HONORARY PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER, BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY
“My hope is that by saving the Niagara Escarpment, we will permanently protect irreplaceable habitats and species. we will pass on the joys we have experienced to future generations. And, we will ensure this ribbon of wilderness is protected forever and available for all to enjoy.”
— Dr. Philip R. Gosling, Honorary President & Co-Founder, Bruce Trail Conservancy
I want to share with you a decision I have made with the hope that it will prompt you to join me.
I have been on the path to protect nature and the Niagara Escarpment for over 60 years. It is part of my personal “end to end” journey and I plan to finish this life interest with a gift to the Bruce Trail Conservancy in my will.
As a child growing up in the country, my greatest pleasure was to climb an old oak tree in our garden, listen to the wind in the leaves and watch the birds flit from branch to branch and sing the joy of spring. I dreamed of birding, travel and adventure in far lands. Yes, these early experiences with nature grew and led me to many adventures with people and the desire to protect our own land.
So it was along the way I met naturalist Ray Lowes and heard about his exciting idea to save the Niagara Escarpment by building a hiking trail that would engage the public and highlight nature’s importance. At that time, it was described as a dream with little sense that it would become true, let alone become a key part of Ontario’s Greenbelt with recognition as a UNESCO World Biosphere.
As a supporter of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, I believe you share a similar love of nature, and the many gifts it brings to our lives.
We have come so far because of your generous support, but we cannot take the protection of the Niagara Escarpment and access to our marvelous trail for granted.
My hope is that by saving the Niagara Escarpment, we will permanently protect irreplaceable habitats and species. We will pass on the joys we have experienced to future generations. And, we will ensure this ribbon of wilderness is protected forever and available for all to enjoy.
As urban development continues around us, the efforts to preserve our environment become more important than ever. We must anticipate change in land ownership and development pressures and prepare to step in when opportunity arises to secure our Bruce Trail.
So I have thought about what I can still do to achieve our dream at this point in my life. At 92 years of age, I am well beyond knocking on doors or maintaining a section of trail.
Fortunately, Canada has been good to me. And so, I have included the Bruce Trail Conservancy in my will. I hope you will consider doing the same.
I understand that a decision like this one is deeply personal with many considerations. Regardless of where you are in your life, a gift in your will is a powerful commitment today to the future work of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
It gives me great satisfaction that I can yet again be part of an exceptional community of volunteers and supporters.
By joining me, you can help to build a better world for future generations.
What a journey we have had so far. Thank you for your company and participation along the way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Philip R. Gosling,
Co-Founder and Honorary President, Bruce Trail Conservancy