Our People

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“The Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance (BCWA) is an excellent community based non-government organization focused on the environment. It is led by a talented and knowledgeable Board of Directors. Their focus on the Baxter Creek area, and the need to care for a clean and healthy watershed is critical for Millbrook and the Cavan-Monaghan area. BCWA has brought together a wonderful combination of Directors, Advisors, Members and Partners who are focused on agricultural stewardship, conserving the former “Millbrook Jail Lands”, and monitoring the state of the local watershed environment. Obviously, these initiatives are essential for the long term health of the Cavan-Monaghan region and its residents. As Chair of the Kawartha Land Trust, I am very pleased to serve as an Advisor to the BCWA.”

          - Paul Downs, Advisor, Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance

"Community involvement is, in my experience, a key to happiness. Meeting my neighbours, knowing my municipal councillors, involving myself in the community’s future and “giving back” gives me great pleasure….The Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance (BCWA) provides me with this opportunity. While I am now retired, the ability to continue to be involved through BCWA in the professions of land use planning and natural heritage land conservation is incredibly satisfying and keeps me connected with my neighbours and my professional colleagues in Ontario and beyond. Thank you BCWA."

          - Barb Heidenreich, Director, Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance

“Essential to the well-being of communities are volunteer groups that engage their expertise, energy and enthusiasm. The Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance exemplifies this approach. It has an inclusive vision for a healthy watershed, growing partnerships with institutions and individuals, and attention to governance. I am always pleased to assist in their worthwhile initiatives!” 

          - Ian Attridge, Hons. B.Sc.(Agr.), M.E.S., LL.B., Barrister and Solicitor, Associate, School of the Environment, Trent University; Legal Advisor, Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance

"It has been a privilege to collaborate with The Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance for the past couple of years through our GIS Programs at Fleming College. The BCWA’s commitment to providing our students with real opportunities to be involved in their efforts is so valuable for our student’s education. There’s no better way for students to learn about watershed protection and the community effort it requires than to get to work with a group like this directly. I will always be happy to collaborate the BCWA."

          – Kendra Chalmers,      Professor, Fleming College (School of Environmental and Natural Resource      Sciences)

 “The passion and drive within Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance is what encouraged me to be a part of the organization. I have always enjoyed how we can have a good laugh or chat prior to the start of a meeting and it is always nice to know that you have individuals with the best interest at heart for the community of Millbrook. Through working with BCWA, I have been able to enhance my understanding of the importance of water protection and have built upon my report writing skills through the creation of the BCWA strategic plan. My involvement with this group has helped me secure my current working position and has given me a wide array of new skill sets for the future. I recommend getting to know this group if you want to make a positive impact on Millbrook or your own community.” 

          – Megan Greenwood, Research and Development Specialist, Advisor, Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance

“If you live in or around the Town of Millbrook, or along the Baxter Creek water system, you live in one of the most important watershed systems in Ontario. Whether your drinking water comes from “town” supplied water or a well, the health of our Baxter Creek Watershed is of vital importance to you. Our community needs to learn and understand what the Baxter Creek Watershed is and how important it is to keep to it healthy. The need to communicate how valuable our water sources are and how the Watershed contributes to these sources is of utmost importance. 

Working alongside the Board of Directors on the Baxter Creek Watershed was one of the most all inspiring roles I have ever had. I have so much admiration for this group of Dedicated, Knowledgeable, and Committed people. I learned about the value of our local water systems and what is needed to protect their critical sources. I have a deep appreciation for this beautiful area. I can see and feel the beauty of the landscapes along the Baxter Creek Watershed and I want to be able to contribute to keeping it healthy for my grandchildren and many others for years to come. 

The value of having such a strong community environmental-non government local organization with such strong and dedicated leadership is something we should all be very proud of and the more contribution from our community members will just make this Alliance (BCWA) even stronger.”

          - Steve Horner, Past Director/Board Member, February 2021 – December 2022, Old Millbrook Jail Lands Association/Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance