MUSKOKA HERITAGE FOUNDATION

1. WHAT MAKES MUSKOKA SO SPECIAL?
2. WHAT IS THE MUSKOKA HERITAGE FOUNDATION?
3. WHAT DOES THE MUSKOKA HERITAGE FOUNDATION DO?
4. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FOUNDATION'S ACHIEVEMENTS?
5. WHAT USE IS MADE OF THE FOUNDATION'S NATURE RESERVES?
6. HOW IS THE MUSKOKA HERITAGE FOUNDATION FUNDED?
7. WHO ARE WE?

The Foundation is committed to the preservation and conservation of the history, culture, environment, and quality of life that defines the unique identity of Muskoka.

WHAT MAKES MUSKOKA SO SPECIAL?

Muskoka is known for its remarkable natural beauty and rich heritage. Tall whispering pine trees, granite cliffs, and clear lakes, makes Muskoka a favorite destination for summer cottagers, and is cherished as paradise by permanent residents.

Muskoka has an abundance and diversity of botanical species including 420 rare species. The nationally and provincially rare Virginia Meadow Beauty, which is now common only to the Atlantic coastal plain, continues to survive since glacier times on the shorelines of Muskoka. Red Spruce is another glacial remnant of Muskoka, which is now more at home in the Maritimes. Hobblebush, uncommon in many parts of the province, thrives in Muskoka environs.

Muskoka has the richest diversity of herptiles in the Province. It includes such rare species as the Five-lined Skink, which favors large expanses of undisturbed granite outcrops. The provincially rare Massassauga Rattle Snake and Hognose Snake are also residents of Muskoka.

In addition, Muskoka is home to 65 rare breeding birds including six nationally rare species: Least Bittern, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Caspian Tern, Eastern Bluebird, and Prairie Warbler.

But this paradise is threatened.

Since 1987, The Muskoka Heritage Foundation has been working to conserve the plants, wildlife and clean water of Muskoka; to create a legacy of forests, wetlands and uplands, and the species they nurture.

WHAT IS THE MUSKOKA HERITAGE FOUNDATION?

The Muskoka Heritage Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization that protects, conserves and nurtures the environment and traditions of Muskoka.

WHAT DOES THE MUSKOKA HERITAGE FOUNDATION DO?

To achieve its goal, the Muskoka Heritage Foundation:

• Identifies important natural areas in the District of Muskoka, alone or in cooperation with individuals, groups and government. (Proposals are welcome from anyone who believes an area deserves protection).
• Acquires key properties through gift or purchase and retains ownership in perpetuity.
• Conserves private property through voluntary stewardship agreements and recognition.
• Encourages the private and government sectors to set aside important natural areas.
• Operates a conservation information centre that is open to the public, at its office located at 9 Taylor Road in Bracebridge, Ontario.
• Provides workshops on stewardship, and works with other organizations of similar interests. These include The Parry Sound Muskoka Stewardship Network, the Ontario Nature Trust Alliance, and Federation of Ontario Naturalists to mention a few.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FOUNDATION'S ACHIEVEMENTS?

Currently, through The Muskoka Heritage Trust, the Muskoka Heritage Foundation owns nine Nature Reserves totaling over 1,000 acres , operating them in partnership with a number of community groups. We  hosted an international symposium addressing the value of the night sky in 2003, Ecology of the Night, and we continue to advocate for dark-sky friendly lighting across Muskoka. In 2006, we helped host the third annual Muskoka Star Party, a celebration of the value of the night sky and a commemoration of the black out of 2003.  We hold an annual native tree and shrub sale that has added more than 12,000 trees and shrubs to Muskoka's landscapes over the past few years.  I

WHAT USE IS MADE OF THE FOUNDATION'S NATURE RESERVES?

Under management agreements with community groups, lands are conserved and protected as wildlife preserves. The public is welcome to use these sites for educational, scientific and passive recreational purposes, provided there is little to no impact on the natural environment.

HOW IS THE MUSKOKA HERITAGE FOUNDATION FUNDED?

Funds come from four areas:

• Annual membership fees from a membership of individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Donations to the Muskoka Heritage Legacy fund.
• Fundraising events (such as an annual cruise and silent auction, garden tour, golf tournament, and fees from stewardship workshops).
• Project grants from foundations and government.

Your help is needed as a member of the Foundation and as an active participant in programs to help conserve the natural amenities of Muskoka for every one forever.

WHO ARE WE?

The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors who are year-round and seasonal residents of Muskoka.

Board of Directors 2009-2010