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Giving Tuesday

Help conserve and restore the Sydenham River Watershed.

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Sydenham River © David Coulson

What is Giving Tuesday?

December 1st, 2020 was Giving Tuesday, a day for Canadians to give to the causes that mean the most to them.

Our 2020 Giving Tuesday goal was to raise funds to conserve and restore the Sydenham River Watershed in the diverse and fragile Carolinian Zone. Our members and supporters helped us raise $47,000, shattering our goal of $30,000! This important work is made possible because of your generosity on Giving Tuesday. We are truly grateful for your support.

The Sydenham River Watershed, located in Chatham-Kent, Lambton and Middlesex areas, is a biodiversity hotspot. Less than 12% of local forest remains, which threatens many species at risk including the cerulean warbler, eastern wood-pewee and several endangered turtles. It is part of the Carolinian Zone, a region under intense pressure as it hosts 25% of the Canadian population.

The Importance of the Watershed

This area isn’t only a biodiverse hotspot, it also holds fond memories for many. We received this story from an incredibly generous donor reminiscing about fishing trips she used to take with her father:

Sydenham River Nature Reserve © David Coulson

“A little bit about those memories… Early morning fishing trips with my father and I mean early. It was an adventure every time. He always insisted that I be the one to wake him up at 4 am so we could make the 30 minute drive and 10 minute trek through cow pastures and bush to our favourite secret little spot on the banks of the Sydenham River. We had to be there before daybreak because the fish bit best then according to my father. So we’d set up in the dark, then sit and wait. He was right about the fish biting best at dawn but there was so much more. The place just came alive at sunrise. The sounds of bird chatter and singing filled the space around us. The sun warmed the air and lit up the river, highlighting the swirling chocolate brown water and the twitching of our rods. It was so much fun and the experience taught me how to sit and just be, Priceless in my opinion.”

Sydenham River rainbow © Dawne Mudford

Impact

Because of your impact, we will be able to:

  1. Restore and survey 30 acres of native grassland and Carolinian forest habitat at our Sydenham River Nature Reserve
  2. Identify habitat for rare species and wildlife corridors for potential land protection
  3. Host workshops with First Nations, conservation organizations, local nature clubs, and private landowners to conduct conservation planning for the watershed
  4. And much more!
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Sydenham River Nature Reserve © David Coulson
“The astounding biodiversity remaining within the Sydenham River Watershed despite intense development pressures is a testament to its resiliency. But it needs our help. Restoration work will increase connectivity within the region and increase habitat for rare species. By engaging the community, this area will be a haven for future generations of humans and wildlife alike.”
– Smera Sukumar, Nature Reserve Manager

Spread the Word

Follow Ontario Nature and our campaign announcements on social media on our restoration activities at our Sydenham River Nature Reserve. Please reach out to your networks to raise awareness about the importance of conserving this biodiverse watershed.

Wood frog, Sydenham River Nature Reserve © Dave Coulson

Contact

You will receive an official charitable tax receipt for your donation.

If you have any questions or would like to make your gift by phone, please call Kiran Singhachaudhuri at 1-800-440-2366 ext. 234.

Email Kiran


You can also send your gift by mail to our Toronto office. The address is at the bottom of the page. Please indicate that the donation is for Giving Tuesday.

Resources

Trees of Life, ON Nature article, Spring 2019