Jamboree supports Bruce Trail Conservancy

It was a magical night at Lyric Pond in Mulmur when the 18th Jim Cuddy Jamboree took to the stage last weekend.

Host Bill Duron delighted the audience with his story of stalking Cuddy through the township to secure his participation in the first Jamboree and the crowd roared its approval when he reported that Jim says he’ll keep coming back as long as he’s needed.

Funds raised this year will benefit the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC), one of Ontario’s leading land trusts in its work to protect and care for Niagara Escarpment lands.

Marsha Russell, VP of Fund Development says the money will support local stewardship of the Bruce Trail and critical conservation efforts in the Caledon Hills and Dufferin Hi-Land. Among the important projects happening in the area are wetland restoration, invasive species removal, forest management, meadow restoration and creation of native seed orchards. Local landscapes contain some of the highest levels of biodiversity in Canada but they are at threat due to habitat loss, deforestation, degraded wetlands and climate change.

In addition to the proceeds from sale of 390 tickets to the event, there was an offer of a matching gift of up to $50,000 from a pair of area residents who wish to remain anonymous.

Donations are still coming in, and organizers say a final tally will be posted on the BTC website in another week or two.

Guests were treated to top notch local food and refreshments served by an army of volunteers. Organizers wish to thank sponsors The Roost Winery, Spy Cider, Maverick Distillery, The New Farm, Creemore Foodland, Blue Ridge Meats, Red Back Boots Canada and Creemore Springs.

Cuddy shared the stage with sons Devin Cuddy and Sam Polley, Glenn Milchen, Colin Cripps and Bazil Donovan of Blue Rodeo, violinist Anne Lindsay and Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson of Skydiggers.