Current Campaigns - Terra Cotta:
Centre for Environmental Learning

Our Vision

THE TERRA COTTA CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WILL ACT AS HIGH QUALITY, INTERACTIVE, INTERPRETIVE CENTRE. THIS BUILDING WILL PROVIDE ACCESSIBILITY TO IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL THEMES AND MESSAGES, PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE THEMES OF THE REGION AND BE A FOCAL POINT IN PROVIDING AWARENESS OF AND APPRECIATION FOR THE CREDIT RIVER WATERSHED.

Terra Cotta Conservation Area consists of 485 acres of unique natural environment that has gone through significant changes over the years and is now an excellent representation of the Niagara Escarpment features. The Area for many years was previously used as a recreational facility with campsites, parking lots and a large swimming pool. The campsites have been replanted, the parking lots re-vegetated and the swimming pool removed and replaced by an award winning wetland, used as a learning tool illustrating to visitors the importance of wetlands.

For many years, Terra Cotta Conservation Area had an outdoor education program and a building to manage it out of. The program has been inactive for several years but the building still exists on site. This building structure makes for an ideal Nature Centre at Terra Cotta for public and special interests. Additionally, Terra Cotta Conservation Area is a nodal park in the Niagara Escarpment park system and therefore has as part of its mandate, the need to educate the public about Escarpment natural and cultural heritage.

The retrofitted Terra Cotta Centre for Environmental Education will include:

• High quality and interactive interpretive displays of natural, cultural and environmental themes important to Terra Cotta, the Niagara Escarpment and the watershed.
• A contemporary building with sections of natural history theme displays representing local wildlife and ecosystems.
• Dioramas depicting Niagara Escarpment ecosystems and wildlife, wetland and forest communities and river and lake dynamics would walk the visitor through environments typical of Terra Cotta’s incredible surroundings and the Niagara Escarpment’s significant features.
• Cultural history displays would tell the human story, so integral to the life-history of the area.
• Interactive and provocative programs and displays would represent and support important and appropriate environmental themes.
• On weekends, families and groups will be able to attend programming led by CVC and other agencies in the Centre
• Opportunities for multi-disciplinary audiences to learn about the key environmental messages of our time. These audiences could range from general visiting public and school board partners to members of the scientific and environmental community.

2008-2009 Fundraising Target: $600,000

Terra Cotta Fundraising Cabinet

A fundraising campaign committee, the Terra Cotta Cabinet, was formed in 2007 and includes resident representation from surrounding communities.

The Terra Cotta Cabinet are committed to raising $600,000 in support of environmental education initiatives at Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Committee members are approaching individuals, foundations, government and businesses to seek their investment in Terra Cotta.

Although gifts of all sizes are welcomed, the Terra Cotta Cabinet is asking for leadership contributions to set the stage for a successful campaign.

Campaign Chair
Ellen McGregor

Committee Members
Leslie Adams
Mike Warrian
Gillian Seagrave

Staff Support
Terri LeRoux, Executive Director, CVC Foundation
Sharlene Hardwar, Partnership Development Coordinator

Ways of Giving

Gifts can be made in the form of cash, cheque, money order, credit card or in-kind goods ands services. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations of $10.00 or more.

Donation can also be made online via our website at: www.creditvalleycons.com/foundation