The Latest Report

sheltering forests campaign hits milestone
released: August 16, 2010

Scotsburn, August 16, 2010....The Friends of Redtail Society's Sheltering Forests campaign has hit a milestone. Donations have now topped $180,000, which is nearing the 75% mark of the group's $250,000 goal. The Society has been fundraising since late 2008 to purchase 313 acres of forest in an upland watershed near Scotsburn, Pictou County. The forest had been slated for clear-cut, but swift action by the group and subsequent negotiation to purchase the land prevented that from happening.

The Society has received $70,000 in funding support from a number of programs, including the Nova Scotia Habitat Conservation Fund, Municipality of Pictou County and Nova Scotia Health Promotion & Protection. Funding from the latter will go directly to the development of Craig's Way, a looped footpath the group hopes will help to foster a deeper connection with nature in those who come to spend time on the land. The location of the trail will be in close proximity to the Cape-to-Cape Trail.

The balance of the money has come entirely from individual donors and community events that have been hosted across the region and as far away as Halifax and Victoria, BC. From bake sales to yard sales, a bike ride across Canada and lotteries for art and private concerts, the Society and their supporters have been working every angle to get to their goal before this year's December 9th deadline arrives.

As the campaign enters its final months, the group's Board of Directors is cognizant that there's still a way to go and that much support is still needed to reach the quarter-million required to close the purchase and sale agreement and protect the forest once and for all. "We've been resourceful at every juncture in this journey, we've come too far. We'll not falter now so close to our goal," asserts Bernadette Romanowsky, Society Chairwoman.

Once the land is secured, the Society's work will take on a new dimension. "Fundraising will continue to be essential, but the Society's real purpose is to create a community forest. We want to explore more balanced ways of working and living in relation to the earth's natural processes," explains Romanowsky. Central to this is the group's goal to redefine community. "Until humans expand our definition of community to include the plants, the animals, the trees, the water, the wind and the air that surround us, until we recognize the land as an extension of our own health and wellbeing, we will continue to act in ways that is harmful to both."

The Society has a number of fundraisers planned in the coming months and is urging its silent supporters to consider making a donation now. The Society is a registered charity and all donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made via their website or by calling (902) 485-4561 for more details.

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For more information contact:
Michelle Ferris
(902) 485-4561