July 31, 2025 - SVCA Celebrates 75 Years with the Opening of Formosa Conservation Area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 31^th, 2025

Saugeen Conservation Celebrates 75 Years of Conservation and Opens Formosa Conservation Area

ALL SAUGEEN WATERSHED MUNICIPALITIES – Municipality of Arran-Elderslie, Municipality of Brockton, Township of Chatsworth, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Town of Hanover, Township of Howick, Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, Municipality of South Bruce, Township of Huron-Kinloss, Municipality of Kincardine, Town of Minto, Township of Wellington-North, Town of Saugeen Shores, Township of Southgate, Municipality of West Grey.

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) marked its 75th anniversary with a special celebration on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at its Administration Office in Formosa. The event welcomed approximately 100 guests, including SVCA staff, past employees, members of the public, and representatives from watershed municipalities, counties, local agencies, fellow conservation authorities, and Conservation Ontario.

SVCA received congratulatory remarks and certificates of recognition from M.P. Ben Lobb, M.P.P. Lisa Thompson, and South Bruce Mayor Mark Goetz. Additional greetings were delivered by Leslie Rich on behalf of Conservation Ontario, Edward McGugan (MVCA Chair), Dan Gieruszak (former SVCA Chair), Gloria Dangerfield (Grey Sauble Conservation Authority), and Brian Milne (Mayor of the Township of Southgate).

A key feature of the celebration was the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new Formosa Conservation Area, a 24-acre site directly adjacent to SVCA’s Administration Office at 1078 Bruce Road 12. The conservation area was established as a tribute to 75 years of protecting people, property, and the environment, and reflects SVCA’s enduring commitment to community and conservation partnerships.

Purchased by SVCA in 2011 as a field, the site has been slowly transformed with the planting of native species including cranberry bushes, sumac shrubs, white pine, and white spruce. The trail system begins at a newly installed pergola and winds through areas of significant elevation change and coniferous woodland. Visitors are advised that trails include uneven terrain and that the area is intended for passive recreational use.

Visitors are welcome to hike, snowshoe, or dog-walk at the Formosa Conservation Area year-round. All SVCA day-use properties are accessible for $5 per day or $55 per year per household. Learn more at www.saugeenconservation.ca/membership.

“We are excited to celebrate 75 years of conservation by opening the Formosa Conservation Area to the public. It reflects our ongoing mandate to protect natural spaces while encouraging responsible public access and recreation.”

– Erik Downing, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority

For more information, please contact:

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
Email: media@svca.on.ca  |  Cell: 519-369-4295
Website: www.saugeenconservation.ca