MANOTICK, ON, June 23, 2025 — A sugar maple stands tall along the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s Memory Lane in honour of Dr. Jason Kelly, who served as Chair of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) for 11 years and helped shape more than a decade of conservation progress in the Rideau Valley watershed.
Friends, colleagues, and community members gathered on Sunday, June 22 to dedicate the tree and celebrate Dr. Kelly’s remarkable leadership and ongoing involvement with the Foundation as Past Chair.
“The watershed continues to feel the benefits of Jason’s generosity, creativity, and vision,” said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, RVCA General Manager. “We’re proud to honour him with this tree. It will be a lasting reminder of his leadership and his conservation legacy.”
Chosen for its symbolic strength and deep local roots, the sugar maple reflects Jason’s steady leadership and his deep connection to the watershed community.
Dr. Kelly joined the RVCF board in 2010 and soon became Chair. During his tenure, he helped elevate the Foundation as one of the region’s most effective and trusted environmental charities. Key accomplishments under his leadership include:
- Raising more than $5.3 million for local conservation efforts
- Celebrating major tree planting milestones including 6 million in 2019
- Acquiring 15 properties to protect wetlands, forests, and shorelines
- Launching the Foundation’s Species at Risk program, beginning with butternut tree protection
- Launching the RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program, which has since planted more than 169,000 native trees and shrubs
- Creating the Carbon Neutral Calculator to help residents and businesses voluntarily offset their carbon footprints through tree planting
Dr. Kelly also championed internal growth and strong governance. He led the fundraising campaign for RVCA and RVCF’s LEED-certified headquarters, secured the Foundation’s participation in Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program, and helped rename and grow the Steve Simmering Conservation Land Endowment Fund to support long-term land protection.
“Jason’s efforts have helped build the strength and credibility the Foundation enjoys today,” said RVCF Chair Andrew Harkness. “His steady guidance over more than a decade laid the groundwork for our continued success. We are grateful for his leadership and ongoing support.”
His contributions have been recognized nationally, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2017 and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.
“Jason’s civic-minded leadership and steadfast commitment to the Rideau River and watershed community have made a meaningful difference,” said City of Ottawa Councillor Steve Desroches. “He embodies the kind of thoughtful, community-first approach we need more of in public life. This recognition is well deserved.”
To learn more about Memory Lane and the individuals and events it honours, visit www.rvca.ca/memory-lane and enjoy a walk along the trail at 3889 Rideau Valley Drive.
-30-
Photo: From left, RVCA Board Chair Gary Waterfield, RVCF Executive Director Diane Downey, Past RVCF Board Chair Dr. Jason Kelly and RVCA General Manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson gather in front of the sugar maple dedicated to Jason Kelly on Sunday, June 22.
