Current Campaigns - Friends of Island Lake
The Friends of Island Lake was established in 2005 as a fundraising committee under the Credit ValleyConservation Foundation. The Friends were formed to enhance community involvement and awareness of the need to expand the current trail system at Island Lake Conservation Area.
The Friends of Island Lake are local residents and community members dedicated to ensuring that the community and its visitors benefit from quality educational, interpretive and recreational opportunities at Island Lake Conservation Area.
Our Vision
A walking and cycling trail around the perimeter of Island Lake that will link with trail networks that are planned or existing in Orangeville, Caledon & Mono.
Our Success to Date:
In 2001, the first 2-kilometers of the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail opened. The trail was officially named to recognize the outstanding contributions made by Credit Valley Conservation’s retired General Manager. In addition to the construction of the raised screen pathway, trail amenities include information kiosks, viewing platforms, interpretive signage, donor recognition signs and permanent boardwalks over environmentally sensitive wetland.
On October 3rd, 2007 the first community trail linkage to the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail was officially opened.The new 920-metre, fully accessible hiking and cycling trail was built by Mono in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation, the County of Dufferin, the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority and with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The trail ends at the north shore dam in the Island Lake Conservation Area.
Island Lake - The Hub of a Connected Community
Picturesque Island Lake Conservation Area is located in the rolling hills of Dufferin County in the Towns of Orangeville and Mono, and provides four seasons of recreation. It’s 332 hectares of lake, wetland, forest and meadows play an important ecological role in protecting the headwaters of the Credit and Nottawasaga Rivers.
Island Lake’s varied landscapes lend themselves to interesting and educational hikes and outings. The lake is rich in life with healthy fish and wildlife populations, and abundant underwater plants. On shore, deer, red fox, raccoon, porcupines and even flying squirrels make their homes. Osprey, great blue herons, mallards and many other bird species are seen at Island Lake throughout the summer, as are painted turtles and leopard frogs. In spring and fall, migratory birds pause briefly, taking advantage of the diverse habitats
and provide an opportunity for birdwatchers to enjoy.
Residents and visitors to Island Lake can engage in a variety of water and land based activities including; fishing, boating, windsurfing, educational and interpretive programs, hiking, picnicking, volleyball, crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.
Every community needs a hub, a central place where residents can organize community events, share the local news, welcome visitors and tourists, watch their children play or just enjoy the view. Island Lake Conservation Area is this hub and will be an even greater community asset upon the completion of the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail with connections to surrounding communities.
Meeting the Objectives of Credit Valley Conservation
The Island Lake Perimeter Trail is one of the key recommendations widely supported in the 1997 Island Lake Conservation Area Management Plan. Research used in developing the plan noted the high potential of the conservation area to enhance and create a regional node for outdoor based tourism activities in the headwaters. The Trail was identified as the major passive recreational attraction that would meet the needs of both residents
and visitors.
The Trail will provide year round access, enjoyment and appreciation to the outstanding natural scenery of Island Lake, while also meeting Credit Valley Conservations objectives for protection and appreciation of natural systems of the headwaters through the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation and tourism initiatives.
"Responding to the Local Voice"
Through consultations we learned that while many residents treasure the “green space” of our region for itsintrinsic value and see its tourist potential, this natural asset is underutilized because we currently lack a comprehensive, interconnected, regional trail system or a coordinated strategy to create one.
Although we have a number of committed trails groups throughout the region, they are primarily working independently of each other with limited resources. Citizens told us that creating an interconnected system of trails throughout the region would have a significant impact on quality of life through its ability to affect positive change in the three areas of our strategic focus…economic prosperity, community health and social well being,
and environmental viability.
Building a Regional Network of Trails, Preliminary Findings Report October 2007
Headwaters Communities in Action
Why Trails?
Strong Communities
Trails strengthen the social fabric. Volunteering is one measure of the vitality of a society. People working together, giving their time freely, and sharing in socially valuable, meaningful activities – these are practices that create strong communities.
Trail construction and maintenance builds and solidifies partnerships among community groups, businesses, property owners, local government, community residents and local trail club members. The province as a whole is also strengthened as people of all
income brackets, all age groups and all cultures travel throughout Ontario for trail-based recreational experiences.
Strong People, Strong Economy
Trails attract tourists to Ontario communities. Tourism creates jobs and puts money into local economies. Trail users dollars are being spent on local restaurants, accommodations, retail purchases and day trips. The Ontario Trails Council estimates that trails contribute at least $2 billion a year to the provincial economy.
Trails increase property values. A home near a trail can offer a pleasing view, quieter streets, recreational opportunities and a chance to get in touch with nature. Studies find that properties located near trails generally sell for five to thirty two percent more than those farther away.
Better Health
Trails support an active lifestyle that improves health. Physical activity helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer and depression. An increase in physical activity can save millions in health care spending. Physical activity also reduces stress and improves mental health. Due to its accessible design the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail can provide physical activity for the widest range of people, including persons with
disabilities, children and youth, the elderly and others who are known to be less physically active.
Conserving & Appreciating the Environment
Trails lead users through incredibly varied landscapes. Trail guides and interpretive signage can identify special features along a trail and enhance our appreciation of our natural and cultural heritage.
Trails often cross lands which are environmentally sensitive in many ways.By leading users along well-worn paths, trails keep users away from more sensitive features that might not be able to withstand traffic. Well-developed trails provide environmental buffers, such as boardwalks and bridges, that protect delicate wetlands while
allowing users to experience varied plant and animal
wildlife.
Trails provide meaningful and satisfying outdoor experiences for many users. These
experiences reaffirm a sense of connection with the natural environment and provide
opportunities for an appreciation of our natural heritage.
Source: Ontario Trails Strategy,
Ministry of Health Promotion, 2005
A History of Generosity and Community Leadership
Island Lake Conservation Area has a history of generosity and community leadership. Since 1970 when the park opened, local residents have been generous with their contributions of time and resources for park enhancements and improvements. Now there is an opportunity for those who love the park to continue the tradition of philanthropy and leave a legacy that will be appreciated for generations to come.
The Friends of Island Lake are approaching individuals, foundations, government and businesses to seek their investment in the Island Lake Community Trails Campaign. They will be asking for leadership contributions to set the stage for a successful campaign.
How you Can Assist the Friends of Island Lake
Make a cash donation
Gifts can be made in the form of cash, cheque, money order, credit card or online via our website at www.creditvalleycons.com/foundation/friendsofilca.htm.
Make an in-kind donation of goods
Donors considering gifts of building materials, equipment or services should contact the campaign chair for advice. The campaign committee has a list of specific materials, equipment and services needed for the trail development and bridge construction. Where appropriate, tax receipts for gifts-in-kind can be provided.
Get your business or community organization involved
You have the opportunity to have a direct and profound impact on our community. Whether it be through sponsorships, donations, services or volunteers there are countless ways we can work together.
Volunteer
Give of yourself. Volunteers are always needed on our various fundraising sub-committees. Opportunities to assist with special events, grant writing, donor recognition etc. always exist.
Attend a Friends of Island Lake event
Throughout the year the Friends will be hosting numerous fundraising events. Get involved. Attend. Spread the word.
Campaign Committee - The Friends of Island Lake
Campaign Chair: Bob Shirley
Committee Members: Bob Burnside, Marc Darby, Dave Dyce, Don Cullen, J.D. (Doc) Gillies, Dr. Warren Hilliard, Terrance Carter, Laura Ryan, Mark Whitcombe, Brenda Teeter, Brad Hunter, Karl Edelbrock
Partners
Town of Mono
Town of Orangeville
Headwaters Communities in Action, Trails Network Working Group
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation (owns and manages Island Lake Conservation Area)
Questions? Please call Terri LeRoux at 905-670-1615 x247 or email Terri at foundation@creditvalleycons.com or Bob Shirley at 519-942-9167
