The Riverwood Conservancy

The Riverwood Conservancy is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and education of Riverwood, a 150-acre urban nature preserve located in Mississauga, Ontario. Registered under business number 889418034RR0001, the Conservancy operates as a volunteer- and member-based charity focused on connecting people of all ages and abilities with nature.

History and Mission
Founded in 1985 originally as the Mississauga Garden Council, The Riverwood Conservancy has its roots in horticultural expertise and community engagement. Over time, it evolved into a broader conservation organization committed to preserving the natural habitats, gardens, woodlands, ravines, and creeks within Riverwood Park. The Conservancy aims to foster environmental understanding and stewardship through education, conservation programs, and accessible outdoor experiences[1][5].

Programs and Activities
The Riverwood Conservancy offers a variety of educational and conservation programs designed to engage diverse audiences:

• Youth Engagement: Students from kindergarten through grade eight participate in hands-on research and conservation activities focusing on wildlife, plant life, and geological features in both outdoor and indoor settings. This approach encourages early environmental literacy and stewardship.
• Inclusive Learning: The organization provides fully accessible programs tailored for children, youth, and adults with physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges, ensuring nature is accessible to all.
• Community Discovery Programs: Tailored for adults, families, and groups, these programs deliver environmental education about Riverwood and other regional natural areas to deepen public connection with nature[1].

Gardens and Horticulture
The Conservancy manages several remarkable gardens within Riverwood Park, including the MacEwan Terrace Garden, which is an accessible public garden featuring floral beds inspired by the site's Arts and Crafts heritage. Volunteer gardeners maintain these spaces with an emphasis on horticultural knowledge, sustainability, and native plant conservation. The gardens also include a vegetable garden that produces food shared with the local community[5].

Governance and Leadership
The Riverwood Conservancy is led by an experienced team including Executive Director Sara Wilbur-Collins, a Certified Fundraising Executive with extensive conservation leadership experience, and Program Director Derek Stone, an environmental studies graduate and lifelong naturalist. Their leadership helps forge strong connections between people and the environment through innovative program development and community involvement[2].

Overall Impact
As a local leader in conservation and horticulture, The Riverwood Conservancy preserves a vital natural oasis within a highly urbanized area. Through volunteer efforts, educational outreach, and environmental stewardship, the organization plays a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and fostering a community-wide appreciation for nature in Mississauga.

This summary reflects the organization's commitments and activities based on publicly available information about The Riverwood Conservancy.