Conservation-minded neighbours wrap up National Volunteer Week by cleaning up an old growth forest

Arnprior, ON – The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) celebrated the end of National Volunteer Week Saturday with a Conservation Volunteers event aimed at maintaining important forest habitat at Gillies Grove in Arnprior. Volunteers turned out on Saturday to help NCC in an ongoing effort to maintain the community forest by helping to tear down of an old fence that restricted wildlife movement in the park, and by removing garbage.

“The efforts of our volunteers will help make Gillies Grove, which is open to the public, safer for visitors and the wildlife that call it home,” remarked Brenda Van Sleeuwen, NCC’s Eastern Ontario Science and Stewardship Coordinator. “Dumping of yard waste is not permitted in the Grove. By keeping the Grove free and clear of all waste we create a more enjoyable space for everyone."

The benefits of environmental volunteering for participants has been well-documented including improved mental wellbeing and physical health, and increased connectedness to nature. It also has the ability to empower individuals to make environmentally beneficial changes in their day-to-day lives.

Owned and managed by NCC, Gillies Grove is an excellent example of one of Ontario’s remaining old growth forests. Part of a Parks Canada national historic site, Gillies Grove contains some of southern Ontario’s tallest White Pine trees and supports species like the Red-shouldered Hawk and Pileated Woodpecker. This forest community not only provides important habitat to wildlife but is also open for public access and community enjoyment.

NCC’s Conservation Volunteers program engages people in the protection of Canada’s biodiversity while providing a meaningful, hands-on educational experience in ecologically significant natural areas. Carefully designed projects ensure that volunteers’ time is dedicated to critical conservation action. To find out more about how to become involved with NCC’s volunteer events, please visit the Conservation Volunteers website at www.conservationvolunteers.ca.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada’s leading land conservation organization. Since 1962, NCC has helped to protect more than 2 million acres (800,000 hectares) of ecologically significant land nationwide.

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Contacts:

Annie Benko
Conservation Volunteer and Intern Coordinator
1-800-465-0029, ext. 251
annie.benko@natureconservancy.ca

Brenda Van Sleeuwen    
Eastern Ontario Science and Stewardship Coordinator
613-321-3583
brenda.vansleeuwen@natureconservancy.ca