Friends of the Coves Subwatershed Inc.


"In the heart of London lies a natural playground that has launched dreams for countless children since the 1800s.  Its forest area, ponds and wildlife have given children a space to explore their love of nature and let their imagination take flight". ~Anne Kay, Coves resident

Mission Statement

We believe that the quality of life in our community is enhanced through the protection, rehabilitation, and wise stewardship of the Coves Subwatershed.

What are we doing?

Rehabilitation/Monitoring
We are always looking for opportunities to rehabilitate natural habitat around the Coves on both public and private properties.  We organize ongoing monitoring of water quality and wildlife to support current and future conservation activities.

Education
Through displays, workshops, interpretive signs and presentations we raise awareness of the Coves Subwatershed, the Coves ESA and local species.  We work to engage local students, residents and community groups in the protection of the Coves Subwatershed.

Stewardship
We organize community clean up efforts in public green-spaces, such as the Annual Coves Clean Up held every spring.  We also offer guidance and resources to Coves landowners on best management practices for their property to enhance wildlife habitat and reduce surface runoff.

Public Green-space
It is important for the public to visit the Coves to learn about and connect with local nature.  We promote the public acquisition of properties seen as key for protecting the Coves ecosystem; linking green corridors; and providing public access.
Recognition

Green Umbrella Award

 The Urban League of London gives this award annually to individuals who demonstrate community citizenship in London.  While the award recognizes individual merit it also reflects the Urban League's support of all citizens involved in community and neighbourhood affairs.

The Umbrella symbolizes the role of the Urban League as an umbrella organization for a wide variety of citizen groups concerned with social change and community development.  The green colour of the umbrella reminds us of the importance of green open spaces in effective urban planning and of London's reputation as the Forest City.

Urban League of London Green Umbrella Award was awarded to Friends of the Coves in 2003.

Friends of the Coves Subwatershed Inc.  While Annual Cove Cleanups have been going on for more than a decade, this group of London citizens formally incorporated in 2000.  Since then they have obtained funding, commissioned a Subwatershed Study, established a newsletter, website (www.thecoves.ca) and a network of like-minded individuals all with a view to better understand, protect, and enhance the little-known part of London called "the Coves".  The Coves is a gem of a natural area that once formed the banks of the Thames River as it meandered its way through Southwest London.  The Coves have in the past suffered various indignities at the hands of the unmindful and the uncaring.  The Friends have a vision - one that includes the enhancement of the natural areas and protection of the animals and plants that live in the Coves.  It involves the education of local landowners, the acquisition of property for public use, teaching young people in the ways of the natural world, and the preservation of our places of quiet beauty and natural heritage in the heart of a busy city.  The vision and commitment of The Friends of the Coves serves as a template for inspiring like-minded citizens to action.  Their efforts deserve our recognition, our thanks, our encouragement and most importantly, our support (excerpt from http://www.ul.london.on.ca/urbanweb/Awards/GreenUmbrella/index.htm)


(dated April 18th, 2005.
London's Featured Community Organization.
The City of London hereby recognizes
Friends of the Coves
for striving to make London a caring and compassionate city through dedicated and valuable contributions to the community)

(dated November 18th, 2005
The McIlwraith Field Naturalists of London Ontario
Conservation Award
presented to 
Friends of the Coves Subwatershed, Inc. 
in recognition of outstanding contributions to conservation)

(dated 2005
The Ontario Trillium Foundation
Healthy and vibrant communities
This organization is proudly supported by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which builds healthy and vibrant communities in this great province)

 (On Behalf of the Constituents of Elgin-Middlesex-London, I wish to Congratulate your organization on receiving the 
Ontario Trillium Foundation 2007 Great Grant Award
Thank you for your continual investment in our community)


(2007
The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism in Ontario
In honour of your superlative voluntary contributions to the quality of life in your community or for providing significant support to the voluntary sector)


(dated 2010

The Ontario Trillium Foundation

Healthy and vibrant communities
This organization is proudly supported by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which builds healthy and vibrant communities in this great province)

(2016
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is proud to support the building of healthy and vibrant communities across the province)





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