The Essex Region Conservation Authority is patting itself on the back for its conservation efforts over the past four decades but wants to make sure that work continues.
That is why it is launching its new "Place For Life Campaign". Over three years, the campaign's goal is to raise $1-million to support both new and ongoing programs, and projects focused on heritage preservation, outdoor education, greening, and trail development.
"Forty years ago, there were no greenway trails in this region and natural areas coverage was merely 3.5%," says campaign co-chair John Omstead. "Natural areas coverage has increased to 8.5% through planting 6-million trees."
According to the Essex Region Conservation Authority's strategic plan, the goal for overall canopy coverage is 12%.
Omstead adds more than 350,000 young people have also taken part in outdoor education programs.
Already the campaign is off to a strong start with more than $300,000 committed. That includes a $30,000 donation from Omstead himself as the Nature in Education Champion, the Dave and Margaret Reid Nature Fund which has invested $15,000 and another $40,000 from the foundation's board. The Towns of Tecumseh and LaSalle, the Herb Gray Parkway trail systems, and the Rotary Club of Windsor have also ensured the fundraising effort has a vigorous beginning.
