of Directors, Chair of the Island Lake Management Committee and Friends of Island Lake.

Mike Warrian, Trustee, is the past Executive Director of Trout Unlimited, Ontario Council where his efforts have been recognized through the establishment of The Mike Warrian Award for Volunteer Excellence.

Click here to view a message from the foundation chair, Marolyn Morrision.

Committees

The following committees play a vital role in assisting the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation in meeting fundraising goals, and enhancing community involvement and awareness of various projects.

Friends of Island Lake Fundraising Committee
Bob Shirley, Chair
Bob Burnside
Terrance Carter
Don Cullen
Marc Darby
Doc Gillies
Dr. Warren Hilliard
Laura Ryan
Branda Teeter

Annual Giving Campaign Committee
Leslie Adams
Doug Keaney

Conservation Gala
Jim Muscat
Mike Warrian

Conservation Youth Corps Committee
Leslie Adams
Ron Bianchi
Doug Keaney

Memorial Forest Campaign Committee
Marolyn Morrison
John Richardson