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About rare
- Annual Reports
- FAQ’sQ) What is rare? A) Founded in 2001, the rare Charitable Research Reserve exists to preserve, intact in perpetuity, a 913-acre (and growing!) land reserve along the Grand and Speed Rivers. It is not only a beautiful cultural landscape in one of the fastest growing areas of the country but includes trees more than 230 years old and provides over 24 habitat types – including 6 of 8 pre-settlement landscapes – that are home to a diversity of organisms some of which are species at risk regionally, provincially, nationally and globally. Located within the designated Blair-Bechtel-Cruickston Environmentally Sensitive Landscape, rare ’s lands provide a natural laboratory for scientific study, research-based education programs, archaeology and trails. Together we are stewards of this magnificent natural jewel, striving to protect it because of its role in our lives, economies, and even our survival. Our goal is to preserve the land for future generations by focusing on research, education, conservation, and ecological restoration. Q) Is rare owned by or part of the Grand River Conservation Authority? A) No. The rare Charitable Research Reserve is a registered a charity; a not for profit organization governed by an arms-length Board of Directors. The organization is very…
- HistoryIn 2011 the charity with its conservation partners and community supporters, celebrates ten years of progress since inception. The incorporation of rare Charitable Research Reserve took place December 6, 2001. Within a matter of weeks, rare – a sizeable piece of Waterloo Region approaching 1000 acres on the banks of the Grand River – unveiled its vision for the former Cruickston Park Farms to the public, a vision to preserve landscape for its ecological value. The specific objectives of this vision were a year in the making: while the Board of Directors established the charitable status and financial commitments, an Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) undertook a four-season inventory of the property. The inventory of the property highlights a story which is told by the landscape that is now rare, and it’s a history that dates back much further than ten years. In fact, the history of rare goes back many thousands of years – millions if you consider the geology. Artefacts recovered at rare date from 10,500 years ago through to the earliest pioneer settlers; the dolomitic limestone cliffs along rare’s River Trail and fossils in the stone walls of the Slit Barn date back 420 million years. Our Slit…
- Leadership
- The rare Team
- Strategy and Plans 2020-2024 Survey
Conservation
- Core Natural AreasThe Confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers has been described by walkers along the Linear Trail in Preston-Cambridge as an unparalled vista of the Grand River Valley. The Cliffs and Alvars are a unique geologic formation in Waterloo Region both in size and in the biodiversity that this limestone substrate supports. Viewed from a distance, wind swept white pines tower above the dense canopy of lowland forest rooted in cold-water seeps that feed Cruickston Creek as it trickles then flows between sand ridges of upland woods in the Hogsback. A stroll along the Grand Allee trail separating Indian Woods from neighbouring forests reveals a cathedral grove of oak, maple, beech and ash that sprouted as seedlings in pre-settlement times of the latter half of the 1700s. Not surprisingly, the recommendations of The Environmental Management Plan for these core natural areas are to limit access to public viewing from specified walking trails rather than indiscriminate intrusion. The core natural areas will be monitored to provide a baseline of information for both interpretive and research programs at rare Charitable Research Reserve. The long-term protection these natural areas within rare makes possible long-term scientific research to build an understanding of how ecological…
- Environmental Management Plan
- Fauna – Wildlife
  - Amphibian and Reptile Species List(extracted from rare Environmental Management Plan 2002 and Herptile Survey Database 2006) Amphibians Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) Blue-Spotted/Jefferson Complex (Ambystoma laterale/Ambystoma jeffersonianum) Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) American Toad (Bufo americanus) Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) Green Frog (Rana clamitans) Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) Striped Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Reptiles Common Snapping Turtle (Cheldyra serpentine) Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) Eastern Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) Red Belly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
  - The Turtle Project
  - Bird Species
    - List of Bird SpeciesBIRD SPECIES FOUND ON rare DUCKS, GEESE & SWANS Snow Goose Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan Trumpeter Swan Tundra Swan Wood Duck Gadwall American Wigeon American Black Duck Mallard Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck PARTRIDGES, GROUSE & TURKEYS Ring-necked Pheasant Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey NEW WORLD QUAIL Northern Bobwhite LOONS Common Loon GREBES Pied-billed Grebe CORMORANTS Double-crested Cormorant HERONS & BITTERNS American Bittern Great Blue Heron Great Egret Little Blue Heron Green Heron Black-crowned Night-Heron VULTURES Turkey Vulture HAWKS, KITES & EAGLES Osprey Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Northern Goshawk Red-shouldered Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Rough-legged Hawk Golden Eagle CARACARAS & FALCONS American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS Virginia Rail Sora American Coot CRANES Sandhill Crane PLOVERS Semipalmated Plover Killdeer SANDPIPERS & PHALAROPES Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Baird’s Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Dunlin Wilson’s Snipe American Woodcock GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull…
    Bird Studies – An Introduction There is a long history of birding and bird monitoring at rare that began in 1971 with observations on bird activity along the Grand and Speed Rivers. Since this time, recreational birding, environmental assessments, biological studies, breeding bird surveys, nest monitoring and bird banding have allowed us to assemble a comprehensive list of 211 bird species that have been observed on the property. This number represents more than 70% of the bird species occurring in Waterloo Region. More significantly, two-thirds of the breeding bird species in Waterloo Region breed on rare’s 913 acres and more than a third of these species are both Regionally Rare and Priority Species of Conservation Concern in Waterloo Region. Current Bird Monitoring Initiatives at rare The diversity of habitats at rare, it’s location at the confluence of the Speed and Grand Rivers and the availability of local keen volunteers means that rare is perfect site for gathering data on bird migration and breeding. The following is a list of bird monitoring initiatives that are currently taking place at rare: 1. Bird Banding: The banding began in 2002 south and east of the buildings at Springbank Farm along Blair Road. However…
  - Butterfly Species ListThis list is a combined list of the species found during the 2008 rare butterfly count and Jessica Grealey’s butterfly monitoring in 2006. Acadian Hairstreak American Lady American Snout Appalachian Brown Banded Hairsteak Black Dash Black Swallowtail Broad-Winged Skipper Bronze Copper Cabbage White Clouded Sulphur Common Sooty Wing Common Wood-Nymph Coral Hairstreak Crossline Skipper Delaware Skipper Dion Skipper Dun Skipper Eastern Comma Eastern Tailed-Blue Eastern Tiger Swallowtail European Skipper Eyed Brown Giant Swallowtail Great Spangled Fritillary Hickory Hairstreak Inornate Ringlet Little Wood-Satyr Little Yellow Long Dash Meadow Fritallary Monarch Mourning Cloak Northern Broken-Dash Northern Crescent Northern Pearly-eye Orange Sulphur Painted Lady Pearl Crescent Peck’s Skipper Polygonia sp. Question Mark Red Admiral Red-spotted Admiral Red-spotted Purple Striped Hairstreak Silver-spotted Skipper Striped Hairstreak ‘Summer’ Spring Azure Summer Azure Tawny-edged Skipper Tawny Emperor Viceroy White Admiral
  - Fish Species ListBlackside Darter Black Crappie Blacknose Dace Bluntnose Minnow Brook Trout Brown Bullhead Carp Common Shiner Creek Chub Golden Redhorse Greater Redhorse Greenside Darter Hornyhead Chub Iowa Darter Johnny Darter Largemouth Bass Longnose Hog Sucker Northern Hog Sucker Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Silver Shiner Smallmouth Bass Spotfin Shiner Stonecat Striped Shiner White Sucker Yellow Perch
  - Mammal Species List(From Draft Management Framework for Cruickston Park, North-South Environmental Inc. 2001) Virgina Opossum Big Brown Bat Little Brown Bat Eastern Cottontail Woodchuck Gray Squirrel Red Squirrel Beaver Meadow Vole Muskrat Northern Short-tailed Shrew White-Footed Mouse Jumping Mouse Coyote Red Fox Raccoon Striped Skunk Ermine Mink White-Tailed Deer Bobcat
  A diversity of wildlife lives in rare Charitable Research Reserve including 23 species of mammals, 210 species of birds, 18 species of amphibians and reptiles and about two dozen species of fish. When visiting rare, please remember to remain on walking trails so as not to intrude upon wildlife habitat and to give others viewing opportunities. Patience will be required to see much of the rare wildlife. Increase your opportunities by attending a scheduled guided walk guide or seasonal workshop. In the meantime, visit the photo gallery to experience the views that rare’s photographer-friends have had.
- Flora – Plant Life
  - Craig Campbell Fern Walk
  - Fungi Species List(Format adapted from Mycological Society of Toronto Forays Field Checklist of Mushrooms). This list is a combination of the 2007 and 2008 mushroom foray species lists NON-GILL FUNGI Boletes – Gyrodon merulioides (Boletinellus m.) – Suillus americanus – Suillus luteus Puffballs & Similar (incl. Earthstars, Bird’s Nests, and Stinkhorns) – Calvatia gigantea Giant Puffball – Geastrum quadrifidum – Lycoperdon perlatum (L. gemmatum) Gem-Studded Puffball, Common Puffball – Lycoperdon pyriforme – Phallus impudicus Polypores – Boletopsis subsquamosa – Daedaleopsis confragosa Thin-Maze Polypore, Thin-Maze Flat Polypore – Fomes fomentarius Tinder Polypore – Ganoderma applanatum Artist’s Conk, Artist’s Polypore – Ganoderma lucidum or Ganodema tsugae – Grifola frondosa – Ischnoderma resinosum Resinous Polypore, Late Fall Polypore – Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore, Razor Strop Fungus, Fisherman’s Fungus – Polyporus badius – Polyporus brumalis Winter Polypore – Polyporus radicatus – Polyporus squamosus Dryad’s Saddle – Polyporus varius (Polyporus elegans) Elegant Polypore, Blackfoot Polypore – Postia caesia (Oligoporus caesius, Tyromyces caesius) – Trametes elegans – Trametes pubescens – Trametes versicolor Turkey Tail – Trichaptum abietinum (?) – Tyromyces chioneus (T. albellus, Polyorus a.) White Cheese Polypore Parchment & Resupinates – Phlebia radiata Radiating Phlebia – Stereum ostrea – Irpex lacteus Milk-White Toothed Polypore Not Common Tooth…
  - Mosses and Liverworts(from the 2004 Environmental Management Plan) Mosses Amblystegium serpens Amblystegium varium Anomodon attenuatus Anomodon rostratus Atrichum angustatum Atrichum undulatum Barbula convoluta Barbula unguiculata Brachythecium spp. Bryum argenteum Bryum caespiticium Callicladium haldanianum Campylium chrysophyllum Campylium hispidulum Campylium sp. Ceratodon purpureus Cirriphyllum piliferum Climacium americanum Climacium dendroides Desmatodon obtusifolius Dicranum flagellare Dicranum montanum Ditrichum sp. Drepanocladus aduncus Encalypta procera Entodon seductrix Eurhynchium hians Eurhynchium pulchellum Fissidens adianthoides Fissidens taxifolius Fissidens sp. Fontinalis hypnoides Grimmia apocarpa Hedwigia ciliata Homomallium adnatum Hygroamblystegium fluviatile Hygroamblystegium tenax Hymenostylium recurvirostre Hypnum curvifolium Hypnum imponens Hypnum lindbergii Hypnum sp. Isopterygiopsis muelleriana Leptobryum pyriforme Leptodictyum riparium Leucobryum glaucum Leskea polycarpa Leskeella nervosa Mnium marginatum Orthotrichum anomalum Plagiomnium cuspidatum Platydictya subtilis Polytrichum sp. Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus Schistidium rivulare Sphagnum sp. Taxiphyllum deplanatum Tetraphis pellucida Thuidium delicatulum Thuidium recognitum Tortella tortuosa Tortula ruralis Weissia sp. Liverworts Aneura pinguis Conocephalum conicum Frullania eboracensis Lophocolea heterophylla Marchantia polymorpha Porella platyphylla Radula complanata Reboulia hemisphaerica
  - Plant Species ListAgrimony Alder-leaved Buckthorn Alfalfa Alside Clover Alternate-leaved Dogwood American Beech American Brooklime American Grass-of- Parnassus American Stinging Nettle American Water-horehound Angelica Annual Fleabane Annual sow-thistle Apple Arrow-leaved Aster Arrow-leaved Smartweed Autumn Willow Awned Sedge Balsam Poplar Barnyard Grass Barren Strawberry Basket Willow Basswood Beaked hazel Beaked Willow Bebb’s Sedge Beech-drops Bellwort Bentgrass Bigseed Smartweed Bird-foot Trefoil Bishop’s Cap Bitternut Hickory Bittersweet Bittersweet Nightshade Black Alder Black Ash Black Bindweed Black Bullrush Black Cherry Black Elderberry Black Locust Black Maple Black Medic Black Oak Black Raspberry Black Walnut Black Willow Black-eyed Susan Bladder Campion Bladder Sedge Bladdernut Bloodroot BlueBeech Blue Cohosh Blue Flag Iris Blue-joint Blue Vervain Bluebead Lily Blue-stem Goldenrod Bog willow Boneset Bottle-brush Grass Bottlebrush Sedge Bristle-leaved Sedge Bristly Black Currant Bristly Greenbrier Bristly Sedge Broadleaf Panic Grass Broad-leavedArrowhead Broad-leaved Cattail Broad-leaved Plantain Broad-leaved Sedge Brome-like Sedge Bulbet Bladder Fern Bulbous Water Hemlock Bull Thistle Bunchberry Bur Oak Burning Bush Bur-reed Sedge Bush Honeysuckle Bushy Naiad Butter-and-eggs Butterfly Milkweed Butternut Calico Aster Canada Anemone Canada Blue Grass Canada Blue-joint Canada Goldenrod Canada Gooseberry Canada Lettuce Canada Lily Canada Mayflower Canada Thistle Canada Violet Canada Waterleaf Carpenter’s-square Carrion-flower Catnip Celandine Charlock Chicory Chokecherry Christmas Fern Cinnamon Fern Clearweed Cleavers Climbing…
  Plant Life at rare This plant list is based upon bio-inventories conducted by Larry Lamb, manager of Environmental Studies Ecology Lab and adjunct lecturer, University of Waterloo, with the assistance of members of Cruickston Park Ecological Advisory Team (CPEAT): Ken Dance, Dr. Doug Larson and Bill Wilson; the Plant Study Group of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists co-ordinated by Graham Buck; University of Waterloo students conducting wetland evaluation, Larry Lamb supervisor; and, Friends of Cruickston participating in botany outings on the property led by Larry Lamb. Thank you to Dr. J. K. Morton, Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo, for verifying the identification of several plant species. Specimens of plant species, new or significant for Waterloo Region, are deposited with the Herbarium, University of Waterloo. More than one-third of the plant species of Waterloo Region are found at the rare Charitable Research Reserve with approximately 600 species. Of these, 48 species are on the significant species list of native vascular plants for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. In addition, in 2002, two species not previously known in Waterloo Region and presumed to be candidates for the list of Regionally Significant plants, were found. One plant species found, Harbinger-of-Spring (Erigenia bulbosa), is nationally…
- GeologyGeology at rare The location of rare is almost exactly in the centre of the Grand River basin. The basin is home for 800,000 people and is forecasted to have over 1,000,000 residents in less than 20 years. The river drains approximately 7,000 square kilometres as it flows almost 300 km from the Dundalk highlands to Lake Erie. The rare property is of geological significance since it is one of the areas of the central Grand basin that has an extensive bedrock outcrop along the river. Opportunistically sited, rare has a moderately large bedrock outcrop. However, the outcrop thickness is not too well developed and is only easily seen along the south bank of the Grand River and in parts of the wooded area. Just outside rare is an old stone quarry which provides access to some of the Silurian dolostone and the interesting, but poorly preserved, fossils contained within it. Oil and gas drilling near Roseville, some 15 km west of rare, provides us with a “deep” view of the geology under the region. This is summarized in Figure 3. At rare the glacial deposits directly overlie the upper part of the Middle Silurian…
- Geocaching Policy
Research
- Ecological Monitoring
  The lands at rare and their proximity to urban development make them important sites for conducting ecological monitoring. This monitoring could not have been completed without the generous support of Environment Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program and Natural Resources Canada Science and Technology Internship Program. Science Horizons has allowed us to hire ecological monitoring interns to help us monitor salamanders, butterflies, benthic invertebrates, forest health, forest soils and tree lichens. The following ecological monitoring protocols have been established at rare: Salamanders: A salamander monitoring program was initiated in 2006 in Indian Woods in accordance with Ecological Monitoring and Assessment (EMAN) protocols. Twenty-nine salamander cover boards were placed 5 m apart beside a vernal pond (small pond that may dry up in the summer). Three more boards were added to this matrix in 2009. Weekly counts and measurements of salamanders under boards are completed over nine weeks in September and Octoberl. Climatic measurements including soil moisture content, soill temperature, air temperature, humidity and wind speed are also measured. A new set of 20 salamander boards was established in 2008 in the Hogsback forest/wetland complex in the southeastern portion of rare. The vast majority of salamanders observed under the boards are…
- rare Scholarship in Graduate Research
  - Scholarship Recipients
  The rare Scholarship in Graduate Research The rare Scholarship in Graduate Research is valued at $4,000 and is open to all Canadian and International graduate students who will conduct field research on rare property between May 2012 and April 2013. The field of study is open and could include, but is not limited to, research in ecology, zoology, geology, restoration ecology, hydrology, botany, soil science, archaeology, agriculture and education. The Scholarship will allow students to study in a relatively undisturbed, yet highly accessible site. The monetary award will help ensure successful candidates have the necessary resources to conduct and report on their research at rare. It will also allow the student to give an oral presentation at a conference in their discipline. Applications Details: 1. Applications can be submitted until 5:00 pm on Monday, April23rd, 2012. 2. Students will be required to provide a final report to rare by Monday, May 7th, 2013. 3. The successful applicant will be notified by May 16th, 2012. A sum of $3,500 will be awarded shortly thereafter while the remaining $500 will be awarded in May, 2013, upon successful completion of the requirements of the scholarship (including the final report and conference presentation). 4. …
- Research, Monitoring and Inventory Reports
  Research, Monitoring and Inventory Reports 1. Environmental Management Plan Prepared by rare’s Environmental Advisory Team (EAT), formerly known as The Cruickston Park Ecological Team (CPET). Contributors include Douglas W. Larson, Lawrence E. Lamb, William G. Wilson and Kenneth W. Dance. 2. Draft Management Framework for Cruickston Park The Draft Management Framework for Cruickston Park, August 2001 was prepared by Brent Tegler. 2. Spatial Patterns of Tree Invasion in an Old Field: Implications for Restoration A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfilment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies in Geography Waterloo, Ontario, Canada 2008 © Karen Buschert, 2008 3. Birds about the Confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers, Cambridge, Ontario. by William G. Wilson, June 2009. 4. Bald Eagles in the Grand River Watershed. by Art Timmerman and Bill Wilson 2008. 5. Forest Survey at Indian Woods – Cruickston Report written by Terry Schwan, RPF, M.Sc., District Forester, Guelph District, Ministry of Natural Resources. The survey was begun in July 2004 and completed in August 2004. 6. Some Comments on the Geology of CCRR This report by Dr. A.V. Morgan, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, descibes the general geology of the river escarpment with reference…
- Why Research at rare?
  - Application to Conduct Research
  rare is ideally suited for scientific research for a variety of reasons including: rare’s Size and Diversity of Habitats: Our 900 acres encompass a broad range of habitats including an eight-kilometre long riparian zone along the Speed River, Grand River (a Canadian Heritage River) and its associated islands. There are also three coldwater steams that flow through rare and several swamp habitats in our forest tracts. Other forested habitat includes upland and lowland deciduous forest, old-growth Carolinian forest as well as hawthorn and bur oak savanna. One of the region’s few exposed cliff faces stretches along the Grand River above a neighbouring floodplain meadows. Our agricultural heritage includes old fields, organic fields, and fields currently farmed conventionally, as well as an extensive system of hedgerows. rare’s Flora and Fauna: rare has a high diversity of organisms that either live on the property or pass through it during migration. Our devoted volunteers and environmental advisors have spent years cataloguing rare’s flora and fauna and compiling species lists for the property. As well, rare has implemented Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) protocols for monitoring salamanders, butterflies, benthic invertebrates, forest health and forest soils that have also shed light on biodiversity at…
Education
- Activities for Kids
- ECO Camps
  - March Break ECO Camp
  - Summer ECO Camp
- Elementary School Modules
- rare Nature School
- Secondary School ModulesThe experiences that we’ve had at rare have been exceptional. Students have gained so much information about and appreciation for the local environment through our guided hikes and volunteer work. Our guide, Matthew Lawson, has helped students to see the value of local resources such as forests, water (Grand River) and soil. He also helped them to understand how our actions have a direct impact on these fragile ecosystems. The following Secondary School Programs are available at rare: Becoming a Locavore (Grade 9) Local Ecology (Grade 10) Landscapes in Transition (Grades 11 & 9) Backyard Biodiversity (Grade 11) All about Food (Grade 11) Sustaining Healthy Eco Systems (Grade 12) Darwin 101 (Grade 12) Naturally Organic (Grade 12) Booking Information To schedule your class’ trip, fill in the form for the desired program and simply hit submit! A rare representative will contact you within 24 business hours after receiving your application. • All programs are $7.00 per student for a half day – 8.30am – 11.30am or 11.30am – 2.15pm (times are flexible). • Programs will be offered from April 16 – June 22 – Spring 2012. • Limited number of spaces available, please book well ahead of time. • There…
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News / Media
Contact Us
- LocationsAt rare, we have three building facilities. Lambs Inn (Our head administration office) 1679 Blair Rd. Cambridge ON, Canada N3H 4R8 Regular office hours are from 9-5 Monday-Friday, with closures during holidays. Call ahead at (519) 650-9336 to ensure the office is open. rare ECO Centre (Community and Education facility and Cliffs and Alvars Trailhead) 768 Blair Rd. Cambridge ON, Canada N3H 4R8 The ECO Centre is comprised of the iconic Slit Barn and its companion farmhourse. Both buildings are being renovated into a year-round facility for community programming and education programs. See our progress here. Springbank Farmhouse (Home of Springbank Community Gardens) 681 Blair Rd. Cambridge ON, Canada N3H 4R8 For information about the community gardens program, please contact Amanda Newell, our Community Gardens coordinator at amanda.newell@raresites.org. You can get up-to-date information about the progress of the Springbank Pavilion construction at the project’s blog. ** Please note: Currently, all staff offices are situated at Lambs Inn. For staff contact info please see click here. ______________________ Maps and Directions Below are various maps of the property. Please contact our Community Relations Department if you have any questions. Map (1) – Directions to rare Map (2) – Aerial Map of the…
- Job Postings
Take Action
- A Natural Legacy
- Corporations for Conservation
- Donor Programs
  - Founding Donors Wall
  Founding Donors Every donor, regardless of the amount, will be recognized as a Founding Donor and listed in perpetuity on a Donor Wall erected at the completion of the campaign. Every gift counts and we sincerely thank you. Bedrock Club Donors pledge to give monthly to our highest priority need and are the foundation of our organization. Bedrock Club Donors help us to plan for the future by giving a gift that is committed, predictable, and critical to every step we take. Ambassadors Circle It could be a one-time gift, or cumulative, but the Ambassadors Circle recognizes donors giving at the $1000 level, or above. Leadership Gifts Gifts that make an immediate, sizeable impact in helping us achieve our vision, and as importantly, through your leadership, help convince others that rare is worthy of their support too. Legacy Giving With a planned gift, the commitment is made in the present, but the gift is realized in the future. Several options are available. It is easy to do and has incredible meaning.
- rare’s 1000 Gardens
- Volunteer
- Take the Pledge!
- Turn the Map Green
- Walk & Run for rare
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Home
About rare
- Annual Reports
- FAQ’sQ) What is rare? A) Founded in 2001, the rare Charitable Research Reserve exists to preserve, intact in perpetuity, a 913-acre (and growing!) land reserve along the Grand and Speed Rivers. It is not only a beautiful cultural landscape in one of the fastest growing areas of the country but includes trees more than 230 years old and provides over 24 habitat types – including 6 of 8 pre-settlement landscapes – that are home to a diversity of organisms some of which are species at risk regionally, provincially, nationally and globally. Located within the designated Blair-Bechtel-Cruickston Environmentally Sensitive Landscape, rare ’s lands provide a natural laboratory for scientific study, research-based education programs, archaeology and trails. Together we are stewards of this magnificent natural jewel, striving to protect it because of its role in our lives, economies, and even our survival. Our goal is to preserve the land for future generations by focusing on research, education, conservation, and ecological restoration. Q) Is rare owned by or part of the Grand River Conservation Authority? A) No. The rare Charitable Research Reserve is a registered a charity; a not for profit organization governed by an arms-length Board of Directors. The organization is very…
- HistoryIn 2011 the charity with its conservation partners and community supporters, celebrates ten years of progress since inception. The incorporation of rare Charitable Research Reserve took place December 6, 2001. Within a matter of weeks, rare – a sizeable piece of Waterloo Region approaching 1000 acres on the banks of the Grand River – unveiled its vision for the former Cruickston Park Farms to the public, a vision to preserve landscape for its ecological value. The specific objectives of this vision were a year in the making: while the Board of Directors established the charitable status and financial commitments, an Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) undertook a four-season inventory of the property. The inventory of the property highlights a story which is told by the landscape that is now rare, and it’s a history that dates back much further than ten years. In fact, the history of rare goes back many thousands of years – millions if you consider the geology. Artefacts recovered at rare date from 10,500 years ago through to the earliest pioneer settlers; the dolomitic limestone cliffs along rare’s River Trail and fossils in the stone walls of the Slit Barn date back 420 million years. Our Slit…
- Leadership
- The rare Team
- Strategy and Plans 2020-2024 Survey
Conservation
- Core Natural AreasThe Confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers has been described by walkers along the Linear Trail in Preston-Cambridge as an unparalled vista of the Grand River Valley. The Cliffs and Alvars are a unique geologic formation in Waterloo Region both in size and in the biodiversity that this limestone substrate supports. Viewed from a distance, wind swept white pines tower above the dense canopy of lowland forest rooted in cold-water seeps that feed Cruickston Creek as it trickles then flows between sand ridges of upland woods in the Hogsback. A stroll along the Grand Allee trail separating Indian Woods from neighbouring forests reveals a cathedral grove of oak, maple, beech and ash that sprouted as seedlings in pre-settlement times of the latter half of the 1700s. Not surprisingly, the recommendations of The Environmental Management Plan for these core natural areas are to limit access to public viewing from specified walking trails rather than indiscriminate intrusion. The core natural areas will be monitored to provide a baseline of information for both interpretive and research programs at rare Charitable Research Reserve. The long-term protection these natural areas within rare makes possible long-term scientific research to build an understanding of how ecological…
- Environmental Management Plan
- Fauna – Wildlife
  - Amphibian and Reptile Species List(extracted from rare Environmental Management Plan 2002 and Herptile Survey Database 2006) Amphibians Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) Blue-Spotted/Jefferson Complex (Ambystoma laterale/Ambystoma jeffersonianum) Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) American Toad (Bufo americanus) Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) Green Frog (Rana clamitans) Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) Striped Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Reptiles Common Snapping Turtle (Cheldyra serpentine) Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) Eastern Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) Red Belly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
  - The Turtle Project
  - Bird Species
    - List of Bird SpeciesBIRD SPECIES FOUND ON rare DUCKS, GEESE & SWANS Snow Goose Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan Trumpeter Swan Tundra Swan Wood Duck Gadwall American Wigeon American Black Duck Mallard Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck PARTRIDGES, GROUSE & TURKEYS Ring-necked Pheasant Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey NEW WORLD QUAIL Northern Bobwhite LOONS Common Loon GREBES Pied-billed Grebe CORMORANTS Double-crested Cormorant HERONS & BITTERNS American Bittern Great Blue Heron Great Egret Little Blue Heron Green Heron Black-crowned Night-Heron VULTURES Turkey Vulture HAWKS, KITES & EAGLES Osprey Bald Eagle Northern Harrier Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Northern Goshawk Red-shouldered Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Rough-legged Hawk Golden Eagle CARACARAS & FALCONS American Kestrel Merlin Peregrine Falcon RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS Virginia Rail Sora American Coot CRANES Sandhill Crane PLOVERS Semipalmated Plover Killdeer SANDPIPERS & PHALAROPES Spotted Sandpiper Solitary Sandpiper Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Semipalmated Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Baird’s Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Dunlin Wilson’s Snipe American Woodcock GULLS, TERNS & SKIMMERS Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull…
    Bird Studies – An Introduction There is a long history of birding and bird monitoring at rare that began in 1971 with observations on bird activity along the Grand and Speed Rivers. Since this time, recreational birding, environmental assessments, biological studies, breeding bird surveys, nest monitoring and bird banding have allowed us to assemble a comprehensive list of 211 bird species that have been observed on the property. This number represents more than 70% of the bird species occurring in Waterloo Region. More significantly, two-thirds of the breeding bird species in Waterloo Region breed on rare’s 913 acres and more than a third of these species are both Regionally Rare and Priority Species of Conservation Concern in Waterloo Region. Current Bird Monitoring Initiatives at rare The diversity of habitats at rare, it’s location at the confluence of the Speed and Grand Rivers and the availability of local keen volunteers means that rare is perfect site for gathering data on bird migration and breeding. The following is a list of bird monitoring initiatives that are currently taking place at rare: 1. Bird Banding: The banding began in 2002 south and east of the buildings at Springbank Farm along Blair Road. However…
  - Butterfly Species ListThis list is a combined list of the species found during the 2008 rare butterfly count and Jessica Grealey’s butterfly monitoring in 2006. Acadian Hairstreak American Lady American Snout Appalachian Brown Banded Hairsteak Black Dash Black Swallowtail Broad-Winged Skipper Bronze Copper Cabbage White Clouded Sulphur Common Sooty Wing Common Wood-Nymph Coral Hairstreak Crossline Skipper Delaware Skipper Dion Skipper Dun Skipper Eastern Comma Eastern Tailed-Blue Eastern Tiger Swallowtail European Skipper Eyed Brown Giant Swallowtail Great Spangled Fritillary Hickory Hairstreak Inornate Ringlet Little Wood-Satyr Little Yellow Long Dash Meadow Fritallary Monarch Mourning Cloak Northern Broken-Dash Northern Crescent Northern Pearly-eye Orange Sulphur Painted Lady Pearl Crescent Peck’s Skipper Polygonia sp. Question Mark Red Admiral Red-spotted Admiral Red-spotted Purple Striped Hairstreak Silver-spotted Skipper Striped Hairstreak ‘Summer’ Spring Azure Summer Azure Tawny-edged Skipper Tawny Emperor Viceroy White Admiral
  - Fish Species ListBlackside Darter Black Crappie Blacknose Dace Bluntnose Minnow Brook Trout Brown Bullhead Carp Common Shiner Creek Chub Golden Redhorse Greater Redhorse Greenside Darter Hornyhead Chub Iowa Darter Johnny Darter Largemouth Bass Longnose Hog Sucker Northern Hog Sucker Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Rock Bass Silver Shiner Smallmouth Bass Spotfin Shiner Stonecat Striped Shiner White Sucker Yellow Perch
  - Mammal Species List(From Draft Management Framework for Cruickston Park, North-South Environmental Inc. 2001) Virgina Opossum Big Brown Bat Little Brown Bat Eastern Cottontail Woodchuck Gray Squirrel Red Squirrel Beaver Meadow Vole Muskrat Northern Short-tailed Shrew White-Footed Mouse Jumping Mouse Coyote Red Fox Raccoon Striped Skunk Ermine Mink White-Tailed Deer Bobcat
  A diversity of wildlife lives in rare Charitable Research Reserve including 23 species of mammals, 210 species of birds, 18 species of amphibians and reptiles and about two dozen species of fish. When visiting rare, please remember to remain on walking trails so as not to intrude upon wildlife habitat and to give others viewing opportunities. Patience will be required to see much of the rare wildlife. Increase your opportunities by attending a scheduled guided walk guide or seasonal workshop. In the meantime, visit the photo gallery to experience the views that rare’s photographer-friends have had.
- Flora – Plant Life
  - Craig Campbell Fern Walk
  - Fungi Species List(Format adapted from Mycological Society of Toronto Forays Field Checklist of Mushrooms). This list is a combination of the 2007 and 2008 mushroom foray species lists NON-GILL FUNGI Boletes – Gyrodon merulioides (Boletinellus m.) – Suillus americanus – Suillus luteus Puffballs & Similar (incl. Earthstars, Bird’s Nests, and Stinkhorns) – Calvatia gigantea Giant Puffball – Geastrum quadrifidum – Lycoperdon perlatum (L. gemmatum) Gem-Studded Puffball, Common Puffball – Lycoperdon pyriforme – Phallus impudicus Polypores – Boletopsis subsquamosa – Daedaleopsis confragosa Thin-Maze Polypore, Thin-Maze Flat Polypore – Fomes fomentarius Tinder Polypore – Ganoderma applanatum Artist’s Conk, Artist’s Polypore – Ganoderma lucidum or Ganodema tsugae – Grifola frondosa – Ischnoderma resinosum Resinous Polypore, Late Fall Polypore – Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore, Razor Strop Fungus, Fisherman’s Fungus – Polyporus badius – Polyporus brumalis Winter Polypore – Polyporus radicatus – Polyporus squamosus Dryad’s Saddle – Polyporus varius (Polyporus elegans) Elegant Polypore, Blackfoot Polypore – Postia caesia (Oligoporus caesius, Tyromyces caesius) – Trametes elegans – Trametes pubescens – Trametes versicolor Turkey Tail – Trichaptum abietinum (?) – Tyromyces chioneus (T. albellus, Polyorus a.) White Cheese Polypore Parchment & Resupinates – Phlebia radiata Radiating Phlebia – Stereum ostrea – Irpex lacteus Milk-White Toothed Polypore Not Common Tooth…
  - Mosses and Liverworts(from the 2004 Environmental Management Plan) Mosses Amblystegium serpens Amblystegium varium Anomodon attenuatus Anomodon rostratus Atrichum angustatum Atrichum undulatum Barbula convoluta Barbula unguiculata Brachythecium spp. Bryum argenteum Bryum caespiticium Callicladium haldanianum Campylium chrysophyllum Campylium hispidulum Campylium sp. Ceratodon purpureus Cirriphyllum piliferum Climacium americanum Climacium dendroides Desmatodon obtusifolius Dicranum flagellare Dicranum montanum Ditrichum sp. Drepanocladus aduncus Encalypta procera Entodon seductrix Eurhynchium hians Eurhynchium pulchellum Fissidens adianthoides Fissidens taxifolius Fissidens sp. Fontinalis hypnoides Grimmia apocarpa Hedwigia ciliata Homomallium adnatum Hygroamblystegium fluviatile Hygroamblystegium tenax Hymenostylium recurvirostre Hypnum curvifolium Hypnum imponens Hypnum lindbergii Hypnum sp. Isopterygiopsis muelleriana Leptobryum pyriforme Leptodictyum riparium Leucobryum glaucum Leskea polycarpa Leskeella nervosa Mnium marginatum Orthotrichum anomalum Plagiomnium cuspidatum Platydictya subtilis Polytrichum sp. Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus Schistidium rivulare Sphagnum sp. Taxiphyllum deplanatum Tetraphis pellucida Thuidium delicatulum Thuidium recognitum Tortella tortuosa Tortula ruralis Weissia sp. Liverworts Aneura pinguis Conocephalum conicum Frullania eboracensis Lophocolea heterophylla Marchantia polymorpha Porella platyphylla Radula complanata Reboulia hemisphaerica
  - Plant Species ListAgrimony Alder-leaved Buckthorn Alfalfa Alside Clover Alternate-leaved Dogwood American Beech American Brooklime American Grass-of- Parnassus American Stinging Nettle American Water-horehound Angelica Annual Fleabane Annual sow-thistle Apple Arrow-leaved Aster Arrow-leaved Smartweed Autumn Willow Awned Sedge Balsam Poplar Barnyard Grass Barren Strawberry Basket Willow Basswood Beaked hazel Beaked Willow Bebb’s Sedge Beech-drops Bellwort Bentgrass Bigseed Smartweed Bird-foot Trefoil Bishop’s Cap Bitternut Hickory Bittersweet Bittersweet Nightshade Black Alder Black Ash Black Bindweed Black Bullrush Black Cherry Black Elderberry Black Locust Black Maple Black Medic Black Oak Black Raspberry Black Walnut Black Willow Black-eyed Susan Bladder Campion Bladder Sedge Bladdernut Bloodroot BlueBeech Blue Cohosh Blue Flag Iris Blue-joint Blue Vervain Bluebead Lily Blue-stem Goldenrod Bog willow Boneset Bottle-brush Grass Bottlebrush Sedge Bristle-leaved Sedge Bristly Black Currant Bristly Greenbrier Bristly Sedge Broadleaf Panic Grass Broad-leavedArrowhead Broad-leaved Cattail Broad-leaved Plantain Broad-leaved Sedge Brome-like Sedge Bulbet Bladder Fern Bulbous Water Hemlock Bull Thistle Bunchberry Bur Oak Burning Bush Bur-reed Sedge Bush Honeysuckle Bushy Naiad Butter-and-eggs Butterfly Milkweed Butternut Calico Aster Canada Anemone Canada Blue Grass Canada Blue-joint Canada Goldenrod Canada Gooseberry Canada Lettuce Canada Lily Canada Mayflower Canada Thistle Canada Violet Canada Waterleaf Carpenter’s-square Carrion-flower Catnip Celandine Charlock Chicory Chokecherry Christmas Fern Cinnamon Fern Clearweed Cleavers Climbing…
  Plant Life at rare This plant list is based upon bio-inventories conducted by Larry Lamb, manager of Environmental Studies Ecology Lab and adjunct lecturer, University of Waterloo, with the assistance of members of Cruickston Park Ecological Advisory Team (CPEAT): Ken Dance, Dr. Doug Larson and Bill Wilson; the Plant Study Group of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists co-ordinated by Graham Buck; University of Waterloo students conducting wetland evaluation, Larry Lamb supervisor; and, Friends of Cruickston participating in botany outings on the property led by Larry Lamb. Thank you to Dr. J. K. Morton, Professor Emeritus, University of Waterloo, for verifying the identification of several plant species. Specimens of plant species, new or significant for Waterloo Region, are deposited with the Herbarium, University of Waterloo. More than one-third of the plant species of Waterloo Region are found at the rare Charitable Research Reserve with approximately 600 species. Of these, 48 species are on the significant species list of native vascular plants for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. In addition, in 2002, two species not previously known in Waterloo Region and presumed to be candidates for the list of Regionally Significant plants, were found. One plant species found, Harbinger-of-Spring (Erigenia bulbosa), is nationally…
- GeologyGeology at rare The location of rare is almost exactly in the centre of the Grand River basin. The basin is home for 800,000 people and is forecasted to have over 1,000,000 residents in less than 20 years. The river drains approximately 7,000 square kilometres as it flows almost 300 km from the Dundalk highlands to Lake Erie. The rare property is of geological significance since it is one of the areas of the central Grand basin that has an extensive bedrock outcrop along the river. Opportunistically sited, rare has a moderately large bedrock outcrop. However, the outcrop thickness is not too well developed and is only easily seen along the south bank of the Grand River and in parts of the wooded area. Just outside rare is an old stone quarry which provides access to some of the Silurian dolostone and the interesting, but poorly preserved, fossils contained within it. Oil and gas drilling near Roseville, some 15 km west of rare, provides us with a “deep” view of the geology under the region. This is summarized in Figure 3. At rare the glacial deposits directly overlie the upper part of the Middle Silurian…
- Geocaching Policy
Research
- Ecological Monitoring
  The lands at rare and their proximity to urban development make them important sites for conducting ecological monitoring. This monitoring could not have been completed without the generous support of Environment Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program and Natural Resources Canada Science and Technology Internship Program. Science Horizons has allowed us to hire ecological monitoring interns to help us monitor salamanders, butterflies, benthic invertebrates, forest health, forest soils and tree lichens. The following ecological monitoring protocols have been established at rare: Salamanders: A salamander monitoring program was initiated in 2006 in Indian Woods in accordance with Ecological Monitoring and Assessment (EMAN) protocols. Twenty-nine salamander cover boards were placed 5 m apart beside a vernal pond (small pond that may dry up in the summer). Three more boards were added to this matrix in 2009. Weekly counts and measurements of salamanders under boards are completed over nine weeks in September and Octoberl. Climatic measurements including soil moisture content, soill temperature, air temperature, humidity and wind speed are also measured. A new set of 20 salamander boards was established in 2008 in the Hogsback forest/wetland complex in the southeastern portion of rare. The vast majority of salamanders observed under the boards are…
- rare Scholarship in Graduate Research
  - Scholarship Recipients
  The rare Scholarship in Graduate Research The rare Scholarship in Graduate Research is valued at $4,000 and is open to all Canadian and International graduate students who will conduct field research on rare property between May 2012 and April 2013. The field of study is open and could include, but is not limited to, research in ecology, zoology, geology, restoration ecology, hydrology, botany, soil science, archaeology, agriculture and education. The Scholarship will allow students to study in a relatively undisturbed, yet highly accessible site. The monetary award will help ensure successful candidates have the necessary resources to conduct and report on their research at rare. It will also allow the student to give an oral presentation at a conference in their discipline. Applications Details: 1. Applications can be submitted until 5:00 pm on Monday, April23rd, 2012. 2. Students will be required to provide a final report to rare by Monday, May 7th, 2013. 3. The successful applicant will be notified by May 16th, 2012. A sum of $3,500 will be awarded shortly thereafter while the remaining $500 will be awarded in May, 2013, upon successful completion of the requirements of the scholarship (including the final report and conference presentation). 4. …
- Research, Monitoring and Inventory Reports
  Research, Monitoring and Inventory Reports 1. Environmental Management Plan Prepared by rare’s Environmental Advisory Team (EAT), formerly known as The Cruickston Park Ecological Team (CPET). Contributors include Douglas W. Larson, Lawrence E. Lamb, William G. Wilson and Kenneth W. Dance. 2. Draft Management Framework for Cruickston Park The Draft Management Framework for Cruickston Park, August 2001 was prepared by Brent Tegler. 2. Spatial Patterns of Tree Invasion in an Old Field: Implications for Restoration A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfilment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies in Geography Waterloo, Ontario, Canada 2008 © Karen Buschert, 2008 3. Birds about the Confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers, Cambridge, Ontario. by William G. Wilson, June 2009. 4. Bald Eagles in the Grand River Watershed. by Art Timmerman and Bill Wilson 2008. 5. Forest Survey at Indian Woods – Cruickston Report written by Terry Schwan, RPF, M.Sc., District Forester, Guelph District, Ministry of Natural Resources. The survey was begun in July 2004 and completed in August 2004. 6. Some Comments on the Geology of CCRR This report by Dr. A.V. Morgan, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, descibes the general geology of the river escarpment with reference…
- Why Research at rare?
  - Application to Conduct Research
  rare is ideally suited for scientific research for a variety of reasons including: rare’s Size and Diversity of Habitats: Our 900 acres encompass a broad range of habitats including an eight-kilometre long riparian zone along the Speed River, Grand River (a Canadian Heritage River) and its associated islands. There are also three coldwater steams that flow through rare and several swamp habitats in our forest tracts. Other forested habitat includes upland and lowland deciduous forest, old-growth Carolinian forest as well as hawthorn and bur oak savanna. One of the region’s few exposed cliff faces stretches along the Grand River above a neighbouring floodplain meadows. Our agricultural heritage includes old fields, organic fields, and fields currently farmed conventionally, as well as an extensive system of hedgerows. rare’s Flora and Fauna: rare has a high diversity of organisms that either live on the property or pass through it during migration. Our devoted volunteers and environmental advisors have spent years cataloguing rare’s flora and fauna and compiling species lists for the property. As well, rare has implemented Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) protocols for monitoring salamanders, butterflies, benthic invertebrates, forest health and forest soils that have also shed light on biodiversity at…
Education
- Activities for Kids
- ECO Camps
  - March Break ECO Camp
  - Summer ECO Camp
- Elementary School Modules
- rare Nature School
- Secondary School ModulesThe experiences that we’ve had at rare have been exceptional. Students have gained so much information about and appreciation for the local environment through our guided hikes and volunteer work. Our guide, Matthew Lawson, has helped students to see the value of local resources such as forests, water (Grand River) and soil. He also helped them to understand how our actions have a direct impact on these fragile ecosystems. The following Secondary School Programs are available at rare: Becoming a Locavore (Grade 9) Local Ecology (Grade 10) Landscapes in Transition (Grades 11 & 9) Backyard Biodiversity (Grade 11) All about Food (Grade 11) Sustaining Healthy Eco Systems (Grade 12) Darwin 101 (Grade 12) Naturally Organic (Grade 12) Booking Information To schedule your class’ trip, fill in the form for the desired program and simply hit submit! A rare representative will contact you within 24 business hours after receiving your application. • All programs are $7.00 per student for a half day – 8.30am – 11.30am or 11.30am – 2.15pm (times are flexible). • Programs will be offered from April 16 – June 22 – Spring 2012. • Limited number of spaces available, please book well ahead of time. • There…
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- LocationsAt rare, we have three building facilities. Lambs Inn (Our head administration office) 1679 Blair Rd. Cambridge ON, Canada N3H 4R8 Regular office hours are from 9-5 Monday-Friday, with closures during holidays. Call ahead at (519) 650-9336 to ensure the office is open. rare ECO Centre (Community and Education facility and Cliffs and Alvars Trailhead) 768 Blair Rd. Cambridge ON, Canada N3H 4R8 The ECO Centre is comprised of the iconic Slit Barn and its companion farmhourse. Both buildings are being renovated into a year-round facility for community programming and education programs. See our progress here. Springbank Farmhouse (Home of Springbank Community Gardens) 681 Blair Rd. Cambridge ON, Canada N3H 4R8 For information about the community gardens program, please contact Amanda Newell, our Community Gardens coordinator at amanda.newell@raresites.org. You can get up-to-date information about the progress of the Springbank Pavilion construction at the project’s blog. ** Please note: Currently, all staff offices are situated at Lambs Inn. For staff contact info please see click here. ______________________ Maps and Directions Below are various maps of the property. Please contact our Community Relations Department if you have any questions. Map (1) – Directions to rare Map (2) – Aerial Map of the…
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  - Founding Donors Wall
  Founding Donors Every donor, regardless of the amount, will be recognized as a Founding Donor and listed in perpetuity on a Donor Wall erected at the completion of the campaign. Every gift counts and we sincerely thank you. Bedrock Club Donors pledge to give monthly to our highest priority need and are the foundation of our organization. Bedrock Club Donors help us to plan for the future by giving a gift that is committed, predictable, and critical to every step we take. Ambassadors Circle It could be a one-time gift, or cumulative, but the Ambassadors Circle recognizes donors giving at the $1000 level, or above. Leadership Gifts Gifts that make an immediate, sizeable impact in helping us achieve our vision, and as importantly, through your leadership, help convince others that rare is worthy of their support too. Legacy Giving With a planned gift, the commitment is made in the present, but the gift is realized in the future. Several options are available. It is easy to do and has incredible meaning.
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Craig Campbell Fern Walk

Click here to download the Craig Campbell Fern Walk Guide.