Thames Talbot Land Trust
PO Box 25054 London, Ontario N6A 6A8
Working together to leave a legacy of healthy landscapes

Media Release 15 March 2007
Conservation Supporters Rally to Save Joany's Woods

Canadians are opening their hearts and their wallets to save our remaining natural areas.
In the six weeks since the Campaign to Save Joany’s Woods was announced several
major funding commitments have been received by the Thames Talbot Land
Trust(TTLT). Leading the way is the Ivey Natural Lands Legacy which will match every
dollar raised through the campaign towards the goal of $660,000. The HIVA Foundation
of Toronto has contributed $10,000 and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation
has pledged $15,000. The McIlwraith Field Naturalists of London are providing $94,000
from the Helen and Spencer Inch Bequest to protect Joany’s Woods forever.

Joany’s Woods is one of the remaining natural gems in Middlesex County. The nearly
400 acre site on the Ausable River near Sylvan has been a favourite spot for hikers and
nature lovers for many years until the recent death of its owner placed the property on the
open market. There was great concern within the conservation community that the
property might be sold for development or logging until the Thames Talbot Land Trust
came forward and negotiated an agreement to purchase the property from the estate.
“Carolinian woodlots are a valuable resource and other forests in the area are being
heavily harvested. We need the public’s help to leave a natural legacy for our children to
enjoy.” said Don Gordon, the Land Trust’s Executive Director. “We’ll be conducting
public tours this Spring and Summer so people can see for themselves why these woods
must be saved.” To learn more about the tours, Joany’s Woods and how you can help
save them, visit the TTLT’s website www.ttlt.ca or call (519) 858-3442.

The Thames Talbot Land Trust is a registered charity established in 2000 to provide
permanent protection for lands and waters of natural, agricultural and cultural
significance throughout the Thames Talbot region. Its growing network of nature
preserves and conservation easements are complemented by educational and research
activities.

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