Fund Urgent Action Against Invasive Species in the Kawarthas
A joint application from Kawartha Land Trust and the ComPassion Project has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund. That funding is already in place—and the work starts next week.
Now we need your help to close the gap.
From May 28 to June 3, every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Your support will help get native species in the ground fast—and restore two local conservation sites this season.
What This Project Is About
What: Urgent planting of native species to fight Dog Strangling Vine
Where: Two local sites—Ballyduff Trails and a conifer plantation restoration project on one of KLT’s Partners in Conservation properties that was heavily damaged by the recent ice storm.
When: Fieldwork begins first week of June
Why: The sooner native plants are established, the better they can suppress invasives and support biodiversity
How you help: Your donation helps buy plants, soil, mulch, water tanks, fencing, equipment and tools
Why It Matters Now
Dog Strangling Vine spreads quickly and aggressively. Once established, it’s hard to remove and can take over habitats used by birds, butterflies, and native plants.
KLT’s approach is simple and smart: plant native species like wild rye, sunflowers, and raspberries that can outcompete invasives, support pollinators, and seed future restoration work.
Timing is everything. These plantings need to happen immediately to take root this season.
Photo: Kawartha Land Trust – KLT staff and volunteer group that were gathering wildflower and tallgrass seeds
How the Matching Campaign Works
The REIF grant got us halfway there. Now we’re aiming to raise the rest by Tuesday, June 3.
All donations go through the ComPassion Project
Every dollar you give will be matched
All funds will go directly to this project
The faster we hit this goal, the more we can do.
Call to Action
Make your matched donation now and help native species take root before the growing window closes.
Photo: Kawartha Land Trust – Wildflowers at Ballyduff Trails
About the Partners
Kawartha Land Trust is a charitable organization working to permanently protect the land we love in the Kawarthas. Through land acquisitions, stewardship partnerships, and volunteer engagement, KLT safeguards over 8,100 acres of ecologically significant land, including public trails that connect people to nature across the region.
The ComPassion Project is an endowment fund created by Wild Rock Outfitters to support both land stewardship and social equity in the Peterborough region. By using Wild Rock’s platform, audience, and resources, the project raises and distributes funds to frontline organizations while encouraging community education, volunteerism, and accessible philanthropy.
The Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) is a local initiative from Peterborough’s Rotary Clubs that supports innovative, community-based solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Built on a collective giving model, REIF invests in projects that create long-term environmental impact through collaboration and leadership.
