Carleton Place, ON – On Thursday, local MPP John Jordan met with the team at Mississippi
Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) to hear more about the $123,800 Resilient Communities Grant
they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to create a new
permanent full-time position to increase capacity and relieve volunteer burnout.
“Our government recognizes the inherent value in providing stewardship over our natural heritage,”
said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston. “An investment of $123,800 in the
Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust furthers the opportunity to keep a watchful eye on the
management and growth of this area’s thriving eco-system. The County of Lanark boasts a diverse
and stunningly beautiful landscape, and I would like to thank everyone involved with the
Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust for their part in safeguarding our natural legacy.”
The Resilient Communities Grant was awarded in 2022 and allowed MMLT to hire a Conservation
Coordinator. The position is an important one for MMLT with so many properties in its care. In
the permanent full-time role, local resident Andrew Dunbar conducts annual monitoring, species
inventories, and trail maintenance as well as event and research coordination on MMLT properties.
The position adds support, increases capacity, and complements the important work of MMLT
volunteers.
“The direct protection of land is one of the most important tools we have to help conserve
biodiversity and help reduce climate change” says MMLT president, Stephen Kotze. “These 2
provincial government grants support MMLT’s work in stewardship of conservation lands and will
encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy the health benefits of nature. We are grateful to OTF
for the provincial funding. We are appreciative of the additional support provided to MMLT
through community grants and sponsorships, including from Lanark County for MMLT’s climate
initiatives and the municipality of Mississippi Mills for sponsorship of MMLT’s annual Festival of
the Wild Child. ”
Beautiful Mississippi Madawaska wilderness protected for all time, where all species thrive and
people engage with nature is the vision of MMLT. Several of MMLT-protected properties, such as
High Lonesome Nature Reserve, Blueberry Mountain, and Poole Family Nature Sanctuary have
nature trails open to the public and host special outdoor events and activities for people of all ages.
The community is welcome and encouraged to walk the trails. On the evening/night of November 15th,
MMLT will host its The Sky’s the Limit Gala, with an opportunity to connect with like-minded conservation enthusiasts, listen to the captivating Jill Heinerth, and more!
Click here for all the details: https://www.mmlt.ca/event/mmlts-the-skys-the-limit-gala
Founded in 2003, MMLT is a nonprofit registered charitable organization taking direct action to
legally protect and steward ecologically sensitive lands across the Mississippi River watershed,
north to the Madawaska River. MMLT lands have ecological, biodiverse, aesthetic and cultural
value. They are places where natural habitats and species can thrive and where people are
encouraged to engage with nature for its physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual
benefits.
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.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Stacie Lloyd, executive director
Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust
613-253-2722
stacie.lloyd@mmlt .ca
Click Here for the Official Media Release: MMLT Celebrates $123,800 in OTF Grant from the Ontario Government