Winter Solstice Concert – Celebrate and Support Conservation!

The Winter Solstice Concert – featuring WomEnchant – will be presented December 19 at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation.

This beloved event celebrates the transition to winter, a time of rest and renewal, through powerful song and drum performances set against the backdrop of nature.

While the concert is SOLD OUT, there’s still an opportunity to join the cause and make a difference:

🌟 ‘There in Spirit’ Tickets: Stay connected to the celebration and support conservation by purchasing these special tickets. Your contribution helps fund critical conservation efforts across Niagara.

🌟 Online Auction: Running until December 19, our exciting auction features an exclusive original painting by local artist Lise Daniel, inspired by NPCA’s Louth Conservation Area, and used in the concert’s promotional poster. Beyond this masterpiece, you’ll find adventure tours, wine packages, jewelry, native planting expertise, collectable items, and more! Each bid supports the protection of Niagara’s natural spaces. 👉 Explore the Online Auction and Bid Now!

 Proceeds from the concert and auction go directly to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, safeguarding our cherished environment for future generations.

🎁 Don’t miss your chance to give back to nature this holiday season! Participate in the auction today and help protect the spaces we know and love.

For questions, contact Sharon Pfeifer and join us in making a lasting impact!

NPCF Awards 2024 Conservation Education Bursaries to Six Outstanding Students

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the 2024 Conservation Education Bursary event, held yesterday at the Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation. Six exceptional students from across the Niagara Peninsula watershed were honoured as this year’s bursary recipients, each receiving a $500 award to support their post-secondary education in environment-related fields. 

The award ceremony was a celebration of these students' dedication to environmental stewardship. Following the presentations, the students enjoyed a guided hike of the Ball's Falls Conservation Area, providing them with a meaningful connection to the natural world as they prepare to further their studies this September. 

"It was an inspiring day as we recognized these young leaders who are so passionate about preserving our environment," said Barbara Greenwood, Acting Chair of the NPCF Board of Directors. "The Conservation Education Bursary is our way of investing in their future and, in turn, the future of conservation. We are confident that their contributions will be felt both locally and beyond as they continue on their educational journeys." 

The NPCF Conservation Education Bursary, established with the support of the Fort Erie Conservation Women's Auxiliary, has been instrumental in encouraging students to pursue careers in conservation, environment, forestry, natural resources, and wildlife management. This year’s recipients were selected from a highly competitive group of applicants who demonstrated outstanding commitment and potential in their chosen fields.

-30-  

About NPCA:  

Founded in 1969, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds that support the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations. When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help fund conservation projects and programs that improve water quality, increase green spaces, restore wetlands and habitats, and advance environmental research and education. 

To learn more, please visit: https://niagaraconservationfoundation.com.

Follow on Instagram, Facebook, https://twitter.com/NPCA_Ontarioand LinkedIn for more updates. 

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:  
Sharon Pfeifer, Development and Investor Relations 
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) 
905.788.3135 ext. 434 
spfeifer@niagaraconservationfoundation.ca

A Community Challenge: Honouring Volunteers, Howie and Phil, with a $1,000 Donation Match

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is thrilled to have received a special donation in support and recognition of the tireless efforts of our volunteers. The $1,000 donation was made in the names of Howie and Phil, two exemplary NPCA volunteers. 

This generous donation comes with a heartfelt challenge for our community: let’s match these funds to support the incredible work of our dedicated volunteers! 

Meet Howie and Phil 

Since joining NPCA’s impressive group of volunteers, Howie and Phil have been involved in numerous projects and initiatives. Most recently they have played key roles in the conservation and enhancement of various NPCA properties, acting as Trail Ambassadors and Conservation Area Stewards of Ball’s Falls, Louth, and Rockway.  

Every year, Howie and Phil dedicate hundreds of volunteer hours to NPCA and their commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship has had a profound impact on the Niagara Peninsula watershed. They have been instrumental in bringing the Village of Glen Elgin to life every year for the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival and have contributed greatly to NPCA’s nature camps and educational programs. 

The Impact of Volunteers 

Volunteers like Howie and Phil make a world of a difference. We are always deeply grateful and 

impressed by the passion, dedication and knowledge of our volunteers who give willingly of their time and talents to contribute to and ensure the success of our programs, projects and events throughout the Niagara Peninsula watershed. 

Their selfless contributions enable us to undertake a wide range of projects that otherwise might not be possible. 

Your Chance to Make a Difference 

This special donation is just the beginning, and we are calling on our community to match these funds! Donations will directly support volunteer-driven projects, ensuring that we can continue to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Niagara Peninsula watershed.  

Community donations can help fund: 

• Habitat restoration projects 

• Tree planting initiatives 

• Trail building and maintenance 

• Environmental education programs 

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to a healthier, more resilient watershed. Let’s rise to the challenge and show our support! 

To learn more about how you can contribute, please visit: Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation. Ready to donate? Follow the steps and when asked to dedicate your gift, select ‘Community Challenge’! 

NPCF ANNOUNCES EDUCATION BURSARIES FOR INDIGENOUS YOUTH

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is excited to announce two new bursaries designed to support local Indigenous students in their educational pursuits. 

Environmentalism and Indigenous culture share a profound connection, rooted in a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainable stewardship. Indigenous communities have long practiced conservation and sustainable living, aligning closely with NPCF's mission to support local environmental conservation projects. 

These bursaries will be modeled after NPCF’s existing Conservation Bursary program, ensuring a robust and effective framework. While the specific bursary amounts are still being determined, fundraising efforts are actively underway to secure the necessary funds to award the first round of bursaries in 2025.  

We are calling on local Indigenous groups, partners, and community members to join us in the development and implementation of these bursaries. There are several key areas where participation is invaluable: 

• Assist in the development of the Terms of Reference and award criteria: Help us define the scope and guidelines of the bursary program to ensure it meets the needs of Indigenous students. 

• Provide input on the application process: Your insights will help create an accessible and fair application process. 

• Support outreach and promotion efforts: Assist in spreading the word to ensure that bursary information reaches the Indigenous community effectively. 

• Participate in the selection committee: Review applications and recommend recipients, ensuring a fair and representative selection process. 

We look forward to collaborating with the community to shape a program that is both meaningful and impactful. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of Indigenous students and in the ongoing effort to conserve our natural environment. 

GET INVOLVED TODAY: 
Sharon Pfeifer, Development and Investor Relations Officer 
foundation@npca.ca  
905.788.3135 ext. 434 

NPCF HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, WELCOMES ADAM SHOALTS AS NEW BOARD MEMBER

At its Annual General Meeting on May 30, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) elected its new 2024-25 Board Executive to lead it into another ambitious year.

The Board of Directors re-elected Niagara Regional Councillor, Diana Huson, as Board Chair; Barbara Greenwood, former NPCA Board member and Niagara Regional Councillor as Vice-Chair; and Donna Cridland, NPCA Citizen Representative and former Wainfleet Councillor, as Treasurer.

Joining NPCF’s dynamic board of directors for a four-year term is acclaimed explorer, best-selling author and passionate environmentalist, Adam Shoalts, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the group. As a Pelham local, his dedication to preserving natural greenspaces aligns seamlessly with NPCF's mission to be a leader in providing resources to support conservation work in the Niagara Peninsula watershed.

This strategic addition comes as NPCF strengthens its efforts to support Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). With an ambitious three-year $5-million capital campaign underway, NPCF secures funds to support vital NPCA projects and programs that improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, restore natural habitats and promote environmental education and stewardship in the watershed, which spans Niagara Region and includes parts of Hamilton and Haldimand County.

Shoalts’ expertise and passion for nature will be invaluable as NPCF advances its fundraising priorities: Ecological Restoration, Land Securement, Access to Green Space, and Education and Stewardship. These fundraising pillars inform the Nature for All, for Always campaign, launched in support of NPCA’s 10-year Strategic Plan, elevating the conservation of the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s natural legacy for generations to come.

The NPCF Board of Directors meets four times per year. The next meeting is scheduled for September 12. Meeting agendas, minutes, and fundraising priorities are available at

niagaraconservationfoundation.com.

Follow on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.

QUOTES

“We are thrilled to welcome Adam Shoalts as a new Board member to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation. With his deep-rooted passion for conservation and his extensive expertise in environmental exploration, Adam brings a unique perspective that will undoubtedly enrich our efforts to protect and preserve the natural heritage of our watershed. His commitment to environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to working together to make a positive impact on the work of NPCF.”

          Diana Huson, NPCF Board Chair

“Adam Shoalts is known far and wide for his wilderness adventures, and his connection to nature in Niagara is truly remarkable. We are thrilled to have him share his knowledge and passion for ecological preservation with NPCF. His involvement will undoubtedly inspire greater community engagement and support for conservation within the Niagara Peninsula watershed.”

          Sharon Pfeifer, Development and Investor Relations Officer

-30- 

About NPCF:

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations.

Donations to NPCF support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving water quality, increasing greenspaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and furthering environmental research and education.

Connect with the NPCF today to explore opportunities for creating your own natural legacy: foundation@npca.ca.

Questions related to the above release and NPCF should be directed to:
Sharon Pfeifer
Development and Investor Relations Officer
Mobile: 905-933-4189
spfeifer@niagaraconservationfoundation.ca

Media inquiries should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca

Winter Solstice featuring Womenchant - Coming to Ball's Falls

An evening of seasonal songs and drumming at picturesque Ball's Falls Conservation Area.

Join us on for a Winter Solstice Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 20, featuring WomEnchant Chorus & Drummers; hosted by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation.

Building on the success of the first collaboration in 2019, the 2023 Winter Solstice Concert will take place in the picturesque setting of Ball's Falls Conservation Area on the verge of winter’s arrival.

Set in the beautiful Glen Elgin Room of the Centre for Conservation, magnificent views of the park will heighten your enjoyment of song and drum.

Come bask in the warmth of music and fellowship as we welcome the new season together.

Proceeds go to Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, to help safeguard our natural environment for present and future generations.

Tickets: Adults/Seniors $25, Children 12 and under are free
Contact number: 905.788.3135, extension 330
Buy tickets online: https://www.showpass.com/winter-solstice-womenchant

Light refreshments will be served; a Silent Auction will be held

Comfort Maple Pens Fundraiser – A good medium to raise awareness:

Comfort Maple Pens Fundraiser – A good medium to raise awareness.   NPCF Board and staff express deep gratitude to Marv Ens for his continued dedication to producing pens from the wood of the beloved Comfort Maple tree. Since 2016, we have sold over 350 pens, with sales totaling over $32,500. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation programs support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education. The Comfort Maple is thought to be the oldest sugar maple (Acer saccharum) in Canada and is designated as a heritage tree under the Ontario Heritage Act. As such, the tree possesses considerable biological and cultural heritage value. When Marv presented NPCF with the opportunity to use the wood that falls or is pruned from the tree and “turn” it into beautiful hand-crafted pens, he provided us with a unique way to allow the public to purchase a piece of history that is significant locally, in the Niagara peninsula, and across Canada. We saw the extent of the community connections with this tree when people from across Canada reached out to purchase a pen and share their stories of visiting the tree for marriage proposals, special events and family drives.  

NPCA BOARD CHAIR DONATES HONORARIUM TO CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE NIAGARA PENINSULA WATERSHED

In her second year serving as Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board of Directors, Brenda Johnson has donated her honorarium to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) and Glanbrook Conservation Committee (GCC).

Chair Johnson’s donation of $6,891.53 will help fund programs that contribute to environmental research and education, improve water quality, increase green spaces, and restore wetlands and wildlife habitat.

“The importance of protecting greenspaces has never been more prominent in the minds of the watershed community,” says NPCF Board Chair, Tom Insinna. “Through the support of our community and individuals like Chair Johnson, we can continue to protect our important natural resources for present and future generations.”

This marks Chair Johnson’s second honorarium donation, and the fourth time she has contributed financially to conservation efforts while serving on the NPCA Board of Directors. In May 2019, her annual per diem sponsored the visit of a group of children from Eva Rothwell Centre to Binbrook Conservation Area. This donation made it possible for the group of aspiring anglers to experience the GCC’s Annual Spring Fishing Derby, which included transportation, lunch, and fishing gear.

“It is my sincere pleasure to donate this honorarium to the NPCF and GCC, which are two organizations that support the important work of the NPCA and share in the vision of a healthy and resilient Niagara Peninsula watershed,” adds Brenda Johnson, NPCA Board Chair. “As the representative of the City of Hamilton on the Conservation Authority Board, I am delighted to support the incredible efforts of groups like GCC at Binbrook Conservation Area.”

The GCC is a group of volunteers working to improve the habitat for wildlife in what was previously Glanbrook Township, now the City of Hamilton. The group includes, naturalists, environmentalists, bird watchers, hikers, canoeists, as well as fishermen and hunters. They have been active in the community for more than 30 years, accomplishing projects such as ongoing maintenance of the Tyneside Trail, installation of blue bird boxes and fish habitat cribs, invasive species identification and removal, hosting the annual Spring Fishing Derby and many more.

Donations to the NPCF will help connect great people with great causes and create partnerships across the watershed, seeking the most constructive solutions to conservation issues today. “We must all lead by example and remember that every donation, no matter how big or small, will help improve the watershed we call home,” adds Johnson.

For more information about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, visit www.niagaraconservationfoundation.com.

PASSING OF MICKEY DIFRUSCIO

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) are saddened to share the news of the passing of Dominic ‘Mickey’ DiFruscio on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the age of 95.

Mickey served on the NPCA Board of Directors for 25 years as the City of Thorold's citizen representative, and was an Honourary Lifetime Member due to his dedication and commitment to conservation. Being the true advocate that he was, he was a strong believer of the work of the NPCA and NPCF and was always willing and happy to support. Mickey attended countless community events and public meetings as an ambassador of the work of conservation and was never shy to go a step further and lead by example by rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty at community plantings. He assisted at events such as the annual Thanksgiving Festival and even helped with the cooking for the NPCF Wild Game Dinner.

Mickey’s passion for monarch butterflies was well-known across the community. Much of his work focused on the protection and restoration of habitat for pollinators, so he grew milkweed in his garden and greenhouse for many years. He would share and donate these plants with staff and board members, and often donated trees to be used in restoration projects or planted throughout the watershed.

In 2017, the NPCA Board of Directors approved the Mickey DiFruscio and Family Legacy Pollinator Project, which aimed to see the installations of two pollinator gardens each year in Mickey’s honour. All Mickey DiFruscio and Family Legacy Pollinator Gardens contain only native species of plants that serve as either host or nectar sources for native pollinator species.

Today, there are eight gardens in eight different municipalities, with a total of 12,000 wildflowers and 1,600 m2 of gardens created in his name. These were installed with the support of hundreds of volunteers and local community groups and two more gardens are planned for 2022.

To say that Mickey has made an incredible difference in this watershed is an understatement. He will be greatly missed by his NPCA and NPCF families and the entire watershed community.

Our deepest condolences go out to Elizabeth DiFruscio and the DiFruscio family as they deal with this great loss.

“Long Live the Monarch Butterfly”

Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/stcatharinesstandard/name/domenico-difruscio-obituary

The Foundation Receives Support from Niagara Regional Chair's Charity Golf Tournament

NIAGARA FALLS (August 27, 2021) – In 2017, the Foundation established an Outdoor Education Fund with the Niagara Regional Chair from proceeds raised at the annual Niagara Regional Chair’s Charity Golf Tournament, in support of children and youth 18 and under, and NPCA educational programming needs. 

“Since its establishment, the fund has provided a number of outdoor opportunities for children and youth to attend camp, new costumes for historical programming and tours, new archery equipment and most recently, a forest playscape at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area,” said Andrea Crosby-DiCenso, NPCF Executive Coordinator. “When we received notification for this year’s tournament and that we were generously selected as a charity of choice, we were absolutely delighted.”

The Foundation was amongst other well-deserving charities that included The Niagara Health Foundation, Tomorrow’s Voices, Food4Kids, and the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre receiving proceeds raised at the 2021 Regional Chair’s Charity Golf Tournament. 

 “Our thanks and deep appreciation go to Chair Bradley,” said Tom Insinna, NPCF Chair. “Not only for his continued kindness towards our great cause but support for NPCA educational programming.

-30-

About the NPCF: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator 
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435

Foundation Welcomes Balsom to Board of Directors

WELLAND (August 19, 2021) - Earlier this year, the Foundation established and approved a board recruitment process with the interest in appointing new members. 

“This new process encouraged us to actively seek new members for the board,” said Tom Insinna, NPCF Chair. “After thoughtful consideration of skill set and expertise, we are pleased to officially announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Balsom.”

 Member Balsom brings over 30 years of expertise as a Broadcaster for Cogeco YourTV and 30 years-experience as a secondary school teacher in Gananoque, Kingston, Brockville and St. Catharines. This news follows the exciting appointment of Wainfleet Councilor and NPCA Board Member, Donna Cridland, on April 8, 2021, with 30 years-experience in the private sector and strategic banking. 

“It's more important than ever that we work to protect our natural resources for future generations,” said Member Balsom. “I look forward to supporting the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority through my work with the Foundation to ensure we preserve and protect our natural spaces."

-30-

About the NPCF: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435

Results from the 7th Annual Great Canadian Giving Challenge

From June 1 – 30, Canada Helps hosted their annual online Great Canadian Giving Challenge where every dollar donated to participating charities was an entry to win a prize donation of $20,000.00. 

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation was one of 16,611 charities across the country that benefitted from this challenge which saw 233,027 donors who contributed over $26.2 million during the month of June. 

“We are pleased to announce $1,740.00 was raised during the challenge, towards the work of the NPCF,” said NPCF Chair, Tom Insinna. “Being so heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many non-profits are, the support of the community is needed now more than ever and greatly appreciated.”

To donate to the NPCF, please visit niagaraconservationfoundation.com/donate.

-30-

About the NPCF: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator 
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435

NPCF Celebrates Speaker Series Success

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation wrapped up its final session as part of the NPCF Speaker Series, a new fundraising initiative to 2021. 

The three-part series that included sessions with Mark Zelinski (April), and David Newland (May), was brought to a close June 30 with Yvonne Van Lankveld, raising an impressive $1,431.00 through the generous sponsorship of NPCF Chair, Tom Insinna, NPCF Vice-Chair, D. Gayle Wood, and participating attendees. 

“I’m thrilled this new initiative was such a success,” said Andrea Crosby-DiCenso, Executive Coordinator with the NPCF. “All three speakers gave exceptional presentations and we received a lot of positive feedback from attendees.”

Van Lankveld’s recent session featured a presentation and reading of her first novel, The Road to Alright, which attendees were encouraged to enjoy with a signed copy of the book and bottle of Ball’s Falls white wine from Calamus Winery, inclusions in the paid session.

“100% of every book I have written and sold is donated,” said Yvonne, author of A Road to Alright. “I think the NPCF is a really great organization, so, this is part of my journey to support a great cause.”

Proceeds from this initiative will support conservation projects within the Niagara Watershed.

NPCF Selects Recipients of 2021 Conservation Education Bursary

Through initial support of the Fort Erie Conservation Women’s Auxiliary, The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is able to support an annual Conservation Education Bursary program. 

The bursary ranges from $250.00 to $1,000.00 annually, and is aimed at assisting secondary school students in their educational endeavours in a field relating to conservation, environment, forestry, natural resources, and/or fish & wildlife. 

“We are pleased to announce that a total of 15 outstanding individuals from the municipalities of Fort Erie, Hamilton, Haldimand, Pelham, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, and Welland, have been chosen as recipients of this year’s Conservation Education Bursary in the amount of $1,000.00,” said NPCF Chair, Tom Insinna. “The Committee and I were impressed by the recipients’ enthusiasm towards their studies, and sincerely look forward to congratulating these individuals in person.”

An official reception will be planned for the fall where recipients will receive their awards.

-30-

About the NPCF: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435

NPCA Chair Johnson Donates Honorarium to Support Conservation in the Watershed

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Chair, Brenda Johnson, marks a fourth donation of her annual honorarium to support the work of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF), and Glanbrook Conservation Committee (GCC). “It is my sincere pleasure to donate this honorarium to the NPCF and GCC which are organizations that support the important work of the NPCA for the health of the Niagara Peninsula watershed.” says Chair Johnson. 

In 2020, the NPCF launched a ‘Directors Donation Challenge’, a motion tabled by Foundation Board member Dominic "Mickey" DiFruscio. Difruscio had envisioned every Conservation Authority and Foundation Board Member could participate in an initiative that would see donations supporting the conservation of greenspace and enhanced environmental educational programming. The initiative resulted in close to $8,000 in funding directly raised by both Board of Directors, NPCA Senior Staff, as well as the Authority’s Public Advisory Committee, with Chair Johnson taking the lead through an initial donation of her honorarium.

NPCF Chair Tom Insinna thanked Chair Johnson for her leadership demonstrated by donating her Conservation Authority honorarium to this new Foundation fundraising initiative. “The importance of protecting greenspace has never been more prominent in the minds of the watershed community than during the last year,” says Chair Insinna, “Through the support of our community and individuals like Chair Johnson, we can continue to protect our most important resource.”   

Chair Johnson noted that “It’s important to lead by example. As the representative of the City of Hamilton on the Conservation Authority Board, it was my request that part of my donation be focused on the Binbrook Conservation Area to support the ongoing efforts and hard work of the Glanbrook Conservation Committee." 

-30-

About the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator 
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435

David Newland Joins as NPCF Speaker Series Guest

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) has launched their first Speaker Series. Taking place virtually on Zoom, guest speakers share their stories and their connection to nature. The Speaker Series, which kicked off in April with Mark Zelinski, will also feature David Newland on May 26, 2021. The Foundation hopes that the event will inspire participants to do more to conserve the watershed and the natural world.

David Newland is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, singer-songwriter, and radio host. The inspiration for his work comes from his own Arctic adventures, and the respect for indigenous culture and Canada's wild places. 

"David is an exceptional speaker,” says Andrea Crosby-DiCenso, Executive Coordinator with the NPCF. “He has a way of captivating audiences with stories and songs from his travels that when you close your eyes, you'd swear you're right there where it all happened. It's an absolute pleasure to watch him present."

The event is free to attend and will be held from 1 pm to 2:15 pm. Those interested can register here.

-30-

About the NPCF: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator 
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435

NPCF Announces 2021-2022 Chair and Vice-Chair

After a successful Annual Meeting on April 8, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is pleased to announce the re-election of Tom Insinna as Chair and the newly elected Gayle Wood as Vice-Chair.

"I am honoured to be re-elected as the Foundation's Chair for 2021, stated Chair Tom Insinna.

Our accomplishments over the past year have been significant regarding our support for conservation areas and education.  I look forward to another productive year."

As the newly appointed Vice Chair, Gayle Wood advised that "the Foundation's work in supporting conservation is needed more now, than ever, as our community craves the opportunity to be outdoors with nature."

Both Insinna and Wood are pleased at the progress the NPCF has made so far in being a leader of providing resources to support conservation work and are looking forward to all the exciting endeavours 2021 will bring.

For a complete list of NPCF Board of Directors, click here.

-30-

About the NPCF: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator 
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435