Investing in the Future - NPCF Awards 2025 Education Bursaries to Six Conservation Students

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 Conservation Education Bursary event, held yesterday at the Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation. Six exceptional students from across the Niagara Peninsula watershed were honoured as this year’s bursary recipients, each receiving a $500 award to support their post-secondary education in environment-related fields.  

The award ceremony was a celebration of these students' dedication to environmental stewardship. Following cheque presentations, the students enjoyed a guided hike of the Ball's Falls Conservation Area, providing them with a meaningful connection to the natural world as they prepare to further their studies this September.  

"It was an inspiring day as we celebrated these exceptional young leaders, whose dedication to environmental stewardship gives us great hope for the future," said Brett Harrington, NPCF Board Chair. "The Education Bursary reflects our commitment to collaboration - with communities, educators, and partners - to support the next generation of conservation champions. By investing in their education, we are helping to spark ideas, ignite passion, and inspire lasting change for our natural world." 

The NPCF Conservation Education Bursary, established with the support of the Fort Erie Conservation Women's Auxiliary, supports select students from across the Niagara Peninsula watershed who are pursuing careers in conservation, environment, forestry, natural resources, and wildlife management. This year’s recipients were selected from a highly competitive group of applicants who demonstrated outstanding commitment and potential in their chosen fields. 

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About NPCF:   

Founded in 1969, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds that support the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations. When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help fund conservation projects and programs that contribute to improve water quality, increase green spaces, and environmental research and education.  

To learn more, please visit:  npcf.ca 

Follow on Instagram, Facebook,  and LinkedIn for more updates.  

Media inquiries to be directed to: 

Jennifer McQuillan, Communications & Marketing Specialist 

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority 

Mobile: 905.933.0532 

Email: jmcquillan@npca.ca 

Questions related to the education bursary to be directed to: 

Sharon Pfeifer, Development & Investor Relations 

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation 

Phone: 905.788.3135 ext. 434 

Email: spfeifer@npcf.ca 

Accessible Mat Installation Improves Accessibility at Chippawa Creek Conservation Area

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is excited to announce a new addition to Chippawa Creek Conservation Area aimed at improving access for all visitors. Thanks to a generous donation from Jungbunzlauer Ltd. and continued partnership with Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), an accessible pathway has been installed to make the area more accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, families with strollers, and others seeking easier access to the water’s edge.

This project represents a significant step in NPCA’s ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity and ensure that people of all abilities can experience the beauty of nature. The non-slip accessible mat provides a safe, easy-to-navigate path that opens new opportunities for community members to connect with the natural environment.

“We are deeply grateful to our partners for their support in making this project happen,” said NPCF’s Sharon Pfeifer, Development & Investor Relations. “This initiative aligns with our commitment to creating better access for people of all abilities, and with our goal of promoting wellness, inclusion and environmental stewardship. It’s an impactful way to ensure that all individuals can enjoy our beautiful natural spaces.”

 NPCF exists to support the important work of NPCA, raising funds to:

• plant more trees

• protect more land

• create more access to green space

• provide more education to inspire the green leaders of tomorrow

“When we learned of the need for an accessibility mat at Chippawa Creek Conservation Area, we jumped at the chance to support it. Jungbunzlauer is committed to our community, to promoting well-being and inclusion, and we are proud to partner with NPCF in helping people of all abilities enjoy nature.”  - Mike Smith, CFO, JBL Canada

Join Us in Making a Difference
NPCF invites others to get involved and support similar initiatives. Your donation can make a direct impact on natural spaces within the Niagara Peninsula watershed and help achieve the vision of Nature for All, for Always.

For more information on our funding priorities or how you can contribute, please visit npcf.ca or contact Sharon Pfeifer, Development & Investor Relations.

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About NPCF:  

Founded in 1969, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations.  

When you donate to the NPCF, you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing greenspaces, and environmental research and education.  

Connect with NPCF today to explore opportunities for creating your own natural legacy: foundation@npca.ca.   

About NPCA:  

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.  

NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.  

NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.  

To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca. 

Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for more updates.  

Media inquiries to be directed to:  
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications and Marketing Specialist  
Mobile: 905-933-0532  
jmcquillan@npca.ca  

NPCF Announces New Leadership at AGM

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, May 29, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) board of directors elected new Officers.  

Brett Harrington has been appointed as the new Chair, taking over from Barbara Greenwood. Harrington moved up from his previous role as Vice-Chair; member Doug Wilson has been appointed as the new Vice-Chair. 

The AGM not only marked this important leadership change but also highlighted a decade of the Comfort Maple Pen, a symbol of conservation and heritage within the community.  

As the new Chair, Brett Harrington expressed his enthusiasm for NPCF’s future initiatives: “It is an honour to step into this role, continuing the Foundation’s critical work in preserving our natural spaces and supporting conservation efforts across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.” 

Doug Wilson, Vice Chair, added: “I look forward to contributing to the Foundation’s long-standing tradition of community engagement and conservation partnerships. Together, we can make a lasting impact.” 

Donna Cridland rounded out the leadership team, continuing in her role as Treasurer for a third year.  

NPCF’s focus for 2025 includes expanding tree planting initiatives, increasing land protection efforts, enhancing community engagement, and developing new partnerships to further conservation goals.  

The NPCF would like to extend heartfelt thanks to its donors and partners, whose continued support ensures the success of conservation programs and community-driven projects. 

For more information on the NPCF, please visit www.npcf.ca. Follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for more updates.  

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About NPCF:    

Founded in 1969, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations.    

Donations to NPCF help support NPCA projects and programs that improve our water quality, increase greenspaces, restore wetland and habitat, and support environmental research and education.     

About NPCA:    

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.    

NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.    

NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.    

To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca.   

Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for more updates.    

Media inquiries to be directed to:  

Jennifer McQuillan, Communications & Marketing Specialist 

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority  

Mobile: 905-933-0532 

jmcquillan@npca.ca   

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:  

Sharon Pfeifer, Development & Investor Relations  

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation  

905-788-3135 ext. 434   

spfeifer@npcf.ca   

NPCA BOARD CHAIR DONATES HONORARIUM TO CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE NIAGARA PENINSULA WATERSHED

In her second year serving as Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board of Directors, Brenda Johnson has donated her honorarium to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) and Glanbrook Conservation Committee (GCC).

Chair Johnson’s donation of $6,891.53 will help fund programs that contribute to environmental research and education, improve water quality, increase green spaces, and restore wetlands and wildlife habitat.

“The importance of protecting greenspaces has never been more prominent in the minds of the watershed community,” says NPCF Board Chair, Tom Insinna. “Through the support of our community and individuals like Chair Johnson, we can continue to protect our important natural resources for present and future generations.”

This marks Chair Johnson’s second honorarium donation, and the fourth time she has contributed financially to conservation efforts while serving on the NPCA Board of Directors. In May 2019, her annual per diem sponsored the visit of a group of children from Eva Rothwell Centre to Binbrook Conservation Area. This donation made it possible for the group of aspiring anglers to experience the GCC’s Annual Spring Fishing Derby, which included transportation, lunch, and fishing gear.

“It is my sincere pleasure to donate this honorarium to the NPCF and GCC, which are two organizations that support the important work of the NPCA and share in the vision of a healthy and resilient Niagara Peninsula watershed,” adds Brenda Johnson, NPCA Board Chair. “As the representative of the City of Hamilton on the Conservation Authority Board, I am delighted to support the incredible efforts of groups like GCC at Binbrook Conservation Area.”

The GCC is a group of volunteers working to improve the habitat for wildlife in what was previously Glanbrook Township, now the City of Hamilton. The group includes, naturalists, environmentalists, bird watchers, hikers, canoeists, as well as fishermen and hunters. They have been active in the community for more than 30 years, accomplishing projects such as ongoing maintenance of the Tyneside Trail, installation of blue bird boxes and fish habitat cribs, invasive species identification and removal, hosting the annual Spring Fishing Derby and many more.

Donations to the NPCF will help connect great people with great causes and create partnerships across the watershed, seeking the most constructive solutions to conservation issues today. “We must all lead by example and remember that every donation, no matter how big or small, will help improve the watershed we call home,” adds Johnson.

For more information about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, visit www.niagaraconservationfoundation.com.

PASSING OF MICKEY DIFRUSCIO

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) are saddened to share the news of the passing of Dominic ‘Mickey’ DiFruscio on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the age of 95.

Mickey served on the NPCA Board of Directors for 25 years as the City of Thorold's citizen representative, and was an Honourary Lifetime Member due to his dedication and commitment to conservation. Being the true advocate that he was, he was a strong believer of the work of the NPCA and NPCF and was always willing and happy to support. Mickey attended countless community events and public meetings as an ambassador of the work of conservation and was never shy to go a step further and lead by example by rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty at community plantings. He assisted at events such as the annual Thanksgiving Festival and even helped with the cooking for the NPCF Wild Game Dinner.

Mickey’s passion for monarch butterflies was well-known across the community. Much of his work focused on the protection and restoration of habitat for pollinators, so he grew milkweed in his garden and greenhouse for many years. He would share and donate these plants with staff and board members, and often donated trees to be used in restoration projects or planted throughout the watershed.

In 2017, the NPCA Board of Directors approved the Mickey DiFruscio and Family Legacy Pollinator Project, which aimed to see the installations of two pollinator gardens each year in Mickey’s honour. All Mickey DiFruscio and Family Legacy Pollinator Gardens contain only native species of plants that serve as either host or nectar sources for native pollinator species.

Today, there are eight gardens in eight different municipalities, with a total of 12,000 wildflowers and 1,600 m2 of gardens created in his name. These were installed with the support of hundreds of volunteers and local community groups and two more gardens are planned for 2022.

To say that Mickey has made an incredible difference in this watershed is an understatement. He will be greatly missed by his NPCA and NPCF families and the entire watershed community.

Our deepest condolences go out to Elizabeth DiFruscio and the DiFruscio family as they deal with this great loss.

“Long Live the Monarch Butterfly”

Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/stcatharinesstandard/name/domenico-difruscio-obituary

The Foundation Receives Support from Niagara Regional Chair's Charity Golf Tournament

NIAGARA FALLS (August 27, 2021) – In 2017, the Foundation established an Outdoor Education Fund with the Niagara Regional Chair from proceeds raised at the annual Niagara Regional Chair’s Charity Golf Tournament, in support of children and youth 18 and under, and NPCA educational programming needs. 

“Since its establishment, the fund has provided a number of outdoor opportunities for children and youth to attend camp, new costumes for historical programming and tours, new archery equipment and most recently, a forest playscape at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area,” said Andrea Crosby-DiCenso, NPCF Executive Coordinator. “When we received notification for this year’s tournament and that we were generously selected as a charity of choice, we were absolutely delighted.”

The Foundation was amongst other well-deserving charities that included The Niagara Health Foundation, Tomorrow’s Voices, Food4Kids, and the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre receiving proceeds raised at the 2021 Regional Chair’s Charity Golf Tournament. 

 “Our thanks and deep appreciation go to Chair Bradley,” said Tom Insinna, NPCF Chair. “Not only for his continued kindness towards our great cause but support for NPCA educational programming.

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About the NPCF: 

Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present & future generations.

When you donate to the Foundation (NPCF), you help support conservation projects and programs that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.

Questions related to the above release should be directed to:

Andrea Crosby-DiCenso
Executive Coordinator 
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF)
250 Thorold Road West, 3rd Floor | Welland, ON L3C 3W2
Tel: 905-788-3135 | extension 435