The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) has been set on a new fundraising challenge by an anonymous couple to raise $60 million over the next three years. The money raised will be used to protect the Bruce Trail and the lands surrounding the Niagara Escarpment. A generous anonymous couple that happens to be lifetime members of the BTC has pledged to donate $5 million each year if the organization raises $15 million annually for the next three years. This funding will help protect vulnerable areas along the Bruce Trail.

If the BTC reaches its $15 million goal by June 30, 2025, the couple’s contribution will bring the total to $20 million. This challenge could continue yearly until 2027, potentially raising a total of $60 million. The total amount represents 55% of the $109 million needed to complete the Trail. All donations designated for land protection will contribute to this goal. The total money raised will allow BTC to secure and protect The Bruce Trail and its surrounding habitats.

“We want to thank our anonymous donors for their generous challenge and their support in protecting our conservation corridor. We are excited to involve our community of donors and others who may want to join this challenge. Together, we can take full advantage of this opportunity and achieve a secured Bruce Trail sooner than we expected,” said Marsha Russell, Vice President of Fund Development at the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

“We are excited to invest with others in the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Phase One program. Our goal is to raise $60 million over three years, ending on June 30, 2027. Together, we can build a strong foundation to secure the land for the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s conservation corridor,” said the anonymous donors.

71.9% of the Bruce Trail is currently on permanently protected land, leaving about 30% vulnerable. The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) is deeply thankful to the landowners and conservation partners from Queenston to Tobermory who host portions of the 900-kilometre footpath, ensuring its continuity. For over 60 years, the BTC has connected people to nature along the biodiverse Niagara Escarpment while preserving and restoring sensitive lands. With over 15,000 acres under stewardship, supported by volunteers and ecologists, the Bruce Trail is a world-class resource for public enjoyment and environmental conservation.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is a volunteer-based charity and one of the largest land trusts in Ontario working on protecting and restoring the natural habitat and biodiversity of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For over 60 years, BTC has helped connect people to nature through the Bruce Trail. BTC was named one of the Top 100 Charities in Canada by Charity Intelligence in 2024.

Source: News Wire