Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation

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Showy Lady Slipper Orchid — In 1930, Joe Purdon discovered a colony of Lady Slipper Orchids in Lanark Highlands. Since their discovery, the colony has grown to over 16,000 blooms. Donations help to protect this rare colony along with improving accessibility of the 400-metre boardwalk trail.

Osprey Tower - Habitat destruction has caused a decline in Osprey populations. Donations to the Foundation help support this magnificent species-at-risk.

Mill of Kintail Museum - Home to the collections of Dr. R. Tait McKenzie and Dr. James Naismith. Donations to the Foundation help maintain treasured pieces of local history and culture.

Campers catching bugs — MVCA Education Programs - Support educational programming in your community with a donation to our education and living classroom fund.

Carp River Conservation Area - Help support the continued development of restoration projects in our urban areas.

What We Do

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation (MVCF) 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. The MVCF mission is to raise funds and provide volunteer support for the conservation, education, and outreach programs of Mississippi Valley Conservation.

MVCF is a registered charitable organization dedicated to conserving lands, wildlife and water environments and to preserve places of outstanding natural and cultural significance. Our changing climate and increased development place continuous pressures on groundwater systems, shoreline habitats and the ecological processes sustaining our communities and wildlife.

MVCF's main objectives are:

Conserving the healthy water environment and natural resources of the Mississippi and Carp River watersheds,

Preserving places of natural, ecological, and cultural significance in the watershed, and

Engaging the general public and stakeholders in conservation education and awareness.

You Make it Possible

When you contribute to the Mississippi Valley Conservation Foundation (MVCF) you are helping to ensure continued management and protection of natural resources in your watershed.

Current Initiatives:

Purdon Conservation Area Boardwalk Upgrades

In 2023, MVCA staff completed widening and replacement of a further 75 metres of the boardwalk, with funding and support from the Foundation. The section extending from the parking lot entrance to the Ted Mosquin trailhead is now fully replaced. Help us continue to improve the boardwalk accessibility with a donation to our Conservation Area fund.

Wetland Restoration & Protection

Wetlands store carbon, protect against flooding, and provide habitat for wildlife. Since 2023, MVCA staff have been able to create, enhance, and restore six wetlands on agricultural properties. Help us continue to protect and enhance these critical habitats and the ecosystems they provide with a donation to our Wetlands & Stewardship fund.

Carp River Living Classroom

Within the Carp River Conservation Area, we are developing a living classroom, a wetland discovery and educational experience for site visitors and schools.

In June 2021, MVCA launched EcoTrekr, an education and interactive and educational mobile app for learning more about the river and wetlands.

Help to support further development of the Carp River Living classroom with a donation to our education and living classroom fund.