The Essex Region Conservation Foundation (ERCF) and Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) have a long history of inspirational partnership with the WECF. The Essex Region Conservation Foundation was established to receive and maintain funds for charitable, educational, conservation and heritage purposes related directly or indirectly to the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural and heritage resources in the Essex Region.

In 2009, ERCF established a fund held at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, providing ERCF with flexibility and security while benefitting from the WECF’s investment and administrative expertise as they diligently work to support local conservation in Essex Region. The fund, originally established as the Islands of Green Fund, has been officially known as the Place for Life Fund. According to ERCA:

“The Place for Life is a region with connected natural areas. A place with healthy rivers and streams, beaches you can swim in and lakes you can fish in. It has greenways and trails that connect you to your landscape and to each other. A place with productive agricultural lands. A sustainable place that is resilient and can adapt to change. We embrace this place, and make it our home. For life.”

The WECF promotes ERCA and ERFC’s mission to enrich and sustain our region as the place for life. We are proud to provide support as Essex Region Conservation creates awareness and raises funds to enhance our nature environment for healthy living and economic resilience in the Windsor/Essex region. This partnership broadens the awareness of the conservation, preservation, and protection of environmentally significant lands and enables both organizations to promote Place for Life as an opportunity to leave a green legacy.

In April of 2023, Essex Region Conservation Authority and WECF joined together to unveil the WindsorEssex Community Foundation Community Entrance to the Cypher Systems Greenway, made possible through a WECF 40th Anniversary Legacy Investment.
Located on County Road 15 in Essex, this newly created community entrance provides parking and trail access for walkers, joggers and cyclists, helping to continue our shared legacy of supporting our community in their connection to our region’s beautiful natural resources.