2013 Annual General & Special Meeting

Executive Director’s Report It has been just over a year since I joined this team and I am so pleased and impressed by how far we have come. As I reported back in October, much of our work has been focused on the amalgamation and laying the ground work for Muskoka Conservancy. The future direction of Muskoka Conservancy is one that will honour the history of both the Muskoka Heritage Foundation and the Muskoka Heritage Trust. Over the coming months we will be announcing new and renewed projects that will build on our roots of stewardship, educational outreach, and land protection.

Built and Cultural Heritage: As in past years, we are excited to present our annual Summer Cottage Tour this year on July 19th.

This tour explores the built and cultural heritage of Muskoka by visiting a variety of properties. This year, we will be gathering at Windermere House and visiting two wonderful cottage properties on Lake Rosseau.

Our Built and Cultural Heritage programs will be expanded this year as we work with local artists and artisans throughout Muskoka. Muskoka Conservancy supports a cash award to a local artist each year, and we are pleased that Elizabeth Johnson was this year’s winner. In addition, our silent auction on the Summer Cottage Tour will feature the artistic work of some of Muskoka’s most popular artists and artisans.

Stewardship: Over the past few months we have been working closely with the Muskoka Lakes Association to develop a collaborative project that will build on their successful water quality monitoring program and link it with a stewardship program aimed at shoreline naturalization to be delivered by Muskoka Conservancy. This new collaboration is one that will benefit our communities and our environment by supporting healthy, clean lakes.

In 2012, the Province cancelled the Ontario Stewardship program. Our local Stewardship Council, the Parry Sound Muskoka Stewardship Network (PSMSN), has joined us to ensure