MANOTICK, July 19, 2021 – Plank by plank, together we can bridge the gap in accessibility at Baxter Conservation Area.

The popular hiking destination in south Ottawa needs a new bridge and boardwalk, which our Nature for All project aims to replace with the gold standard of accessible infrastructure.  

But the committee can’t do it alone: we need people like you to support our vision by donating a plank, adopting a metre or even covering costs for a bag of bolts or a metre of railings. 

“You can be a plank on the path toward equity and inclusion,” said Diane Downey, executive director of the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, which is leading the campaign. “Nature should be accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and this project will bring that vision closer to reality.”

The Plank by Plank campaign aims to raise $25,000 to cover the 1,000 wooden planks required to build the new bridge and boardwalk, which has a total project cost of about $1 million. You can donate one plank for $25 or adopt a metre for $100. You can also donate a metre of accessible railings for $50 or buy a bag of hardware for only $10. Of course, any and all donation amounts are welcome to get the project to its goal. 

“This is a transformational project, one that will turn Baxter into Eastern Ontario’s most accessible nature destination,” Downey said. “We invite you to be a part of this exciting endeavour that will make Baxter accessible for all.”

To donate, visit www.canadahelps.org and choose your donation amount.

To learn more about the Nature For All project, visit www.rvcf.ca/nature-for-all.

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