‘NATURE RESERVE ON THE TALISMAN LANDS’
Kimberley ON – With the submission of the Letter of Intent to the Municipality of Grey Highlands for the purchase and development of the former ‘Talisman Lands’, the Friends of the Beaver Valley (FBV) is launching their promotional campaign to raise funds for the project on June 20, 2021 with a GoFundMe site: https://ca.gofundme.com/f/nature-reserve-on-the-talisman lands
Dr. Mary Ferguson, a member of the organizing group, states, “We have a long way to go but with community support from residents, local businesses and others we hope to begin to raise funds to cover start-up costs and eventually the purchase of the former Talisman site in partnership with the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC).”
Dr. Ferguson adds, “We know there is a lot of nostalgia for the ‘old Talisman’ and while it cannot be brought back to its former state, we intend to create new community experiences. Working with experts like those found at EBC and locally we are focusing on family activities that honour the natural and cultural heritage of the Beaver Valley.”
Stacie Howe well known owner of the General Store in Kimberley leads the fundraising group with support from volunteers Joyce Hall and Jeannette Parry. “We are beginning with a three month plan to raise funds for our project. Our GoFundMe site at ‘Nature Reserve on the Talisman Lands’ is an immediate strategy to target our over 600 supporters. In time we will be looking for sponsors, matching fund donors from the local business community and pledges for the eventual purchase of the property.”
Plans to create more low impact and sustainable activities in the Valley supports research that shows people of all ages have a heightened awareness of the benefits of green spaces that provide natural experiences like viewing wildlife, foraging and hiking. A survey conducted with members of EBC in the fall of 2020 showed that for all ages hiking was the number one outdoor activity followed closely by bird watching.