The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is looking for dedicated volunteers to be part of a new Conservation Areas Engagement Working Group.
This volunteer group will focus on strengthening community connections with the Conservation Areas managed by NVCA. Key objectives include supporting a variety of community engagement initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness and appreciation of natural spaces and their cultural heritage. Volunteers will play a vital role in building partnerships, fundraising, and developing outreach opportunities.
The working group’s efforts will primarily centre on activities at the Fort Willow Conservation Area and the Tiffin Centre for Conservation. Members will assist in shaping and organizing the future of the Festival at Fort Willow and providing additional support for the annual Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival. There may also be opportunities to contribute to future activities at Edenvale, Minesing Wetlands, Nottawasaga Bluffs, and Petun Conservation Areas.
Members will be:
- Creative, open-minded and collaborative;
- Passionate about nature, sharing knowledge and connecting people with the outdoors;
- Diverse, with a range of expertise;
- Innovative, and have ideas to connect people with nature;
- Able to identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships.
Commitment:
- Two-year term
- Quarterly meetings with more frequent meetings during key planning periods
- Ability to volunteer at community events
- Ongoing assistance in organizing special events
- Ability to oversee individual projects
About NVCA’s Conservation Areas
NVCA operates 11 active Conservation Areas that provide recreational opportunities and environmental education programming while also balancing the protection of environmentally significant features. NVCA works with community partners, volunteers, municipalities and public agencies to maintain these conservation lands.
Currently, NVCA hosts two keystone events: Festival at Fort Willow and Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival.
The Festival at Fort Willow is a cultural heritage event that occurs in late September or early October. As the name implies, this event celebrates the rich history of the Fort Willow Conservation Area. The festival features reenactments and demonstrations that showcase what life was like in the 19th century. Starting in 2025, NVCA is looking to re-envision this event.
Spring Tonic is a maple syrup festival at the Tiffin Centre is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April. This event features a pancake breakfast and a variety of family-friendly activities. Spring Tonic attracts approximately 3,000 people each year and is hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Barrie.
Join us!
If you love NVCA Conservation Areas and want to engage the public to understand and appreciate the natural spaces and cultural heritage that these special places offer, consider joining this working group!
Interested candidates are invited to complete the online application form.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed until a suitable number of qualified applications are received. Candidates may be interviewed.