| Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation |
|
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation (MVCF) is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise funds and provide volunteer support for the conservation and education programs of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. The Foundation is dedicated to conserving the lands, wildlife and water environments of the Mississippi Valley and to preserve places
 of outstanding natural and cultural significance. Sustaining the health of our watershed begins with engaging our youth in outdoor educational experiences and instilling in them a conservation ethic. These experiences and knowledge help ensure that the landowners, leaders and policy makers of tomorrow maintain a respect, and follow a lifestyle that will continue to benefit our environment. The MVCF General Fund is used to help subsidize school participation in conservation education programs at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. A significant increase in bussing costs has created situation where some schools in the watershed find if very difficult to take part in these programs. We gladly provide in-school programming but the atmosphere and learning opportunities at “the Mill” make it a memorable excursion for students and educators.
As well, stewardship of our private and public lands plays a significant role in the success of the region. Numerous community groups and individuals work with us to provide volunteer support to our monitoring program as well as initiating stewardship projects of their own. Money from the MVCF General Fund would also be used to support these volunteer efforts helping to provide materials and supplies. We ask that you consider giving to the MVCF General Fund. As always, you may donate to your favorite conservation Area or the Watershed Watch monitoring program.We are aware that these are difficult and uncertain times for both individuals and businesses, please know that your generous support is truly appreciated and essential to the success of our programs.
Please find a donation card to be completed and mailed with your donation. For more information about the activities of the MVCF please call 613-259-2421.Thank you for your support of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation. Donation FORM
Sincerely,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, MVCF President
 Tri-Valley Conservation Awards are presented by the Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley and South Nation Conservation Authorities to show appreciation for the achievements of ordinary, everyday people helping the environment in the Mississippi Rideau and South Nation River watersheds.
The “tri-valley” area covers more than 12,000 square kilometres from as far as Bon Echo Park to Lanark to Westport to Prescott to Plantagenet and Ottawa. Over 700,000 people live and benefit from the voluntary environmental leadership of local businesses, communities, schools, municipalities and farmers who work daily to sustain the health of our watersheds. The Tri-Valley Conservation Awards Gala allows us to publicly recognize and thank those who put time and effort into improving the health of our watersheds. These environmental heroes large and small are a source of pride and a real inspiration to us all. The three authorities want to honour them and showcase their work. The eight award categories are: Primary Schools, Intermediate/High Schools, College/University, Agriculture, Community Groups, Individuals, Businesses and Municipalities. Projects could include tree planting, water quality protection, shoreline stewardship, outdoor education or any other activities that help protect the health of our environment. At the second annual event more than 100 people from the three watersheds were on hand at the Almonte Old Hall auditorium in Mississippi Mills to hear and see the work of 13 finalists the 2009 Tri-Valley Conservation Awards. In 2009 these first and second place winners were recognized (click here for 2009 program for more detailed nominee descriptions) Primary Schools: 1. Featherston Drive Public School, Ottawa 2. St. John Catholic Elementary, Perth Intermediate/High Schools: 1. Perth & District Collegiate Institute GeoVentures Program, Perth 2. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, Russell Agriculture: 1. Stanlee Farms (Jim & Nancy Wert), Avonmore 2. Oak Valley Pioneer Park Volunteers, Mountain Township Community Groups: 1. McDonald’s Corners ReUsers, Lanark Highlands 2. Rideau Valley Field Naturalists, Perth Individuals: 1. Tom Van Dusen, Russell 2. Lindley McPhail, Russell Businesses:
1. Pingrove productions, Lanark Highlands 2. LaFlèche Environmental, Moose Creek Municipalities: 1. City of Ottawa (Public Works Dept.) Lake 88.1 radio personality Brian Perkin emceed the evening taking us through the lineup of finalists with presenters representing the gala sponsors and the three conservation authorities. The evening was topped off with a reception where finalists, guests and organizers enjoyed culinary delights provided courtesy of Ballygiblin’s Restaurant and Pub of Carleton Place. The Conservation Authorities had a lot of support from our community-minded sponsors including Lake 88.1, Ballygiblin’s Restaurant and Pub, Rogers TV, Ottawa Region Media Group, TD Friends of the Environment and Mountain Equipment Co-op. In 2008 these first and second place winners in were recognized (click here for 2008 program for more detailed nominee descriptions) Primary Schools: 1. Meadowview Public School, Addison 2. Drummond Central School, Perth Intermediate/High Schools: 1. St Michael Catholic High School, Kemptville 2. Fisher Park Public School, Ottawa College/University: 1. Dr Frances Pick, University of Ottawa Agriculture: 1. Tom Manley, Berwick Community Groups: 1. Otty Lake Association, Perth 2. Dundas Environmental Awareness Group, South Mountain Individuals: 1. Gaston Patenaude, Berwick 2. Michael Walters, Ottawa Business: 1. Ottawa Region Media Group 2. Long Island Marine, Kars Municipalities: 1. Township of Lanark Highlands The inaugural Tri-Valley Conservation Awards Gala Committee pulled out all the stops to thank and spotlight thirteen community volunteers and groups as vital parts of the conservation team in Eastern Ontario. More than 100 people from the Mississippi, Rideau and South Nation watersheds were on hand at the Rideau Valley Conservation Centre in Manotick to hear and see the work of these community groups and to congratulate them on their environmental achievements. The Gala was MCed by Katfish and Kornicky, the Start Up! team on LIVE88.5 radio. The evening was an opportunity to show appreciation for the many hundreds of small voluntary projects going on all the time like planting trees, teaching kids the value of water, removing hazardous household waste or chemicals from homes, and fencing livestock away from streams that are treated as everyday things and don’t receive much thanks. The Conservation Authorities had much help and gala support from many community-minded partners including LIVE88.5 radio, ROGERS TV, Ottawa Region Media Group, Mountain Equipment Coop, GOLDER ASSOCIATES, Monterey Inn Resort and Conference Centre and the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. All winners receive personalized canoe paddles (1st place) with a message of thanks from the people of the Mississippi, Rideau and South Nation watersheds or framed certificates (runners up). The Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation was created in 1996 and is managed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors who represent different areas of the watershed and are concerned about its future. On behalf of the Authority, the Foundation organizes special events, solicits individual donations, corporate partnerships and sponsorships and prepares project proposals to private granting foundations, community groups and government agencies. |