Why Give

Established in 1964 to support CVC's activities, CVC Foundation brings together generous supporters from the community to help fund critical conservation initiatives in the Credit River Watershed. Donors, sponsors and supporters have helped:

• Transform Rattray Marsh Conservation Area through major environmental restoration efforts and the upgrading and maintenance of the trail system and viewing platforms
• Construct the 8.3 kilometre Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail at Island Lake Conservation Area.
• Engage more than 12,000 high-school students through the Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) in planting 54,000 trees and restoring more than 149 properties in the watershed
• Construct an Outdoor Amphitheatre and Sugar Shack at Terra Cotta Conservation Area
• The acquisition and protection of 38 acres of environmentally significant land and associated wildlife habitats.
• Undertake the development of a Master Plan for the Credit Valley Trail,  a proposed 113 km heritage trail that will provide a direct link from the Greenbelt to Lake Ontario.
• The installation of an On -Water Amphitheatre at Island Lake Conservation Area
• Advance numerous education and restoration projects including:
  • Credit River Grassland Bird Recovery Program
  • Lake Ontario Flyway Project
  • Save our Ash Program
  • Caledon Creek Stream Restoration Project
  • Brook Trout Habitat Restoration at Upper Credit Conservation Area
  • Invasive Species Removal at Silver Creek Conservation Area and the Forks of the Credit Centre for Biodiversity
  • Riverworld Education Program
  • Facilitating Health and Wellness through Outdoor Recreation for Peel Ethnic Seniors Program

Over 65 Years of Conservation

Ontario’s conservation movement began in the 1930s and ‘40s when community leaders became concerned about environmental conditions and managing natural resources. Their questions to local municipalities about how to responsibly protect and manage these resources led to the Province of Ontario passing ground-breaking legislation in 1946 – the Conservation Authorities Act. This act empowered local communities and municipalities to address issues around flooding, soil erosion and water quality on a watershed basis, through one body – a conservation authority.

The Credit Valley Conservation Authority came into being on May 13, 1954, after many years of work by local service clubs concerned about marshes, pollution and flooding. To this day, we share a 60-year partnership of protecting and preserving the natural environment for future generations with municipalities, environmental groups, corporations, landowners, students, staff, donors and the community. Through the dedication of many, we continue to conserve our natural environment, now and in the future.

There have been many changes over the years:

• We have planted nearly six million trees, restoring highly eroded areas and providing habitat for local wildlife.
• We protect 2,606 hectares of conservation land and provide public access to nature.
• Previously polluted areas of the Credit River are now thriving, making it one of the most diverse coldwater fisheries in eastern North America.
• We are recognized as leaders in low impact development, the next step in responsible stormwater management.
• We have engaged volunteers, landowners and new community members to connect with nature, plant trees, restore streams, remove invasive species and embrace new practices to help make the local environment healthier.

Managing natural resources and the environment is important for our well-being. We acknowledge that none of this work would be possible without the strong support of the community and our partners, in particular the Regions of Peel and Halton; the Counties of Dufferin and Wellington; the Cities of Mississauga and Brampton; the Towns of Caledon, Erin, Halton Hills, Mono, Oakville and Orangeville; and the Townships of Amaranth and East Garafraxa.

It has been our nature to conserve. Now it is our future to shape.

How You Can Support Local Conservation Efforts

1. Make an online donation today.

2. Make a donation via mail or phone.  You can download our printable CVCF donation form and return with your cheque of money order or call 905-670-1615 to make a donation by credit card.

3. Get your business or community organization involved. You have the opportunity to have a direct and profound impact on our community. Whether it is through sponsorships, donations, services or volunteers there are countless ways we can work together. Please contact us by email at foundation@cvc.ca.