We thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their financial support to our membership development and land stewardship programs. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.
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Success! 292 acres are now protected! 5 new nature reserves have been secured thanks to an unprecedented outpouring of support from BTC donors. Thank you to all who contributed.
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50th Anniversary Milestones Project An ambitious conservation initiative. Over the next five years the BTC will permanently secure and preserve 5,000 acres of Niagara Escarpment land, provide for their stewardship and rehabilitation, and ensure trails on these lands are of the highest ecological and recreational standard. |
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In November 2012, we announced the BTC's 50th Anniversary Milestones Project and shared our first goal to secure 292 acres of land before December 31st. Amazingly, it took less than 90 days to raise the $1.3 million needed to secure Songbird Nature Reserve, Cedar Springs Woods, Fairmount Wetland, Kimberley Springs and Pinnacle Rock. The acquisitions were possible due to a wonderful expression of support from a variety of donors, including a land donation by the Peter Richardson Family, $250,000 from the Gosling Foundation, $450,000 from Anonymous donors, $25,000 from KEEN Canada, $10,000 from the Hatch Foundation and personal gifts from more than 1,000 individual donors. Because of the efforts of all our generous donors, 292 acres of irreplaceable Niagara Escarpment land is permanently preserved for conservation. All the funds raised will be used to add these lands to the BTC's conservation corridor and support the associated programs to manage these lands and make them available to the public. |
| Our 5 Newest Nature Reserves |
These beautiful properties highlight the diversity and stunning natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. Nature enthusiasts can now explore the secured reserves and be treated to large and lively wetlands, mature forests alive with birdsong, bubbling springs, fern laden woods, and the soaring and iconic Pinnacle Rock.
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Songbird Nature Reserve Caledon, Caledon Hills - 23 acres A haven for migratory birds, including the endangered Hooded Warbler, this forested corridor is a natural oasis in an area that is being developed at a furious pace. |
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Cedar Springs Woods Burlington, Iroquoia - 10 acres A critical acquisition, this wedge of the Escarpment is graced with two majestic stands of trees that provide refuge for birds and other wildlife. The southeast expanse is an open woodland of impressive Black Walnut, considerable stands of which are uncommon in Southern Ontario. |
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Fairmount Wetland Epping, Beaver Valley - 74 acres A disappearing entity, this large and lively wetland consists of meadow marsh of reed-canary grass and cattails. It is home to the Yellowspotted Salamander, Wood and Blanding's turtles and Spring Peepers. |
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Kimberley Springs Kimberley, Beaver Valley - 57 acres Cascading springs pour into lush, fern laden wetlands, all coalescing into energetic Bill's Creek, which tumbles down the Escarpment slope to join the Beaver River. |
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Pinnacle Rock Kolopore, Beaver Valley - 128 acres This stunning reserve will give geology buffs the opportunity to explore a unique piece of Escarpment dolostone up close. The Rock itself is a geological textbook holding prehistoric wonders. Conserving this beautiful property will add 1.5 km of secured Bruce Trail to our Optimum Route. |