'Laurier Woods is Growing' campaign close to goal

Laurier Woods is Growing Committee
News Release

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The “Laurier Woods is Growing” Fundraising Campaign has raised $75,000.00 of its $100,000.00 goal since the campaign kick-off February 4th.

To date the campaign has seen a wide variety of support from within the community including the professional sector of lawyers, doctors and engineers; local businesses and industry; service clubs; environmental groups, schools, and interested individuals. The campaign has also seen a range of fund raising techniques from challenges, to building and selling bird houses, to selling tree stickers. In appreciation of this donor support the Board of Directors of the “Laurier Woods is Growing” Fundraising Campaign is hosting a wine & cheese Thursday, November 3rd, 5-7pm at the Rorab Shrine Club, 1260 Brookes Street, North Bay. Donors who sponsored the stewardship of one or more acre(s) will be receiving their framed certificate of appreciation and a map locating the acre(s) they have stewarded. A variety of exhibits will be on display depicting the flora, fauna and panoramic views that make Laurier Woods a natural haven within the city.

The “Laurier Woods is Growing” Fundraising Campaign has been raising funds to pay for the purchase of an additional 100 acres adjacent to the original property.
The existing 140 acre Laurier Woods Conservation Area is located at the end of Brule Street off of Franklin Street and encompasses a provincially significant wetland, rocky outcrops and upland forests creating a sanctuary for a wide range of plants and animals. Once developed and signed the new 100 acres will add approximately another 4 kilometers of trail to the existing 8 kilometers. Having this woodland and wetland trail system within the city means that experiencing the natural environment is easily accessible by city transit users, walkers and cyclers.

There are two main options for financial support: a $1,000.00 contribution provides for the stewardship of one acre, while a $100.00 contribution will be identified with 1/10th of an acre. The fundraising committee chair, Chris Mayne has emphasized throughout the campaign that “any donation, however small is appreciated by the committee because it reflects the interest of the broader community in supporting the expansion and protection of this unique nature preserve within the heart of the city.”

Those who share an appreciation for what has become North Bay’s most enjoyed wetland conservation area, and want to be a part of conserving more of the Laurier Woods to be enjoyed into perpetuity are still encouraged to help the campaign raise the last $25,000.00. Potential donors can visit www.laurierwoods.com or pick up a campaign brochure at Mayne Travel on Main Street.

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