Plant Kawartha Fund
The Plant Kawartha Fund, held by the Kawartha Community Foundation, supports community planting and environmental education. Building on the legacy of the Canopy Project, it helps turn local ideas into projects that protect and enhance the natural environment.
Led by volunteers, including Richard and Sandi Gauder, Plant Kawartha connects community generosity with opportunities to grow our tree canopy and help people care for the places where they live, learn, and gather..
The Purpose
The Vision
A greener Kawartha Lakes where thriving trees, healthy habitats, and welcoming outdoor spaces benefit everyone—and where caring for nature is a shared community responsibility.
The Goal
To grow and sustain our local tree canopy through community-led planting projects, with particular attention to schoolyards and shared public spaces.
Our work brings together planting, environmental education, and ongoing care so that each project has the support it needs to thrive.
Our Projects
Scott Young Public School, Omemee — 2026
On National Tree Day, 17 large trees were planted at Scott Young Public School, supported by a Tree Canada grant and local planting partners.
The project brings future shade, wildlife habitat, and outdoor learning opportunities, with students involved through the Wish Tree Watering Program and upcoming shrub planting activities.
St. Luke’s, Downeyville — Growing a Greener Schoolyard
With community support, tree planting at St. Luke’s is creating a greener schoolyard, providing future shade, wildlife habitat, and opportunities for students to connect with nature.
Lindsay Exhibition Grounds — Growing Community Shade
With community support, tree planting at the Lindsay Exhibition grounds is creating a greener gathering space and future shade for families, volunteers, and visitors.
Local Impact
Through Plant Kawartha, donations help transform local spaces into greener, healthier environments.
Recent success includes support for school-based planting projects, including the successful Tree Canada grant awarded to Scott Young Public School in Omemee, helping create shade, increase biodiversity, and provide outdoor learning opportunities for students.
These projects show how community support can grow into lasting environmental impact.
Why Give
Your donation stays local and helps create:
Cooler schoolyards and public spaces
Healthier ecosystems
Increased biodiversity
Improved air quality
Habitat for pollinators and wildlife
A lasting environmental legacy for future generations
Plant a Living Legacy
A gift to the Plant Kawartha Fund is a meaningful way to honour a loved one, celebrate a milestone, offset your environmental footprint, or invest in a greener future for Kawartha Lakes.
Together, we can protect and restore the natural beauty of our community—one tree, one planting, and one act of stewardship at a time.
What our fundholders are saying:
“The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes has provided the administrative and organizational support needed by our group of volunteers to allow us to turn our big vision for a greener, more sustainable urban canopy, into reality. The Foundation provides the legitimacy and security we need for donors to connect to our cause now and into the future.”
— Canopy Project Kawartha Lakes
Building on the legacy of the Canopy Project, the aim of Plant Kawartha is to:
to promote and create opportunities to increase biodiversity in the region
to support programs and projects aimed at protecting and preserving the environment for the benefit of the public
to educate and enhance the public’s understanding of the environment,
to be open to helping others starting their own biodiverse projects including planting initiatives.
PLANT KAWARTHA FUND
Related News
Donate to the Fund
Your support helps promote and create opportunities to increase biodiversity in the region.
Click or scan to donate online:
Donate Alternative Gifts:
E-transfer:
Send an e-transfer to info@kawarthafoundation.ca
In a separate email, please provide full name, address, transfer date, and security answer.
Cheque:
Issue to Kawartha Community Foundation.
Mail to:
Kawartha Community Foundation
Suite 302, 165 Kent Street West
Lindsay, ON K9V 2Y5