SNC Seeks Volunteers Interested in Environmental Cause
Remember… It’s your grassroots conservation organization, overseen by a locally appointed Board of Directors. That’s the message being conveyed by South Nation Conservation (SNC) as it appeals for new volunteers to help out in many of the Authority’s activities.
“Volunteers are a commodity much in demand,” said Ronda Boutz, SNC Team Lead, Communications and Outreach. “They’re the engine of many rural organizations. At SNC, we’ve been blessed because we’ve always been able to attract many dedicated local residents who donate their time and energy to the environmental cause.”
Among areas where help is welcome are park cleanup, fish, wildlife and water monitoring, habitat rehabilitation, seedling distribution and representation at special events.
Another specific area is committee work, Boutz observed. She pointed out that SNC operates four committees entirely made up of volunteers with varied skill sets from across the 4,384 square-km jurisdiction. The committees include: Communications, Clean Water, Fish & Wildlife, and Forestry. Comprising up to 15 members each, the committees meet four to six times a year; mileage expenses are covered and a modest lunch is served.
The committees review projects being developed by staff and offer recommendations to be presented to the Board of Directors. They help build strong, sensible programs with broad-based support.
For example, the revamped Community Environmental Grants program supports events that protect the environment or promote natural heritage and recreational use of the river.
Non-profit organizations and Municipalities are encouraged to submit an application to receive a grant of up to $300 for their event or activity. Groups are encouraged to get their application in early. The program has four components: River Grants, Heritage Grants, Agri-Environmental Grants, and Community Outreach Grants.
To download a copy of the application form, visit: http://www.nation.on.ca/water/grant-programs/community-environmental-grants
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ronda Boutz, 877-984-2948, ext. 251, rboutz@nation.on.ca