Mississauga, ON – On Friday, local MPP Natalia Kusendova-Bashta was on hand at Riverwood Park to participate in a guided birding walk which featured the use of new binoculars and GPS devices which were purchased thanks to a $11,800 Capital grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
“It’s incredible to see how this OTF grant is bringing Mississauga residents closer to nature. The new equipment is allowing people to experience the beauty of Riverwood in a whole new way, creating opportunities to connect with wildlife and develop a deeper appreciation for our natural spaces. This investment is a wonderful step in fostering a stronger connection between our community and the environment,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP for Mississauga Centre.
The grant, awarded in 2023, provided needed funds for The Riverwood Conservancy to enhance its nature-based programs for the public. The grant allowed the Conservancy to purchase 35 pairs of binoculars, 15 handheld GPS devices, and an angled spotting scope. This equipment allows program participants to better, and more safely, observe the wide variety of wildlife in Riverwood Park, including approximately 200 species of birds.
“The equipment we were able to acquire through this OTF grant makes a huge difference in our nature-based public programs,” said Sara Wilbur-Collins, Executive Director at The Riverwood Conservancy. “We’ve seen first-hand how much more engaged and amazed program participants are when they can see all the details and colours of a unique bird in the wild. Those sorts of experiences stay with people, and it lets them feel closer more connected to nature, even though they’re right in the middle of the city.”
About The Riverwood Conservancy
The Riverwood Conservancy (TRC) is a registered charity that provides programs and direction for Riverwood, a 150-acre urban nature preserve situated on the shores of the Credit River in Mississauga. TRC enables people of all cultures, ages, and abilities to respectfully connect with nature and learn about the importance of conserving natural spaces. On October 24, 2024, TRC will host The Great Riverwood Hike to raise funds for its essential environmental programs. To learn more, visit theriverwoodconservancy.org/hike.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Image at Top of Page
From left to right: Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP for Mississauga Centre; Sara Wilbur-Collins, Executive Director at The Riverwood Conservancy; and Jermaine Chambers, Ontario Trillium Foundation Volunteer hold binoculars that The Riverwood Conservancy was able to purchase through a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.