Friends of The Trail Legacy Connects Kids with Nature
The proud, nature-nurturing legacy of Friends of The Trail Inc. will continue thanks to a recent donation made by the group in support of Lower Trent Conservation’s `Connecting KIDS with NATURE’ program. Yesterday, members of Friends of The Trail (FOTT) were thanked by the Authority for a generous gift of $6,000. The funding will be used to assist in the delivery of youth environmental education initiatives spearheaded by Lower Trent Conservation.
For 15 years, FOTT embraced the responsibility of caring year-round for the Lower Trent Trail, a recreational nature-focused pathway that runs from Trenton to Glen Ross. In 2018, the group received a termination notice of its 10-year lease agreement for the trail, effective February 1, 2019. The unexpected change was the result of the province’s decision to transfer the property lease to the City of Quinte West, forcing the FOTT to dissolve. Subsequently, the FOTT’s Board of Directors has elected to disperse its remaining assets to local, like-minded organizations including Lower Trent Conservation.
“Friends of The Trail and Lower Trent Conservation have collaborated over the years on various projects including the entrance to Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area and the Batawa Waterfront Trail”, says FOTT Board Chair Bill Gray. “Our shared views regarding the environment and the importance of lowering human impact on nature have contributed greatly to our communities’ overall wellbeing.”
“Though we are disappointed to no longer be in charge of stewardship for our beloved trail, we do take great pride in knowing that our efforts won’t be easily forgotten and that our passion for the environment and community will carry-on in the hearts and minds of the next generation of environmental leaders,” adds Gray.
“Lower Trent Conservation receives no financial support from government for its youth education activities. Contributions such as this wonderful gift from Friends of the Trail, are critical to maintaining delivery of our organization’s highly respected youth environmental education initiatives”, says Lower Trent Conservation CAO Rhonda Bateman. “Our longtime friends at FOTT can rest easy knowing the incredible legacy they built is far from over. Their passion for nature and community shall live on in the children we teach and the educational programs we deliver.”
Lower Trent Conservation continues to seek donations in support of its ‘Connecting KIDS with NATURE’ youth environmental education programming. Anyone interested in donating, volunteering or finding out more is encouraged to contact Lower Trent Conservation at 613-394-4829, or visit the website at http://LTC.on.ca.
Photo attached: Chair Bill Gray (centre, holding frame) and other members of FOTT Board of Directors receive certificate of appreciation from Lower Trent Conservation CAO Rhonda Bateman (centre, 3rd from the right).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love