The Foundation also administers the John Hindmarsh Environmental Trust Fund. The Trust Fund was created in 1996 to honour John's contributions to environmental conservation and to continue the projects that were so special to him. John reforested marginal lands, implemented soil and water conservation techniques on his farm and was instrumental in the preservation of Naftel's Creek and the Saratoga Swamp. He believed strongly in teaching others about the importance of our natural environment. The Trust Fund is building on John's legacy by focusing on projects with a strong environmental education component.

The Trust Fund is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors:

Susan Chan - Chair
Wendy Hoernig
Pat King
Alison Lobb
Mark Sully

On-line donations to the Maitland Conservation Foundation can be made at www.CanadaHelps.org

Recent Trust Fund activities include:

• In May the Trust Fund partnered with the Maitland Trail Association and hosted a successful plant and compost sale in Goderich. The sale raised over $1600. A guided hike through the Maitland Woods was also part of this event.

• The planting of trees on a property near Goderich in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Trust Fund is also working with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to undertake a biological inventory of another property in the Goderich area.

  

• Funding conservation education programs at the Wawanosh Nature Centre.

• Supporting the printing of a tree and plant guide for the Maitland Woods.

• The donation of equipment for interpretive programs at Falls Reserve Conservation Area. This equipment will be used for pond and river studies, guided hikes, insect programs and bird studies.