Helping to restore Lake Simcoe: The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
by Michelle Minnoch

Board Member John Taylor participating in the Bogart Creek Tree Plant earlier this spring. submitted photo

In 1973, the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation (LSCF) was established to focus on raising funds for conservation education at the Professor E.A. Smith Education Centre at Scanlon Creek. The LSCF is now moving full steam ahead, with anticipated fundraising revenue of over $500,000 for 2006.

"Our mission is to raise money to protect Lake Simcoe and its watershed," said Kimberley MacKenzie, Executive Director of the LSCF.

The money raised by the LSCF is put towards projects spearheaded by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). The LSCF Board of Directors, made up of about 12 volunteers, makes the final decision as to how the money being raised should be spent.

In 2005, close to $200,000 was donated to the LSCF; $10,000 was out towards reforestation; $25,000 for conservation education programs; $50,000 for wetlands acquisition; $50,000 for the restoration of Burl's Creek; $52,000 for Urban Storm water Management.

The urban storm water management project included the installation of five floating islands in selected storm water management ponds - the first project of its kind in Canada. Planted with natural grasses and bushes, the floating islands help to improve water quality. When the roots of the plants grow, excess nutrients from the water are removed, reducing algae growth without the use of chemicals.

LSCF, President Debby Beatty and MPP and Leader of the Official Opposition, John Tory at the 18th Annual Conservation Dinner. Over $100,000 was raised to help provide conservation education for children through LSRCA's Professor E.A. Smith Education Centre and to support the work of the LSCF. submitted photo

MacKenzie said the LSCF is currently working on two projects for the remainder of 2006 and beyond.

The City of Barrie, LSRCA and LSCF are working on the restoration of Kidd's Creek, a $600,000 project that will open up a water channel which will be surrounded by green space. The project will improve fish spawning, improve water and air quality, provide additional green space and will join Centennial and Heritage Parks on Barrie's waterfront.

Kidd's Creek Project

The LSRCA has budgeted $50,000 and the City of Barrie has budgeted $345,000 for the restoration

project. The LSCF is presently in the midst of fundraising the remaining $205,000. The project includes the removal of a parking lot and restoration a tributary to its natural state. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2007, and there will be a chance for residents to get involved when they are asked to come out and help plant trees.

The other project the LSCF is currently fundraising for is to restore of the East Holland River.

"This is our Don River," said MacKenzie. "We need to pull together to clean up this degraded watershed."

The east Holland sub watershed is the most polluted and populated sub watershed, draining directly into Cook's Bay. There will be increased work on the East Holland River in 2007.

Lake Simcoe faces many challenges including high phosphorus levels, increased human activity, invasive species and an increased population in and around the watershed.

Donations to the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation are having an impact on the health of Lake Simcoe.

In partnership with the City of Barrie and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, LSCF has launched a $200,000 to restore 300m of Kidd's creek that is currently draining through culverts into Kempenfelt Bay. The result will be improved warm water fish habitat, 300 m of restored stream channel and a one acre greenspace along Barrie's waterfront. submitted photos

"Fundraising is about moving passion into action," said MacKenzie. "Our passion for Lake Simcoe is resulting in more hands on work being done to restore and protect this important watercourse."

The Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation is a registered charitable organization and audited financial statements are available upon request.

If you would like to donate to the Lake Simcoe

Conservation Foundation you can give in person at their office, or by mail. The LSCF is housed at the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority head office, located at 120 Bayview Parkway, Box 282, Newmarket, ON, L3Y 4X1. Donations can also be made by calling (905) 967-0112, ext 310. Donations can also be made online at www.lsrca.ca (click on the Conservation Foundation link).