The CCFS received $200,000 from "enthusiastic trail users" and plans to use the money to expand the boundaries of the Cumberland Community Forest. In 2005 the CCFS purchased over 170 acres southwest of the Village. Since then we have been actively raising funds to pay off the loans on the purchase, and to install signage that guide visitors through the forest.
The Cumberland Community Forest Society is thrilled to announce a new corporate sponsor to help them continue loan payments on this land, and perhaps to expand the protected area. Seeds Food Market has pledged “1% to the Forest “on an ongoing basis, starting in 2012. “This organization is one of the main reasons my family moved here.”, says Seeds owner Tina Willard-Stepan. “It fits well with our personal values and our business vision to make this a part of what we do.” Seeds is currently in the top 10 for a Province-wide Community Impact Award for just such initiatives. “Customers can feel good that a portion of what they spend each time they shop in the store will go to preserve the forest around our community.”, adds Tina’s husband and co-owner, Jim.
The forest is a large part of the local culture and heritage of Cumberland, and is enjoyed by many. It is the viewscape for most of the historic village. Members of the local mountain biking community have built many kilometres of bike trails within it, on which athletic races are frequently held. The trails are well known to both local and visiting enthusiasts in the biking and hiking communities. Preserving this part of the forest has and will continue to attract visitors to Cumberland. The mandate of the CCFS is to purchase as much forest on Cumberland's southwest boundary as possible.
For more information about other initiatives that Seeds is involved in, check out seedsfoodmarket.ca.
The CCFS now has thousands of Community Way dollars to exchange with our donors for Canadian currency. Community Way dollars can be used to buy a wide variety of services and goods in the Comox Valley, such as coffee, bread, printing, massage, or acupuncture. Contact Andrew Nicoll at 897-9781 to purchase the Community Way dollars. This is a great way to donate to the Forest Society and receive valuable goods and services in return. You can find out more about which businesses accept Community Way dollars and how the Community Way system of currency works at communityway.ca.