My guess is that you’ve never received a letter from a turtle before. If that’s the case, well, I’m glad I could be the first to send you one!
My name is Sunny, and I’m a turtle who calls Riverwood home. I got my name when a group of therapeutic horticulture program participants spotted me basking in the sunshine on my favourite log in the MacEwan Pond.
There was a time, not so long ago, when you would not have seen me at Riverwood, because the habitats there weren’t quite to my liking. I am rather particular.
Luckily for me, The Riverwood Conservancy made some major improvements in the MacEwan Pond — and I absolutely LOVE what you’ve done with the place!
I noticed the water depth of the pond has increased, and native plants are growing all around the pond. And I’m not the only species that’s returned to the area. I’ve seen green frogs and dragonflies in the pond too, and I have a feeling more are on the way.
All of those improvements wouldn’t have been possible without donors who support The Riverwood Conservancy’s conservation work and bring major restoration projects to life around this beautiful park. I'm so grateful for them!
As we head into the holiday season, I’d kindly ask you to make a special donation, which not only helps wildlife like me, but also gives human families in our community a chance to connect with nature. Your gift will keep The Riverwood Conservancy’s nature-based programs going strong. When you give before December 31, Scotts Canada will also match your donation* so that your gift will have double the impact!
While the pond is in great shape now, I remember when that wasn’t the case. Over a decade ago, an invasive species called phragmites (or Phragmites australis if you know your Botanical Latin like me) first appeared in the pond, and grew so quickly that it took over the majority of the pond.
It took a huge effort from The Riverwood Conservancy’s staff, volunteers, and community partners to not only remove and contain the phragmites, but to also transform the space around the pond with additions like a new boardwalk — it’s a great place to be if you want to get a closer look at me and other wildlife who reside in the pond!
I’m sure you know that managing invasive species and keeping Riverwood healthy is more than just a one-project deal. It takes year-round conservation work, especially since more people are coming to Riverwood from all the urban development nearby. But the payoff is that turtles like me can live in harmony with humans like you!
With your gift this holiday season, The Riverwood Conservancy will be able to carry on its vital conservation, education, gardening, and volunteer programs to keep the community connected to nature, and keep turtles like me happy as… well… a turtle on a log!
Wishing you the very best for the holiday season and the New Year!
Sincerely,
Sunny Your Friendly Neighbourhood Turtle
* Scotts Canada will match all individual donations until December 31, 2025, up to a maximum of $10,000.
