RIDEAU RIVER WATERSHED (Westport, Perth, Smiths Falls, Kemptville, Ottawa and all the wonderful watershed communities along the way), October 2, 2020 —

Members of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) celebrated 50 years of conservation at its September 23 Annual General Meeting. Since 1970, the RVCF has dedicated itself to raising funds that support important conservation efforts throughout the Rideau River watershed. Efforts include conservation land acquisition, tree planting, outdoor education, water quality monitoring, infrastructure improvements at conservation areas and so much more.

“We are very proud of the work we do,” said RVCF Chair Jason Kelly. “Since 1994, we have raised over $6.6 million for our conservation work and we are guardians to over 525 hectares of important natural spaces. We are inspired and look forward to continuing the good work that keeps our watershed healthy and resilient.” 

And while the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on RVCF anniversary celebrations, it has shone a light on the ongoing need to protect natural lands — a cause that the RVCF holds very close to its heart. 

“More than ever, we need natural spaces for our health and wellbeing. Local conservation lands provide safe and accessible trails and outdoor learning opportunities — places for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation,” said Mr. Kelly.

To achieve this aim, the Foundation’s 2020 fundraising campaign looks to grow the Steve Simmering Conservation Land Endowment fund, which ensures our local, conservation lands are protected, improved and held safely in public hands for future generations to enjoy. Established in 2010 in memory of Steve Simmering, an active outdoorsman and vice chair of the RVCF, the endowment has been slowly growing and supporting the Rideau Valley’s vibrant and vital outdoor spaces. So far, RVCF has received over $30,000 in donations of the $125,000 it seeks to raise. The RVCF looks to find new supporters so it can continue important conservation efforts. 

If you love your local conservation lands and green spaces, please consider donating to the Steve Simmering Endowment Fund. Every dollar donated contributes to excellence in conservation for the benefit of generations to come. Visit www.rvcf.ca to donate or for more information.

The RVCF wants to thank its partners, supporters, donors, staff, and its board of director members over the past 50 years for their help, dedication, and support,” says Mr. Kelly. “Truly, we couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to successful conservation work in the future.”

RVCF’s Highlights

• Founded in 1970 
• Raised more than $6.6 million in support of conservation work 
• Proud custodian of over 525 hectares (1,299 acres) of conservation land
• Celebrates and acknowledges over 330 watershed donors
• Supported planting 6.6 million trees to date
• Funds conservation area infrastructure work such as the boardwalk and pedestrian bridges at the Chapman Mills Conservation Area
• Supports conservation projects such as the Hutton Creek Marsh Restoration Project
• Provides subsidies to schools for outdoor education programs 
• Launched Steve Simmering endowment Fund in 2010 to protect vital conservation lands
• Accredited member of Imagine Canada’s Standards Program since 2017
• Joined Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program in 2010
• Proud member of Ontario and Canada Land Trust Alliances

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For more information:
Diane Downey, Executive Director
Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
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Ottawa and area, September 3, 2020 — CIBC Wood Gundy – McCooeye Financial Group is offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions. One hundred and sixty-seven vigorous, young, native Canadian trees will be planted to absorb the carbon dioxide generated by the company’s annual business operations.

CIBC Wood Gundy – McCooeye Financial Group is a dedicated team of professionals who provide holistic financial planning and wealth management. The four-member team made up of Mark McCooeye, Greg McLaren, Michael Smyth and Melissa Tucker strongly recognize their impact on the environment and look to contribute to the community where they live, work and play. 

“We are delighted to give back to the community we call home,” says Mark McCooeye, Vice-President and Portfolio Manager. “Planting trees locally to offset our emissions is a great way to do our part.”

The growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, taking greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere and locking it in the wood. The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF), the local planting partner, has agreed to plant the 167 trees in the valley of the Rideau River during the Spring of 2021. Over their lifetime, these trees will absorb the 26 tonnes of carbon dioxide produced by the company’s office operations and travel. This represents a generous gift to the community since all these trees will go on providing this and other valuable environmental benefits to the Ottawa area for the next 80 years.

“Educating my kids about the impact we have on the environment at a young age is extremely important to me,” said Greg McLaren, Associate Investment Advisor and one of the four team members at the McCooeye Financial Group. “Going carbon neutral is a great way to lead by example and show your children that everyone can make a difference. By teaching the next generation about recycling, green bins, conservation and the importance of being carbon neutral we can help drive the positive change needed in the years to come.”

Each tree is a little environmental cleaning station that cleans the air, cleans the water, provides wildlife habitat and wood products, buffers noise and wind, provides beautiful landscapes and vistas, and lots of good old-fashioned peace and quiet for everyone to enjoy. 

“More and more businesses are recognizing how they can help build a more sustainable future for future generations,” says Jason Kelly, Chair of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation. “We are delighted to welcome the CIBC Wood Gundy – McCooeye Financial Group team to our growing list of local businesses who are protecting our future by making socially-responsible changes to their business practices today.”

Want to make your business, home or event carbon neutral? Visit our website for more information: https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/carbon-neutral-program.

Interested in supporting this local, green business? Learn more about CIBC Wood Gundy – McCooeye Financial Group at https://woodgundyadvisors.cibc.com/mark-mccooeye/ or call 613-783-7335.

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For more information, contact:
Diane Downey, RVCF Executive Director
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OTTAWA AND AREA, July 9, 2020 — Ottawa’s mobile bike shop velofix is making its fleet carbon neutral through the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation. In spring 2021, 196 trees will take root to offset the carbon dioxide emissions produced by velofix’s fleet of three vans which are fully stocked mobile bike shops.

The trees will be a mixture of robust native Canadian seedlings such as white cedar, white pine, white spruce and red oak and they will be planted on marginal farmland within the Rideau Valley Watershed. Trees are like little environmental cleaning stations. They grow by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and holding the carbon molecules in their trunk, stems and roots. Trees also purify water, modify local microclimates, protect against soil erosion, produce life-giving oxygen and create wildlife habitat — all at no extra cost. 

Serving Ottawa and Orleans, the velofix team is committed to efficiently travel to reach their clients. Offsetting their carbon dioxide emissions is just one of their efforts to be “green.” They have also invested route-optimizing software that helps coordinate routes and ensure smart, efficient travel.

“We are always looking for ways to better serve our community,” said owner and velofix spokes-person (wink – a little bike humour) Adam Kourakis. “Keeping the air fresh and clean for Ottawa bikers just makes sense and planting trees is a great way to help.”

Want to make your own home, business or event carbon neutral? Visit our website for more information: www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/carbon-neutral-program.

Interested in supporting this local, green business? Learn more at www.velofix.com/locations/ottawa.

OTTAWA AND AREA, June 24, 2020 — EverGreen Window Solutions, a professional-grade window cleaning service for homes in Ottawa and the surrounding area, is going “green-er” with a pledge to go carbon neutral through the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation.

EverGreen Window Solutions calculated the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions attributed to its fleet of business vehicles. That calculation translates into 179 trees to be planted across the Rideau Valley watershed, adding to Eastern Ontario’s forests and offsetting the company’s carbon footprint.

Trees grow by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and holding the carbon molecules in their trunk, stem and roots. Trees also purify water, modify local microclimates, protect against soil erosion, produce life-giving oxygen and create wildlife habitat — all at no extra cost. You could say that each tree is a little environmental cleaning station.

“We are always looking to do the best for our customers, community, and our environment,” said Cody Griffiths, owner and founder of EverGreen Window Solutions. “We already plant a tree for every customer. Going Carbon Neutral was a logical next step. Our customers can feel good knowing they have done their part in helping our local environment, while also receiving top quality professional window cleaning services for their homes.”   

EverGreen’s trees will be planted on marginal farmland within the Rideau Valley Watershed in spring 2021 and will be a mixture of robust native Canadian seedlings such as white cedar, white pine, white spruce and red oak.

“EverGreen’s efforts are a generous gift to the community since all of these trees will continue to provide valuable environmental benefits to the Ottawa area community for the next 80 years,” says Jason Kelly, Chair of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation. “We are delighted to welcome them to the growing list of businesses, events and families who are choosing to go Carbon Neutral.”

Want to make your own home, business or event carbon neutral? Visit our website for more information: https://www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/carbon-neutral-program.

Interested in supporting this local, green business? Learn more at https://evergreenwindowsolutions.com/

This Father’s Day skip the ties, socks, and such and plant a tree for Dad! The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation's (RVCF) Special Occasional Tree Planting Program can make this happen!

The tree will be a living legacy that combats erosion, manages floods, keeps contaminants out of rivers and lakes, and more. You could say these hard-working trees are superheroes, just like Dad.

A single tree costs $25, while a small grove of five is only $100. Ten trees cost $150 and, a family grove of 25 trees costs $250 – just $10 a tree.

Online purchasing is fast and easy at www.rvcf.ca. Under the RVCF’s Special Occasion Trees Program, simply enter your donation amount and your information, and you’ll receive a charitable tax receipt to your inbox right away. You can even send your Dad an e-card right from the website. And next spring, the Foundation will get the trees planted and growing on your behalf – growing a living legacy to Dad. The RVCF plants and tends a combination of healthy, native, white cedar, white pine, red oak, and sugar maple— all strong, long-lived native species that thrive in the local Rideau Valley landscape.

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

To learn more about the RVCF’s Special Occasion Tree Planting program for your superhero tree, er, Father's Day tree, or to make another donation, visit www.rvcf.ca.

For more information, contact:
Diane Downey
Executive Director, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
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OTTAWA, May 14, 2020 – Another ecologically sensitive parcel of land is now under public protection thanks to a donation to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation. The new conservation area is a 50-acre parcel located just outside the village of Richmond. It boasts 650 meters of sensitive shoreline area along the Jock River and portions of the provincially significant Richmond Fen.

“We are delighted to add this unique and environmentally valuable property to the Conservation Foundation’s land holdings,” said RVCF Chair Jason Kelly. “The McKay waterfront is now one of the Foundation’s 26 unique parcels made possible thanks to community-minded families that include the Alexanders, Bouchers, DePencies, Kaczkowskis and Meisels. These properties are to be kept in a natural state in perpetuity and are located across the entire Rideau watershed.”

The Conservation Foundation raises funds for local conservation work and is also a land trust that accepts gifts of land from families who wish their beloved rural property to remain in a natural state forever. On average, the RVCF accepts one or two properties each year to add to the stock of future conservation lands in the Rideau Valley. 

More and more families and individuals are considering giving their land to the Conservation Foundation. Some donors want to keep it undeveloped and in a natural state forever — others welcome the tax benefits of their donations. Regardless of the motivation, the RVCF reviews and evaluates the environmental benefits of the property prior to acceptance. The RVCF is interested in land that is ecologically sensitive or has unique water-related features such as wetlands, shorelines and aquifer recharge areas. 

The McKay property fit the Foundation’s review process. It’s natural shorelines and wetland areas are valuable areas that help maintain clean water, prevent soil erosion, reduce the impacts of flooding and provide wildlife with food and habitat. They are incredibly productive ecosystems — comparable to rainforests and coral reefs. 

Although donated, gifted lands are not free. Each land donation could have a cost of up to $10,000 in terms of legal, surveying and appraisal fees plus the ongoing taxes and maintenance costs in addition to the land itself. Some trust and conservation groups may only accept new lands if such fees are forthcoming. The RVCF does its best to raise these funds so to benefit the watershed. The local community can help RVCF continue to accept important land donations by donating to the Steve Simmering Endowment Fund. This fund supports the perpetual costs of maintenance and ownership. 

Thank you to the McKay family for their community-minded gift and the Nichols Foundation for their donation to support the costs associated with transferring the land into public ownership (surveys, appraisals, legal fees, etc.).

If you are interested in learning more about the RVCF land donation program or how to protect these lands through a donation to the Simmering Land Endowment Fund, visit www.rvcf.ca.

For more information, contact:
Diane Downey
Executive Director, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
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May 7, 2020 – Your mother gave you the gift of life, and now you can return the favour. 

Thanks to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation’s special occasions tree planting program, you can skip the grocery store bouquet and plant an environmental legacy in your mom’s honour, instead.

The trees are planted across the Rideau Valley watershed, from Frontenac to Smiths Falls to downtown Ottawa, helping to fight erosion, manage floods and keep contaminants out of our rivers and lakes. Staff tend to the new trees, helping them grow into maturity so they can thrive for decades – much like your mother did for you.

A single tree costs $25, while a small grove of five is only $100. Ten trees cost $150 and a family grove of 25 trees costs $250 – just $10 a tree. 

Online ordering makes it easy and fast. Under the RVCF’s Special Occasion Trees program, simply enter your donation amount and your information, and you’ll receive a charitable tax receipt to your inbox right away. You can even send your mom an e-card right from the Foundation site.

The foundation is a registered charity that supports the work of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, which protects more than 4,000 km² of waterways across 18 municipalities. 

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 promote biodiversity, protect our drinking water and reduce the risk of flooding. 

The RVCF plants a combination of white cedar, white pine, red oak and sugar maple.

To order your Mother’s Day trees or make another donation, visit www.canadahelps.org and search Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation or visit www.rvcf.ca

For more information, contact:
Diane Downey
Executive Director, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
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March 13, 2020, RIDEAU VALLEY WATERSHED — The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation is currently seeking applications for volunteer membership on its Board of Directors. Founded in 1970, the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the valley of the Rideau River in Eastern Ontario.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation is looking for people who care deeply about the natural world and are willing to commit their time, effort, and skills to the Board of Directors to ensure the ongoing success of the Foundation.

Board members should be passionate about protecting and restoring our local environment, and able to assist in achieving the Foundation’s fundraising goals to implement conservation projects. Board members oversee the strategic plan, finances, and policies and procedures of the Foundation, and ultimately ensure that the resources entrusted to the Foundation further the goals of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

Board members are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings and also to participate in Foundation events. Board meetings are typically held on a weekday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Manotick, Ontario.

It is hoped that candidates will bring a range of skills and experience to the RVCF Board including not-for-profit governance, strategic planning and visioning, fundraising, community contacts and more.

If you want to make a difference for the Rideau watershed and have personal and professional experiences that could help our organization, please apply. See our Call for Candidates or submit a resume and covering letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before April 10, 2020.

For more information, contact:
Diane Downey
Executive Director, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
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OTTAWA, February 24, 2020 — One Tree Planted, a registered U.S. non-profit whose mission is to help with global reforestation, has generously given the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) $52,500 U.S. to help the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority plant 70,000 trees. These new trees will cover approximately 35 hectares and will take place on conservation land in east Ottawa.

“We are very grateful to One Tree Planted for this generous gift,” says Diane Downey, RVCF Executive Director. “This investment with help us toward our 2020 goal of planting over 240,000 trees in the Rideau watershed.”

Five species of conifers will be planted which will bring habitat and shelter to many animals in our area including the white-tailed deer, red fox, and pileated woodpecker. The tree planting will also protect watershed health by protecting soil from erosion, improving water quality, and reducing the risk of flooding. Healthy watersheds ensure healthy communities where trees and forest cover are valued and protected.

According to Gabriela Gard at One Tree Planted, “we are dedicated to making it easier for individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world. All by planting trees!”

To learn more about the RVCF and its ongoing work to protect, enhance and conserve the lands and water of the Rideau Valley visit www.rvcf.ca. To learn about local tree planting programs visit www.rvca.ca.

For more information, contact:
Diane Downey
Executive Director, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
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OTTAWA, February 10, 2020 – As many as 1,500 students will experience the great outdoors over the next three years – some for the very first time – thanks to a $29,936 grant from BOGS° Outdoor Foundation.

BOGS° also provided 20 pairs of warm boots to ensure students are equipped and dressed for their outdoor visit allowing them to focus on the valuable learning experience rather than cold, wet feet!

The Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) has been campaigning to help 50 schools access outdoor education programs at local conservation areas in the 2019/2020 school year. The Outdoor Foundation grant will cover tuition and transportation costs for 16 priority schools across the region.

The programs are run by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s (RVCA) certified outdoor education teachers at Baxter and Foley Mountain conservation areas. They welcome more than 10,000 elementary and secondary school students to their curriculum-based programs every year for hands-on experiences in nature, from catching frogs to snowshoeing.

But not all students can afford to take part. There are at least 37 priority schools in the Rideau Valley region where funding simply isn’t available for “extras” like outdoor education. To make matters worse, these students are often most lacking quality time in nature: many of them are new to Canada or live in urban communities where walking among the trees, exploring a wetland or building winter shelters is completely unfamiliar. 

And it’s not just a missed day of fun. There’s a growing body of evidence that learning through outdoor active play has positive effects on a child's physical, emotional, and intellectual health. More and more, children suffer from “nature deficit disorder” – a lack of connection with the natural world.

“BOGS° is thrilled to offer youth the opportunity to discover the beautiful Rideau landscape in eastern Ontario and provide footwear that’s designed to keep children’s feet dry, warm and comfy all day long. We chose the RVCF as our first Canadian based Outdoor Education grant partner because of the mutual love for the great outdoors and providing an opportunity for the new generation of confident explorers, nature-lovers and environmental stewards,” said David Earle, Marketing Manager for BOGS° Footwear. 

For more information about the RVCA’s educational programs, visit  www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education. To support the Foundation’s conservation efforts, visit  www.rvcf.ca.

For more information, contact:
Diane Downey
Executive Director, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
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