Recent Projects 

The Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP) -March, 2012

Furthering its support of the appreciation and protection of plant biodiversity, the Foundation has prompted and provided support for the establishment of the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP)   based within the Plant Agriculture Department at the University of Guelph.

From its interest in Elm Recovery has arisen the promise of developing and applying new technology in plant propagation being advanced in the lab of Dr. Praveen Saxena.  Tissue culture techniques developed with elm have the potential to preserve, multiply and conserve hundreds of threatened plant species.  

GRIPP is an international, interdisciplinary institute that will focus on: in vitro preservation and multiplication of endangered plant species, support of graduate and post graduate student research and education, and provide support to academic institutions, horticultural and agri-food industries and government programs on protection of environmental resources.  

In recognition of the work of the late Henry Kock, the Foundation provided support for the Henry Kock Propagation Centre, Arboretum, University of Guelph. With his trademark humour, energy and passion, Henry advanced the practice of naturalized gardening, protection of native species of plants and spearheaded many initiatives such as the Elm Recovery Project.  atguelph.uoguelph.ca/2010/10/gosling-foundation-builds-a-living-legacy/

The Foundation has supported the Conservancy as it strives to secure a publicly accessible conservation corridor while preserving natural ecosystems along the Niagara Escarpment. Foundation support in conjunction with that of other organizations has allowed for the protection of significant properties along this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. http://brucetrail.org/

Integrated Programs –Secondary Schools

The Foundation has provided start-up support for new programs to assist those teachers taking leadership to apply this innovative model. Four-credit Integrated programs often have a strong outdoor education and natural history component, often take place entirely outside of the home school, and integrate up to 4 subjects through an environmental theme.

Four-credit program best practice includes a business component. Typically the secondary students plan, organize and deliver a fieldtrip program for younger students, a valuable learning opportunity in itself. The funds realized from this are used to pay transportation, rental and program costs and ensure program stability.

For an example of this delivery model visit the Grade 11 DaVinci Art and Science Leadership Program
http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/jfr/davinci/index.html

Elm Recovery Project, Arboretum, University of Guelph

Restoring the majestic elm to its place in Ontario’s ecosystem is a long-term goal being advanced through this project at the Arboretum. The Foundation, through the insights of Susan Gosling, has been instrumental in linking the Elm project with plant tissue culture research activity. The goal of quickly generating many Dutch Elm disease resistant cultivars is in sight. This work has promise for many other tree species under various threats.
http://www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum/SpProjects/Elm_Recover1.htm

Local Land Stewardship Support -Community Foundations of Canada/Ontario Land Trust Partnership

This project links Community Foundations and Land Trusts at the local level to share their capacity in the support of local land protection efforts. These non-traditional partners will share expertise and networks to become more effective, initially directing their efforts to establish local stewardship endowment funds. This approach can be applied anywhere a local community foundation and land trust exist thus strengthening efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of acquired ecological properties. See http://www.cfc-fcc.ca/doc/whatsnew_docs/OLTAnationalrelease_final.doc

Bird Studies Canada (BSC) –Understanding and Appreciation of Bird Ecology

BSC has engaged a substantial citizen science volunteer force for field work and through these endeavours has helped to identify Canada’s Important Birding Areas. With the Foundation’s support it is expanding its education program as a means of sharing research insights and cultivating the thrill of viewing wildlife on the wing. http://www.birdscanada.org/longpoint/education/  

Gosling Wildlife Gardens, Arboretum, University of Guelph

The Gosling Wildlife Gardens provide examples of naturalized urban landscapes to inspire homeowners to invite wildlife into their backyards. Over the years thousands of visitors have visited the gardens to see the different landscape plans and plant specimens. The scope of the Gosling Wildlife Gardens has expanded significantly with the development of its website. www.goslingwildlifegarden.org   

Fatal Light Awareness Program

The Foundation supports the education and communication efforts of FLAP to reduce the needless mortality of birds caused by human structures and practices including unnecessary lighting, building structure and windows, domestic cats and other human activities.  Prevention activities are outlined on their website.  www.flap.org  

Member -Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network

The Foundation is an active member of CEGN. http://www.cegn.org/