2026 President's Report
President Margaret Casey welcomed members and supporters to the Foundation’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and reflected on a year of significant growth and change.
A Growing Legacy of Conservation
The Foundation’s conservation work began more than two decades ago with the stewardship of the Boothby and John Pyke properties on behalf of the Ontario Heritage Trust. Beginning in 2008, the Foundation acquired three adjoining properties that now make up the 158-acre Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve.
More recently, the Foundation has significantly expanded the land under its protection.
Westermain Woods
The donation of Westermain Woods, announced at the 2025 AGM, added 347 acres of undeveloped land, including 740 feet of shoreline at Needlers Point.
The property had been cared for and protected by neighbouring landowners for decades. Their generous donation, together with a significant contribution to the Stewardship Endowment Fund, ensures that Westermain Woods will remain protected for generations to come.
Marianne Girling Nature Reserve
This spring, the Foundation acquired another ecologically significant property adjoining Westermain Woods to the north and containing part of Dreamhaven Lake.
The purchase was made possible by a generous bequest from Marianne Girling for land acquisition, which also provided funding for the property’s long-term stewardship. In recognition of the Girling/MacLellan family’s longstanding support of the Foundation, the property was named the Marianne Girling Nature Reserve.
With these two recent additions, the Foundation now protects 754 acres of land and 8.5 km of shoreline, including properties stewarded on behalf of the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve
It was another active year at Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. Volunteers continued to maintain the trails, monitor wildlife and improve opportunities for visitors to experience and learn about the natural environment.
A new Little Library and sitting bench were installed with support from the Lake of Bays Community Fund, held by the Muskoka Community Foundation. The Little Library is dedicated to Cath Francis, a dedicated Foundation volunteer who helped spearhead the StoryWalk and envisioned the library project.
Efforts to enhance the meadow areas have also been successful, with more than 100 milkweed plants now established. The site has been registered as part of the Monarch Waystation program.
Looking Ahead
Following a strategic review, the Foundation is strengthening its focus on the acquisition and permanent protection of ecologically significant land.
The Foundation has expanded its Area of Interest for potential conservation opportunities and will continue to look for important forests, wetlands, shorelines and wildlife habitat that can be protected.
As development pressures increase and properties change hands from one generation to the next, there will be new opportunities for conservation. Acting on those opportunities will require strong community support, funding for land acquisition and stewardship, and volunteers with a range of skills and experience.
The Foundation looks forward to working with landowners, donors, volunteers and supporters to protect more of the natural heritage of the Lake of Bays region.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Jeff Richmond reported that the Foundation remains in a strong financial position, with no debt and healthy fund balances. The donation of Westermain Woods and strong investment income contributed to the Foundation’s financial position during the year.
Following year-end, funds from the Marianne Girling bequest were used to acquire the Marianne Girling Nature Reserve and provide for its long-term stewardship. As new conservation opportunities emerge, replenishing the Foundation’s land acquisition and stewardship funds will be an important priority.
The Foundation’s audited financial statements are available here.
Election of Directors
The Foundation thanked retiring directors Judith Mills and Paul Shoniker for their many years of service and contributions to the organization.
Mitch Fasken, Laura Gilmour, Robert Little, Mark McLean and Jennifer Wiser were elected to serve two-year terms on the Board of Directors.
Continuing in the second year of their terms are Margaret Casey, Joan Decarie, Tracey Macey, Ally MacLellan, Jeff Richmond, John Saunders and Rick Stronks.
Guest Speaker
Jill Murray-Dimic, Director of Development, Ontario Conservation Accelerator
Conservation in Ontario is Accelerating
Jill Murray-Dimic shared an encouraging picture of land conservation across Ontario. Land trusts throughout the province are growing and taking advantage of new opportunities to protect important natural areas.
Jill described how the Ontario Conservation Accelerator (OCA) works alongside land trusts, providing expertise, resources and support to help move conservation projects forward. OCA has been working closely with the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation as our own conservation efforts grow.
In less than two years, OCA and its partners have helped complete 50 conservation projects protecting 38,000 acres across Ontario. Jill noted that the Foundation is part of this exciting growth in conservation and praised its commitment to caring for protected lands for the long term.
OCA also announced a $25,000 matching contribution to support the long-term stewardship of the Foundation’s protected lands.
The Story of Westermain Woods
The AGM concluded with The Story of Westermain Woods, a short film following the journey of this remarkable forest to permanent protection through aerial footage, historical photographs and personal stories.
