Getting out and exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Oak Ridges Moraine’s rolling hills, kettle lakes, rivers and trails is good for the psyche and the body; now it could be good for the pocketbook. The grand prize for the Moraine in Focus photo contest is $1000 and $500 for the top youth spot.

Presented by MTM and the Caring for the Moraine (CMP) project, the oraine in Focus photo contest is all about capturing and enshrining he beauty and wonder of the moraine and then making these images vailable for everyone to see.

Photo submissions must be taken on the Oak Ridges Moraine, and fall ithin one of the four following categories:

• land and water,
• plants and animals,
• people and communities, and
• youth photographer.

Youth entrants must be under 16 years of age as of May 15th, 2007. Youth category submissions can cover any of the three categories already mentioned. All entries (which are being accepted now) must be submitted no later than October 15, 2007.

In addition to the grand prizes, a prize will also be awarded to regional winners in every category. For this contest, the moraine has been divided into three areas: West (including the Regions of Peel and York and the Counties of Dufferin and Simcoe), Central (including Durham Region and the City of Kawartha Lakes) and East (including Peterborough and Northumberland Counties).

Winning entries, as well as local submissions, will be displayed at venues across the moraine in November. Confirmed venues include Willow Springs Winery in Stouffville, Archibald’s Estate Winery in Bowmanville and the King Street Arts Centre in Millbrook. The images will also appear in educational and promotional materials produced by MTM, CMP and their partners, all of whom are dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

This contest is made possible by the generous funding from the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation and the George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation.

For more information, visit the Monitoring the Moraine website , email contest@monitoringthemoraine.ca or call Kate Potter at 905-579-0411, extension 106.

MEDIA RELEASE June 3, 2007

For Immediate Release

The Environment and Natural History of York Region Has Benefited

From a $14,000 OTF Grant

Richmond Hill – The residents of Richmond Hill are enjoying the benefits today, thanks to a $14,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Richmond Hill Council joined OTF representative Vijay Lekhi in congratulating the Richmond Hill Naturalists at the Mill Pond Splash ceremony. Frank Klees, MPP for Oak Ridges was unable to attend the event and sent his best wishes, “Your “Digital Green Space” web site is a wonderful tool to further the awareness of the natural environment and its importance in our daily lives.”

The Richmond Hill Naturalists, established in 1955, are dedicated to enjoying, protecting and promoting interest in the environment and natural history of York Region. It offers monthly speakers on a wide range of topics with interest groups such as bird watching, botany and the environment. It also participates in nature walks, field trips, cleanups, tree planting and restoration projects.

“We have used this grant for a Speakers Series encouraging residents to discover and explore nature,” said President Marianne Yake. “We have also purchased equipment and set up a website enhancing our profile in the community. We are thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s commitment to work with us to educate, protect and enhance natural habitats for wildlife and people.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives funds from the government’s charity casino initiative. The Foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation sectors. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

For more information, please contact:

Marianne Yake
Richmond Hill Naturalists
(905) 883-3047
[email protected]