What Did You Miss – October 7, 2024
Chair: Pierre Hoebers
Happy $:
Matt: Happy to have had a great “Walk in Her Shoes” event!
Karen: Happy as the Valley Harvest Marathon is this coming weekend and the VRHF is one of the associated charities.
Shelley: Had a great visit to Bessie House North.
Presidents Report:
Matt reported that he had spoken to the RI Chair and they were planning to restart RI Minutes, but just one per month. He also let the membership know that the Centenary book and Centenary project are both moving forward, with reports to come as progress is made. He also reminded anyone who hasn’t paid dues, that they are due!
Guest Speaker: Lisa Matte, NS Nature Trust
Lisa explained that the NS Nature Trust is a charity whose mandate is to protect private land, a land trust. Nova Scotia is different from other provinces because a high proportion of our land is privately owned as opposed to being provincially owned land. This means that they often work with private land owners, the province and other land trusts.
The NS government committed to preserving 20% of the province by 2030 – the province has 12-13% but the rest needed to be made up by land trusts. They received funding from the federal government that would supplement their fundraising and donations.
The Nature trust tries to protect land with endangered plants or animals and other special features. Conservation lands in the Annapolis Valley include St. Croix, Wolfville Watershed, and the North Mountain Woodlands (outside Aylesford).
This is the NS Nature Trust’s 30th year and they have 27,000 acres of protected land. Lisa then described some of their recent acquisitions and the roles of their volunteers (guided hikes, and caretakers of individual properties). Finally, Lisa mentioned that the Nature Trust has a “Inspired by Nature” Gala coming up in Halifax is anyone is interested!
Ellen thanked Lisa for her presentation, and there were a few questions from members.
Committee Reports:
Wally - Rural/Urban – See the emails for details on the two events, will include a tour of a new chick hatchery in Gaspereau, and a tour of Eden Valley and a separate Rural/Urban dinner ($25/person at the Canning Lions Hall).
Taco-Bout Rotary – Young membership event at Taco Centric on Thursday, October 24 from 5-7pm, snacks included!!
Syrian Family fundraising dinner – Pierre has tickets if you’re interested!
Club did 50/50 and the 4 Way Test and then Adjourned.