LOMBARDY, Dec. 4, 2023 – A broad swath of sensitive wetlands, forests and meadows will be protected in perpetuity thanks to a generous land donation near Hutton Marsh this fall. 

The private land donation from Bill and Heather Griffith will be rolled into the abutting Motts Mills Conservation Area owned by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), adding 215 acres of wetland, 70 acres of mature forest and 75 acres of meadows suitable for species at risk like bobolink and butternut. It will also protect another 2.4 km of natural shoreline in perpetuity.

It's the second time the Griffiths have donated land. The first donation in 2014 expanded Motts Mills Conservation Area from a mere 3.5 acres into an important 200-acre wetland conservation site. Now the Griffiths have contributed nearly all of their remaining land, reserving just 30 acres for their home and hobby farm. 

“Repeat donations, especially sizeable ones like this, really speak to the value of the program for landowners,” said Dan Cooper, Director of Conservation Lands at the RVCA. “This donor gets the double benefit of receiving a fair-market tax receipt for their property as well as peace of mind knowing the land will be preserved in its natural state for future generations.”

The donation was processed through the federal Ecological Gifts program, which further boosts available financial and tax benefits for the donor.

The expanded conservation property is critical to ongoing efforts to rehabilitate Hutton Marsh to a more natural state. The Foundation and the RVCA have been working with the Hutton Marsh Steering Committee, local landowners and stewardship groups since 2011 to improve the marsh by adding open water ponds and channels to increase biodiversity and to help naturally manage water levels in conjunction with the Hutton Marsh dam. 

The Foundation actively seeks suitable land donations to help preserve the watershed’s natural infrastructure that protects against flooding, erosion and climate change impacts. Donated properties can also be used to protect and create critical wildlife habitat at a time when global biodiversity is on the brink of collapse. 

The Griffith property is a perfect example: staff have observed endangered species such as monarch butterflies, bobolink, Eastern meadowlark, Blanding’s turtle and butternut trees on site. The site also contains habitat for other species at risk such as snapping turtles, the Eastern wood pewee, golden-winged warbler and the least bittern. 

“Land donation is such a win-win,” Cooper said. “Families can unlock the value of their property while protecting its natural legacy. And we can help the property reach its natural potential to support a thriving, functional watershed.”

The RVCA and RVCF currently own or protect more than 8,200 acres of critical green infrastructure, much of it acquired through private donations. To learn more about the benefits of land donation and how you can get involved visit https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/land-donation

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RIDEAU LAKES, Oct. 12, 2023 – Book it to Foley Mountain Conservation Area this fall to catch its latest family feature: a permanent Story Trail near the Interpretive Centre. 

Thanks to generous community funding with support from the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF), this new activity includes a series of permanent, weather-proof displays installed along the Jack Herbert Mobility Trail. Each stop displays a new page of the featured book so families can read along as they follow the 400-metre accessible path. 

“We’re excited to bring so many of Foley Mountain’s core values into one project,” said Foley Mountain site supervisor Rebecca Whitman, who helped unveil the new Story Trail on Sept. 22. “Story Trails encourage literacy, getting outside and learning about nature in a really accessible way, and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to make it permanent for all families to enjoy.”

Foley Mountain first installed a temporary Story Trail during the early days of the pandemic to help families get outside in the absence of formal programming. It was so popular, staff began to look for ways to make it permanent. Thanks to generous support from the Lawson Foundation, Westport Lions Club, Friends of Foley Mountain and the RVCF, the dream has finally become a reality.

“We’re so grateful to have such supportive partners in the community,” Whitman said. “Our visitors benefit so much from their ongoing generosity.”

The current book is A Log’s Life by Wendy Pfeffer, which follows the fate of an oak tree that has fallen in a storm. As the giant log slowly returns to the soil, new life springs forth in its place. 

“The Story Trail is a fantastic opportunity to introduce concepts that tie into what families are seeing around them in the forest,” Whitman said. “It really is just the perfect activity on so many levels.”

The featured book will be changed with the seasons and the trail will be open year-round. Learn more about Foley Mountain and plan your visit: https://www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/fee-required/foley-mountain-ca

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RIDEAU VALLEY, June 1, 2023 – At the root of it all, your dad has been there. This Father’s Day, return the favour with a gift that’s just as reliable, sturdy and hard-working as he is: a native tree planted right here in the Rideau Valley watershed. 

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s special occasions tree planting program plants a combination of white cedar, white pine, red oak and sugar maple across the watershed, from Central Frontenac all the way to downtown Ottawa.

You can donate a single tree for $25, five trees for $100, 10 for $150 or 25 for $250.

Staff will plant the seedlings on your behalf where they are most likely to thrive. They'll tend to the new trees, helping them grow into maturity so they can thrive for decades – much like your father did for you. As they grow, these young trees will help fight erosion, manage floods and keep contaminants out of our rivers and lakes. 

To order your trees, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/t/65202. Choose your donation amount, dedicate your purchase to your dad, and complete the transaction. You’ll receive a charitable tax receipt to your inbox right away. You can even send your dad an e-card right from the site. 

The RVCF is a registered charity that supports the work of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, which monitors more than 4,000 km² of waterways across 18 municipalities in Eastern Ontario.

The authority is responsible for monitoring water quality, flood risks and other hazards to keep people, property and the environment safe. Planting trees is an important part of the authority’s efforts to manage natural hazards, protect our drinking water and support a thriving watershed for the benefit of all who call it home.

For more information visit www.rvcf.ca or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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RIDEAU VALLEY, May 3, 2023 – A mother’s greatest wish is to create a brighter future for her children. This Mother’s Day, help make wish come true when you plant native tree seedlings on her behalf, right here in the Rideau Valley.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s special occasions tree planting program plants a combination of white cedar, white pine, red oak and sugar maple across the watershed, from Central Frontenac all the way to downtown Ottawa.

As they grow, these young trees will help fight erosion, manage floods and keep contaminants out of our rivers and lakes. 

Donate a single tree for $25, five for $100, 10 for $150 or 25 for $250.

Staff will plant the trees on your behalf where they are most likely to thrive in the Rideau Valley. They'll tend to the new trees, helping them grow into maturity so they can thrive for decades – much like your mother did for you.

To order your trees, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/t/65202. Choose your donation amount, dedicate the purchase to your mom if you wish, and complete the transaction. You’ll receive a charitable tax receipt to your inbox right away. You can even send your mom an e-card right from the donation site. 

The RVCF is a registered charity that supports the work of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, which monitors more than 4,000 km² of waterways across 18 municipalities in Eastern Ontario.

The authority is responsible for monitoring water quality, flood risks and other hazards to keep people, property and the environment safe. Planting trees is an important part of the authority’s efforts to manage natural hazards, protect our drinking water and support a thriving watershed for the benefit of all who call it home.

For more information visit www.rvcf.ca or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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BARRHAVEN, April 21, 2023 – The trail at Chapman Mills Conservation Area has fully reopened just in time for spring – and it’s more accessible than ever. 

A new pedestrian span was installed overnight on Sunday, March 19, replacing the old wooden bridge that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The new bridge is wider with more accessible slopes and railings. The ramps on either end are also longer and safer. 

“We are thrilled to reopen with even more accessibility and safety features at one of our busiest properties,” said Chelsey Ellis, RVCA’s conservation lands manager. “We thank the community for their patience while we completed this critical project.” 

The 23-acre conservation area on the shores of the Rideau River is in walking distance from two seniors’ residences and surrounded by family-friendly neighbourhoods. While the trail still includes some steep slopes, the new pedestrian bridge will allow people of all ages and abilities to more fully enjoy the site’s 1.5 kilometre boardwalk trail, which connects to multi-use pathways south of Vimy Memorial Bridge. 

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) secured the funding to complete the project, including $150,000 from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Local donations and community support were also key to bringing the project to life. 

RVCA staff have been working with renowned accessibility consultant Marnie Peters to create a matrix of the world’s best outdoor accessibility solutions and apply them to all infrastructure projects going forward. Another accessible bridge project is also underway at Baxter Conservation Area south of Manotick.

To learn more about the Chapman Mills project visit www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/chapman-mills-accessible-bridge or contact Chelsey Ellis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To plan your visit to Chapman Mills visit https://www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas/no-fee-required/chapman-mills-ca.

About Chapman Mills Conservation Area: 

Chapman Mills Conservation Area is located on the west bank of the Rideau River on Prince of Wales Drive between Winding Way and Lodge Road. It consists mainly of natural river shoreline, wetlands and flood plain areas that are unique in the City of Ottawa. 

Visitors can enjoy a covered picnic shelter, scenic lookouts, walkways and boardwalks that lead pedestrians on a 1.5 km stroll through some sensitive and beautiful habitats. Interpretive signs along the way tell the site’s environmental story. At the trail’s north end visitors can also enjoy an accessible dock for launching canoes, kayaks and other paddlecrafts, as well as a viewing platform. The south end has a shoreline entrance for paddlecrafts. Parking is located off Winding Way.

The land for Chapman Mills Conservation Areas was a gift to the people of the Rideau Valley from the South Nepean Development Corporation, along with additional land ceded from Parks Canada. Minto Development Inc. provided the development funds necessary to carry out the improvements for public use of Chapman Mills Conservation Area.

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RIDEAU LAKES, Jan. 9, 2023 – A small island property in Rideau Lakes Township will remain in its natural state even as waterfront development ramps up around it. 

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation received the donation this fall from five siblings who together owned the remains of their family’s legacy cottage property. The exact location will not be shared to discourage unwanted visitors.

The four-acre island parcel includes more than 500 metres of pristine shoreline and a good mix of habitats. 

“Some lower areas near the water have lots of wetter tree and plant species, and then there’s also high and dry species like white pine, oak and sugar maple,” said Chelsey Ellis, Conservation Lands Manager at the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), which helps the Foundation manage the donated lands. “The shoreline is also a high priority for us because that’s the ribbon of life, that’s where most of our biodiversity is found in the lake.” 

The island is located near several publicly-owned natural properties on the mainland, which create a connective corridor for wildlife across the water. Ellis said the island will remain a convenient stop-over for creatures looking to cross the lake, whether by flying, swimming or even walking over the ice.

Protecting this type of habitat corridor is especially important on highly-developed lakes, which will face increased development pressures going forward. 

“Before it was donated, one or two developments would have wiped out the natural integrity of the site,” Ellis said. “On such a popular lake, it was going to be under a lot more development pressure in the next 50 years. This generous donation has taken it out of the bidding.”

The property will be owned by the Foundation, while a conservation easement agreement with the RVCA ensures it will remain free of campfire pits, docks, trails and other development. The family will receive a market value tax credit through the federal Ecological Gifts program and will be exempt from capital gains taxes on the gift. 

Get involved

Families wishing to shed their natural properties are encouraged to consider land donation through the Foundation, either now or as part of their long-term estate planning. Having conversations with family members now to clarify your wishes can save time and money for your family members down the road, and avoid uncertainty for them at a difficult time. 

Those who can’t donate land can support the costs associated with land ownership through the Foundation’s Conservation Lands Endowment Fund. The Foundation uses the fund’s annual interest to cover maintenance, insurance and other routine costs of property ownership. 

Learn more about the Foundation at www.rvcf.ca. 

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MANOTICK, Dec. 15, 2022 – Baxter and Chapman Mills conservation areas are fast becoming some of Ottawa’s most inclusive natural parks thanks to more than $429,000 in recent funding from the federal government. 

Nepean MP Chandra Arya announced the funding through the FedDev Ontario's Canada Community Revitalization Fund on Dec. 15 at the Manotick headquarters of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), which it shares with its charitable foundation, the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF).

Baxter Conservation Area in Kars will receive a total of $279,900 from the fund to help replace its decommissioned marshland bridge with a state-of-the-art accessible span over the Baxter marsh. The funding also supports wheelchair-accessible learning platforms attached to the bridge to make the site’s outdoor education programs more inclusive.

Chapman Mills Conservation Area in Barrhaven will receive $150,000 from the same fund to replace its north-end pedestrian bridge with a safer, more accessible span.

“These projects would not have been possible without this incredible federal support,” said RVCA Chair Pieter Leenhouts. “We are excited to reopen both bridges to so we can properly welcome people of all ages and abilities to our beautiful sites.”

Work has already begun on both projects. 

Nature For All

A dedicated volunteer committee has spearheaded the Nature For All project at Baxter Conservation Area, pursuing their goal to create Eastern Ontario’s most accessible nature destination. 

Those efforts have included liaising and advocating within the community to increase support for the project. We thank our valued community and corporate sponsors for their support, including generous financial contributions from: 

• 100 Women Who Care
• 1^stGreely Cubs
• City of Ottawa (Rural Community-Building Grant)
• Fjällräven
• Fedex Canada
• Girl Gone Good
• The Gosling Foundation

Being in nature is good for body and soul, but people with disabilities are disproportionately excluded from outdoor spaces because they’re inaccessible, unsafe or both. The RVCA has worked with renowned accessibility consultant Marnie Peters to create a matrix of the world’s best outdoor accessibility solutions and apply them to their infrastructure projects where possible going forward.

“Nature and wilderness should be for everybody,” said Mike Nemesvary, founder of the Nature For All committee and long-time accessibility advocate. He has been visiting Baxter in his power wheelchair for 20 years, after a training accident in his 20s left him paralyzed on his path to becoming a world champion freestyle skier. 

His motivation to transform Baxter began with “a sincere desire to share with everyone of all ages and abilities this underutilized gem of a local park with its 80 hectares of interpretive education centre, boardwalks, trails, sandy beach, camp site, wilderness and multi-layered ecosystems - all within Ottawa’s city limits,” Nemesvary said at the funding announcement on Dec. 15. 

“Every idea starts with a dream, and that dream must be manifested by bringing together the right group at the right time who share attainable objectives,” said Nemesvary. “We fundamentally knew it would be a challenge, but we plowed ahead methodically with our planning and research. Slowly but surely, others started to see how much more we could do.”

To learn more or donate to the Nature For All and Chapman Mills projects, visit www.rvcf.ca.

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KANATA, Dec. 2, 2022 – It’s not very often a 50-acre swath of provincially-significant wetland becomes available in the City of Ottawa – but when it does, the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation is keen to protect it. 

The Foundation accepted the substantial section of Manion Corners Wetland this fall from siblings Paul Lackner and Colleen Green, who decided their family’s natural property – lovingly referred to as “the farm” – belonged in a land trust for perpetual protection.

“Growing up, we used to hike to the back of the property where we had a small cabin, and we’d spend the day or occasionally overnight,” Green remembered. “We would snowshoe or ski there in the winter and pick our Christmas tree.” 

Used for grazing before Green’s grandfather bought it more than 60 years ago, the wetland is now an environmental gem in a rapidly growing part of the city. 

“This property is really special,” said Chelsey Ellis, Conservation Lands Manager at the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), which helps the Foundation manage donated lands. “First of all, it’s a provincially-significant wetland, which tells us it plays an important role in local ecological and hydrological systems. 

“But it also offers a key piece of habitat along the Ribbon of Life, where shore meets land. It goes from wetland to an upland site in a relative hurry, so these are the areas where you might get winter deer yards and other wildlife activity.”

Ellis said a City of Ottawa report also found species at risk and other rare species in the same wetland complex near the property lines.

Green recalled an active beaver community on the land throughout her childhood, and more recently neighbours have spotted deer on the property as well as a black bear and cubs.

But Ellis said provincially-significant wetlands can no longer rely on their status alone to protect them.

“Given the ease with which new development rules have come along in the last 15 to 20 years, PSWs have become a priority for protection,” Ellis said. “When PSWs are in private hands they can often be altered, which undermines the whole ecological system.”

Land Donation Benefits All

Many of the Foundation’s land donations are processed through the federal Ecological Gifts program, which offers a generous federal tax credit on the full market value of the donated property. Donors are also exempt from capital gains taxes on the gift.

But the benefits go far beyond financial recompense. 

“Everyone benefits when land is protected,” said Foundation director Diane Downey. “The donors know their cherished natural property will be maintained, while the community benefits from cleaner air and water, reduced flooding, increased biodiversity and a beautiful landscape.”

Wetland protection is especially critical as extreme weather and climate change accelerate. Wetlands are some of the planet’s most effective carbon sinks, and they’re key to effective flood management because of their ability to collect and store excess stormwater. 

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found Southern Ontario’s wetlands provide $4.1 billion in water filtration services each year – and that it would cost up to $164 billion a year to replace their critical functions through expanded wastewater facilities. 

Get involved

Families with natural properties are encouraged to consider land donation through the Foundation, either now or as part of their long-term estate planning. Having conversations with family members about your wishes now can save headaches for your family members down the road.

Those who can’t donate land can support the costs associated with land acquisition through the Foundation’s Steve Simmering Conservation Lands Endowment Fund. The Foundation uses the fund’s annual interest to cover maintenance, insurance and other routine costs of property ownership. Until Dec. 6, the Simmering Family is matching up to $5,000 in donations to the fund as part of the Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign.

Green said her family is pleased to see their beloved property passed down into perpetual protection. 

“I hope this donation will continue to support the local ecosystem into the future,” she said. 

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