Track Record of Success
Our dream for this Great Lake began with a long canoe journey setting Lake Superior in the broader context of North American watersheds. Its geological and ice age history shaped a landscape that gave birth to the Lake Superior watershed. We began by thinking that an organization undivided by an international line was an approach and the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy is the result of this.
Our initial work of protecting Land and protecting Water through Land Trusts and Water Trails has moved us onto a cultural-ecological path inextricably tied to Indigenous-led Wisdom. It is a path that shows us a way to respect and live in relationship with the rest of the natural world. And along the way protect the very heart of our existence.
Some Highlights
2022
Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy developed a Pilot Project for Métis-led Walking and Paddling Tours in Sault Ste Marie.
Launched our Francis Hilb Preserve school program.
2021
Built trails, boardwalk, signage and seating infrastructure for the Francis Hilb Preserve.
2020
Created a series of online videos to share conservation and watershed related content, teach low-impact nature travel techniques, to learn about the history and cultures of Lake Superior.
2019
Developed and implemented a safe and accessible on-water Canoes for Conservation program including the training of canoe and interpretive guides, and the acquisition of a 36-foot voyageur-type canoe and all equipment to provide ecological and cultural tours.
Held a Lake Superior Interpretive Guide Conference with watershed-wide partners.
2018
Held a series of facilitated on-site meetings with Water Trail access point community partners to develop a Canoes for Conservation program.
Facilitated a Lake Superior Water Trail Gathering in Marquette, Michigan with Lake Superior Water Trail and Land Trust Partners.
2017
LSWC officially opens the Lake Superior Water Trail, a 1000 km section of the 25,000 km Trans Canada Trail.
The Gargantua Islands Preserve is transferred from American Friends of Canadian Conservation to LSWC ownership.
2016
Installed infrastructure such as washrooms, docks, pathways, signage, canoe/kayak lockers at 16 Lake Superior Water Trail Access points with community partners.
2013
Held a series of facilitated Lake Superior Heritage Coast workshops in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
2011
Gargantua Islands Preserve project initiated with the American landowners and American Friends of Canadian Conservation.
Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy acquires the Francis Hilb Preserve.
2010
Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy acquires the Dr. Frederick Van Nus Preserve.
2009
Held a series of facilitated Lake Superior Heritage Coast workshops built on the Ontario Government’s Great Lakes Heritage Coast (2000) initiative.
2008
Research project initiated to preserve a series of privately held lands in the Thunder Bay region with the goal of protected status as land trusts.
2004
Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy is incorporated as a registered Charity.