Fresh air. Open space. A place to catch a fish, go for a paddle or stretch your legs: there’s no question outdoor spaces help us thrive as individuals, families and communities.
That’s why the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation is proud to protect more than 7,850 acres of close-to-home conservation areas and natural areas that provide an antidote to the daily grind – all while protecting us from worsening floods, extreme weather and climate change.
A small donation to the Steve Simmering Conservation Lands Endowment Fund goes a long way toward maintaining the Foundation’s properties for the benefit of all. Interest from the endowment covers annual maintenance costs such as property taxes, signage, fencing, trail maintenance and monitoring. Donations also give us the security to accept more land donations in the future, knowing we have the funds to maintain them.
But ultimately, an investment in the Steve Simmering Fund is an investment in the future health of your family and your community. Many studies show the direct benefit of a healthy, green environment on stress levels, mental health and physical fitness.
Ready to donate? Give today for the sake of tomorrow: www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/63940
How it works:
Land trust:
As we become more urbanized, the amount and quality of our nearby wilderness areas becomes more important. Fortunately, dozens of Rideau Valley families have made the generous decision to trust their beloved natural properties with us for perpetual protection. These lands include pristine forests, wetlands and shorefronts that support critical biodiversity and keep us all safe from floods, landslides and extreme weather. Once a property has been donated, the Foundation assumes responsibility for managing the land.
Endowment fund:
The Steve Simmering Fund provides a vital source of annual funds to cover maintenance costs and public safety features. It is a crucial function that happens out of the public spotlight, with little public fanfare.
Only the annual interest from the fund is withdrawn, while the principal remains invested year after year to produce a steady source of funding. Our goal is to build the Steve Simmering Fund into Eastern Ontario’s pre-eminent Conservation Land Endowment fund to protect the highest quality wilderness areas for public benefit and enjoyment.
About Steve Simmering:
Stephen Simmering, professional civil engineer and true gentleman, was a successful and well-respected businessman in the Ottawa area for decades. Steve was the principal in his own engineering consulting firm, Simmering and Associates, before he joined Golder Associates as a senior partner in 2005. He believed in service to the community and was long-time Vice Chair of the RVCF during its transition to a modern conservation fundraising group. He was instrumental in the acquisition of some of our best-loved conservation areas such as Chapman Mills, and opened some very generous doors for the Foundation.
Steve was an active outdoorsman who loved walking and hiking in the open air. He enjoyed working with the Foundation because he believed in the goal of local, natural areas for all and the opportunity to reconnect with nature through inexpensive family recreation and exercise.
Steve passed away unexpectedly in September 2009. The Simmering family, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation are honoured to have Steve’s name associated with this endowment.
