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.