MANOTICK, Sept 2, 2021 – Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride – except, perhaps, the simple process of going carbon neutral with the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation.

Velofix Ottawa owner Adam Kourakis said he was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to offset his mobile bike shop’s carbon footprint through the Foundation’s local tree planting program. 

“The process was much simpler than I expected, and the price was a lot lower,” said Kourakis, who has gone carbon neutral through the Foundation for four years since he opened the franchise in 2015.

The Foundation helps businesses and individuals calculate their carbon footprint over time or for a specific event, and then plants the appropriate number of trees to absorb that carbon over the trees’ 80-year lifespans. 

This year, the Foundation will help Velofix Ottawa offset 18 tonnes of carbon dioxide generated in 2020 by its fleet of mobile bike repair trucks by planting 196 vigorous, native bare-root seedlings in and around Ottawa.

Staff guarantee a survival rate of 70% at five years by replanting any seedlings that don’t survive.   

It’s a simple solution to a complex problem – with many bonus benefits. Along with carbon sequestration, trees also help clean the local air and water, reduce the severity of floods and droughts, control erosion, create wildlife habitat and, in urban environments, provide shade and relief from the “heat island” effect.

“It’s pretty tangible and cool,” Kourakis said. “And the trees are planted locally so they make a difference where my business is based.”

Kourakis encouraged his fellow small-business owners to take the plunge.

“If you’ve been thinking about going carbon neutral, I recommend you give this program a try,” Kourakis said. “I think a lot of businesses can afford it.”

To learn more about the program visit www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/carbon-neutral-program or contact RVCF Executive Director Diane Downey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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MANOTICK, July 19, 2021 – Plank by plank, together we can bridge the gap in accessibility at Baxter Conservation Area.

The popular hiking destination in south Ottawa needs a new bridge and boardwalk, which our Nature for All project aims to replace with the gold standard of accessible infrastructure.  

But the committee can’t do it alone: we need people like you to support our vision by donating a plank, adopting a metre or even covering costs for a bag of bolts or a metre of railings. 

“You can be a plank on the path toward equity and inclusion,” said Diane Downey, executive director of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, which is leading the campaign. “Nature should be accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and this project will bring that vision closer to reality.”

The Plank by Plank campaign aims to raise $25,000 to cover the 1,000 wooden planks required to build the new bridge and boardwalk, which has a total project cost of about $1 million. You can donate one plank for $25 or adopt a metre for $100. You can also donate a metre of accessible railings for $50 or buy a bag of hardware for only $10. Of course, any and all donation amounts are welcome to get the project to its goal. 
“This is a transformational project, one that will turn Baxter into Eastern Ontario’s most accessible nature destination,” Downey said. “We invite you to be a part of this exciting endeavour that will make Baxter accessible for all.”

To donate, visit www.canadahelps.org and choose your donation amount.

To learn more about the Nature For All project, visit www.rvcf.ca/nature-for-all.

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MANOTICK, July 19, 2021 – Plank by plank, together we can bridge the gap in accessibility at Baxter Conservation Area.

The popular hiking destination in south Ottawa needs a new bridge and boardwalk, which our Nature for All project aims to replace with the gold standard of accessible infrastructure.  

But the committee can’t do it alone: we need people like you to support our vision by donating a plank, adopting a metre or even covering costs for a bag of bolts or a metre of railings. 

“You can be a plank on the path toward equity and inclusion,” said Diane Downey, executive director of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, which is leading the campaign. “Nature should be accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and this project will bring that vision closer to reality.”

The Plank by Plank campaign aims to raise $25,000 to cover the 1,000 wooden planks required to build the new bridge and boardwalk, which has a total project cost of about $1 million. You can donate one plank for $25 or adopt a metre for $100. You can also donate a metre of accessible railings for $50 or buy a bag of hardware for only $10. Of course, any and all donation amounts are welcome to get the project to its goal. 

“This is a transformational project, one that will turn Baxter into Eastern Ontario’s most accessible nature destination,” Downey said. “We invite you to be a part of this exciting endeavour that will make Baxter accessible for all.”

To donate, visit www.canadahelps.org and choose your donation amount.

To learn more about the Nature For All project, visit www.rvcf.ca/nature-for-all.

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MANOTICK, July 20, 2021 – After 11 years, RVCF Board chair Jason Kelly is hanging up his Foundation hat as he takes his many talents to Hong Kong in pursuit of attaining his doctoral degree.

“We are excited for Jason and his family as he begins this new chapter,” said Foundation executive director Diane Downey. “Jason has left an indelible mark on the Foundation’s status and recognition as the Rideau Valley’s most effective and efficient environmental charity.”

Mr. Kelly joined the board and became its chair in April 2010. Since then, he has overseen countless efforts in support of watershed conservation, including:

• Raising more than $5.3 million for conservation efforts in the watershed
• Acquisition of 15 land parcels to conserve sensitive wetlands, shorelines and forests;
• Launch of the Species At Risk program, starting with butternut tree protection;
• The Foundation’s first social marketing effort to secure funds for a new footbridge at Chapman Mills Conservation Area through the Molson Cheer program in 2013;
• Improvement of the Hutton Creek Marsh and the acquisition and development of the Motts Mills Conservation Area and its dam replacement;
• Celebration of major tree planting milestones including:
  • 4 million in 2011
  • 5 million in 2015
  • 6 million in 2019
• Launch of the Shoreline Naturalization program, which has now planted more than 2 million native trees and shrubs across the watershed;
• Creation of the Carbon Neutral Calculator to help families and businesses offset their footprint and plant more trees in the watershed.

He has also overseen internal improvements at the Foundation. He led the fundraising campaign to build RVCA and RVCF’s LEED-certified headquarters on Rideau Valley Drive and forged the Foundation’s membership in Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program. He also helped rename the Conservation Land Endowment Fund in memory of past board chair Steve Simmering, which has allowed the fund to thrive in the name of perpetual land protection.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Kelly has been recognized for his conservation and community service efforts through the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2017, as well as the Tri-Valley Awards.

Mr. Kelly has never hesitated to put himself out there in the name of conservation. He personally hit the courts in support of the Foundation during the 2012 Hope Volleyball Summerfest at Mooney’s Bay, and routinely uses his position as a respected businessman and community leader to promote the Foundation’s conservation goals.

“Jason’s warmth and humour will be missed around the Board table, as I suspect it will be missed in the broader community,” Ms. Downey said. “We thank him for giving so much of his time and himself to the cause of conservation and wish him all the best on his new adventure.”

At a meeting on June 9, the Foundation board elected Andrew Harkness as the new chair and Allison Brown as the new vice-chair. 

“I have the utmost respect and confidence for Andrew as he takes the helm of the foundation and trust him keep up the good work we were able to do together for all these years.” said Mr. Kelly.  “I look forward to supporting him and the efforts of the Foundation in the years ahead in anyway I can, the Foundation will always be close to my heart.”

Harkness joined the board in 2012 and was elected vice-chair in 2014. He served as acting chair for several months into 2015 and was appointed chair of the governance committee in 2019. 

To learn more about the Foundation and how it operates, visit www.rvcf.ca. 

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MANOTICK, Sept. 14, 2021 – For the first time in 11 years, the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s Board of Directors has elected a new Chair: Andrew Harkness, an Environmental Planner and Senior Engineer in Ottawa. 

The Board also elected a new Vice-Chair, Dr. Allison Brown, at its meeting on June 9. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew and Allison to their new leadership roles,” said Diane Downey, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “We’re excited to hear their ideas and insights as the Foundation embarks on several major fundraising campaigns.”

Mr. Harkness has been a board member since 2012 and has served as Vice-Chair and Chair of the governance committee. Dr. Brown joined the board in 2020 and sits on the governance committee. 

Mr. Harkness said he is excited to work with his fellow board members to continue the Foundation’s critical conservation work in the Rideau Valley watershed. 

“My priorities include a focus on fundraising to encourage both individuals and corporate donors to contribute, particularly to the Foundation’s land conservation program,” said Mr. Harkness, who lives in North Gower with his family. “I will also focus on strong organizational governance and raising awareness of the Foundation and what it does.”

This includes raising funds for protection of water and land resources across the Rideau Valley and promotion of outdoor education opportunities to foster the next generation of environmental stewards. 

“We all have a role to play in terms of protecting our environment and the world we live in,” Mr. Harkness said. “I’m personally very committed to doing my part.”

New Vice-Chair Dr. Brown lives in Merrickville with her family and shares a similar appreciation for watershed protection. 

“Protecting and conserving the lands and waters of the Rideau watershed is becoming more and more critical every moment,” said Dr. Brown, who has a Ph.D. in Molecular Signalling from the University of Cambridge. “The members of the RVCF Board have strong foundations in governance, scientific knowledge and philanthropy. I’m honoured to be working with such a dedicated team to increase conservation and outreach throughout the Rideau Valley.”

Ms. Downey said the Board’s new leaders have the right experience to help the Foundation embark on several major fundraising campaigns, including the Nature for All project at Baxter Conservation Area, a new accessible bridge at Chapman Mills Conservation Area and a continued focus on the Steve Simmering Conservation Land Endowment Fund.

“This Board has the energy and enthusiasm needed to get the job done, to protect and conserve our watershed and make nature accessible for all,” Ms. Downey said. 

The Board of Directors bid farewell to long-time Board Chair Jason Kelly on June 9, as he moves with his family to Hong Kong. 

“Jason has left an indelible mark on the Foundation’s status and recognition as the Rideau Valley’s most effective and efficient environmental charity,” Ms. Downey said. “We are excited for him and his family as they begin this new adventure.”

To learn more about the Foundation’s work visit www.rvcf.ca. 

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KARS-ON-THE-RIDEAU, June 16, 2021 – Birthdays are for having fun, and this year Michel and Philip Charron are making sure people of all abilities can get in on the fun at Baxter Conservation Area.

The twin brothers from Metcalfe, ON turn 10 on June 16. Instead of gifts, they’ve asked their friends and extended family to donate to the Nature For All accessibility campaign at Baxter instead.

The campaign will bring the gold standard of accessibility to the popular hiking and beach spot near the village of Kars. The project aims to upgrade the property’s boardwalks, bridges and facilities to welcome people of all ages and abilities to get outside and connect with nature. 

Michel – who goes by Mikey – said it “feels good” to help others access one of his favourite outdoor playgrounds. 

“I thought it would be really nice to help people in wheelchairs have a bit of fun, too,” Mikey said.

The conservation area is already broadly accessible, but muddy trails can be an issue for people with mobility devices or strollers, and the marshland bridge has been closed for safety reasons since 2019. Once the bridge is rebuilt, it will allow two people in wheelchairs to pass easily, and large education platforms overlooking the marsh will allow special education classes to more fully participate in Baxter’s outdoor programs. Boardwalk trails will also be much wider, with better grading and slopes to transition easily to stone dust paths. 

Recently, Baxter purchased accessible mats for its public beach to allow people with mobility devices to access the Rideau River.

Phil said the beach is his favourite part of the conservation area. He got a chance to see the mats in action earlier this month, and said he was happy to see they go all the way into the water so people with mobility devices can go for a dip.

This is the sixth year the brothers will be raising money in lieu of birthday gifts. The tradition began in 2016 on their fifth birthday, when they were watching the Fort MacMurray fires consume the houses – and toys – of other Canadian children. They offered to mail their own toys to the children, but their mother Tara suggested they ask their friends to donate to the Red Cross instead of buying a birthday gift. They agreed, and that year they raised $600 for Fort Mac victims. 

They’ve never looked back, each year choosing a different birthday cause. In 2017 they helped victims of the historic Ottawa River flood, and since then have supported Earth Rangers, No One Left Behind (through Scouts Canada) and Jump Rope for Heart – raising a total of $2,134 to date. 

They hope to raise $100 for Nature For All this year, mindful that the global pandemic has been financially difficult for some.

"I really like helping people because it makes me feel good," said Phil.

Diane Downey is executive director of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, which is leading the fundraising campaign. She said the boys' birthday fundraiser is a lovely boost of support.

“We are so honoured the boys have chosen to support this cause, which will bring the joy of nature to people of all abilities across the region,” Mrs. Downey said. “The generosity of these two young men, especially on their birthdays, is really heartwarming.”

To donate to Michel and Philip’s birthday fundraiser, visithttps://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/11994 and choose their fundraiser from the drop-down list. 

To access some fun scavenger hunts and nature bingo activities created in honour of their birthday, visit the Girl Gone Good Facebook page. 

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MANOTICK, June 15, 2021 – Accessibility and conservation advocates are teaming up to transform Baxter Conservation Area into the most accessible nature destination in Eastern Ontario – but they need your help. 

The Nature For All committee is working to upgrade Baxter’s bridges, boardwalks, trails and facilities to the gold standard of accessibility to make the park as inclusive as possible to all ages and abilities. 

Truly accessible natural areas are few and far between, which leaves people with disabilities or mobility concerns stuck on the sidelines. Nature For All believes every person should be able to enjoy the many physical and emotional benefits of the great outdoors without worrying about safety or logistics.

But to make this dream a reality, they need individuals, businesses and charitable partners to support the project.

Nature For All is now seeking funding partners and donations for Phase 1, which requires $750,000 to build a brand new, fully accessible bridge across Baxter’s marshlands – complete with several education platforms overlooking the water. 

Every donation, from $5 to $500,000, helps bring accessible wilderness one step closer to our friends, family and neighbours with disabilities and mobility concerns. 

And the timing is right: the current bridge has reached the end of its life cycle and was closed as a safety precaution in 2019. Replacing it presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Baxter’s infrastructure as inclusive as possible. The new bridge will be wide enough for two people in wheelchairs to pass safely and easily. Two large viewing platforms will facilitate better and more inclusive outdoor education programs, helping students with special needs get up close and personal with the natural world. 

Nature For All’s fundraising efforts are being spearheaded by the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, the charitable partner of Rideau Valley Conservation Authority which owns Baxter Conservation Area. The Foundation is a registered charity that can offer custom corporate sponsorship agreements and donor packages, with benefits to donor organizations such as media recognition, team building opportunities, naming rights and on-site signage.

To learn more about Nature For All or to make a donation visit www.rvcf.ca/nature-for-all. To discuss corporate sponsorship packages and partnerships contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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MANOTICK, June 15, 2021 – Accessibility and conservation advocates are teaming up to transform Baxter Conservation Area into the most accessible nature destination in Eastern Ontario – but they need your help. 

The Nature For All committee is working to upgrade Baxter’s bridges, boardwalks, trails and facilities to the gold standard of accessibility to make the park as inclusive as possible to all ages and abilities. 

Truly accessible natural areas are few and far between, which leaves people with disabilities or mobility concerns stuck on the sidelines. Nature For All believes every person should be able to enjoy the many physical and emotional benefits of the great outdoors without worrying about safety or logistics.

But to make this dream a reality, they need individuals, businesses and charitable partners to support the project.

Nature For All is now seeking funding partners and donations for Phase 1, which requires $750,000 to build a brand new, fully accessible bridge across Baxter’s marshlands – complete with several education platforms overlooking the water. 

Every donation, from $5 to $500,000, helps bring accessible wilderness one step closer to our friends, family and neighbours with disabilities and mobility concerns. 

And the timing is right: the current bridge has reached the end of its life cycle and was closed as a safety precaution in 2019. Replacing it presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Baxter’s infrastructure as inclusive as possible. The new bridge will be wide enough for two people in wheelchairs to pass safely and easily. Two large viewing platforms will facilitate better and more inclusive outdoor education programs, helping students with special needs get up close and personal with the natural world. 

Nature For All’s fundraising efforts are being spearheaded by the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, the charitable partner of Rideau Valley Conservation Authority which owns Baxter Conservation Area. The Foundation is a registered charity that can offer custom corporate sponsorship agreements and donor packages, with benefits to donor organizations such as media recognition, team building opportunities, naming rights and on-site signage.

To learn more about Nature For All or to make a donation visit www.rvcf.ca/nature-for-all. To discuss corporate sponsorship packages and partnerships contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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KARS-ON-THE-RIDEAU, June 16, 2021 – Birthdays are for having fun, and this year Michel and Philip Charron are making sure people of all abilities can get in on the fun at Baxter Conservation Area.

The twin brothers from Metcalfe, ON turn 10 on June 16. Instead of gifts, they’ve asked their friends and extended family to donate to the Nature For All accessibility campaign at Baxter instead.

The campaign will bring the gold standard of accessibility to the popular hiking and beach spot near the village of Kars. The project aims to upgrade the property’s boardwalks, bridges and facilities to welcome people of all ages and abilities to get outside and connect with nature. 

Michel – who goes by Mikey – said it “feels good” to help others access one of his favourite outdoor playgrounds. 

“I thought it would be really nice to help people in wheelchairs have a bit of fun, too,” Mikey said.

The conservation area is already broadly accessible, but muddy trails can be an issue for people with mobility devices or strollers, and the marshland bridge has been closed for safety reasons since 2019. Once the bridge is rebuilt, it will allow two people in wheelchairs to pass easily, and large education platforms overlooking the marsh will allow special education classes to more fully participate in Baxter’s outdoor programs. Boardwalk trails will also be much wider, with better grading and slopes to transition easily to stone dust paths. 

Recently, Baxter purchased accessible mats for its public beach to allow people with mobility devices to access the Rideau River.

Phil said the beach is his favourite part of the conservation area. He got a chance to see the mats in action earlier this month, and said he was happy to see they go all the way into the water so people with mobility devices can go for a dip.

"I really like helping people because it makes me feel good," said Phil.

Diane Downey is executive director of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, which is leading the fundraising campaign. She said the boys' birthday fundraiser is a lovely boost of support.

“We are so honoured the boys have chosen to support this cause, which will bring the joy of nature to people of all abilities across the region,” Mrs. Downey said. “The generosity of these two young men, especially on their birthdays, is really heartwarming.”

This is the sixth year the brothers will be raising money in lieu of birthday gifts. The tradition began in 2016 on their fifth birthday, when they were watching the Fort MacMurray fires consume the houses – and toys – of other Canadian children. They offered to mail their own toys to the children, but their mother Tara suggested they ask their friends to donate to the Red Cross instead of buying a birthday gift. They agreed, and that year they raised $600 for Fort Mac victims. 

They’ve never looked back, each year choosing a different birthday cause. In 2017 they helped victims of the historic Ottawa River flood, and since then have supported Earth Rangers, No One Left Behind (through Scouts Canada) and Jump Rope for Heart – raising a total of $2,134 to date. 

They hope to raise $100 for Nature For All this year, mindful that the global pandemic has been financially difficult for some.

To donate to Michel and Philip’s birthday fundraiser, visithttps://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/11994 and choose their fundraiser from the drop-down list. 

To access some fun scavenger hunts and nature bingo activities created in honour of their birthday, visit the Girl Gone Good Facebook page. 

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MANOTICK, June 9, 2021 – Beach-lovers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches at Baxter and Rideau Ferry conservation areas this summer thanks to the RVCA’s new accessible beach mats. 

The heavy-duty mats will help people with mobility devices like wheelchairs, walkers and strollers access the Rideau River without worrying about getting stuck in the sand. They’re part of a suite of accessibility tools and upgrades the RVCA has introduced to make its conservation areas more inclusive. 

“Investing in accessibility is a priority for us, especially as the pandemic highlights the importance of getting outside and connecting with nature,” said RVCA’s Conservation Lands Manager Chelsey Ellis. “These mats will make our beaches a more welcoming space for everyone in our watershed.”

Baxter Conservation Area is located in Kars at the southernmost edge of the City of Ottawa. Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area is located on the north shore of Lower Rideau Lake in the township of Drummond/North Elmsley.

Both boast beautiful sand beaches that are extremely popular during the hottest months of the year. But it’s difficult for someone in a wheelchair or pushing a walker or stroller to navigate the unstable sand. The mats solve that problem: they span the entire beach and even extend several feet into the water, allowing a wheelchair user to go for a dip if they choose. 

The mats, made by Mobi-Mats, are part of several accessibility upgrades recently introduced or in the works for RVCA properties. Earlier this winter, Baxter also introduced a set of accessible sleds to help students with special needs participate in its outdoor education programs. 

Baxter is on the cusp of a major transformation to become Eastern Ontario’s most accessible wilderness haven thanks to the efforts of Nature For All, a fundraising campaign to upgrade the site’s boardwalks and marshland bridge to the gold standard of accessibility. The campaign, led by former world ski champion and accessibility advocate Mike Nemesvary, is now accepting public donations.

To find your local conservation area visit www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas. For more information about accessibility on RVCA properties contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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