Oxford County, Ontario – April 29, 2026
Scouts Canada, the Ontario Conservation Accelerator (OCA), and Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) are proud to announce the permanent protection of Camp Shegardaynou, a 21-hectare (52-acre) parcel of land near Princeton, ON, between Woodstock and Brantford. The site is to be renamed “Sycamore Valley” after the majestic sycamore trees on the land beloved by generations of Scouts
This project was completed under a new partnership model to ensure that Scouts lands considered for sale remain as conservation lands in perpetuity—strengthening climate resilience, biodiversity, and community connection to nature. Where youth currently benefit from use of Scouts camp properties, their continued access will be prioritized.
Located within the provincially significant Horner Creek Wetland Complex in Ontario’s Carolinian Zone, Sycamore Valley contains fully intact and thriving wetlands and forests supporting many unique species. Horner Creek’s connection to other natural heritage patches also serves as a wildlife corridor in a landscape fragmented by a variety of human uses. This region faces significant pressure to convert natural lands to other uses, emphasizing the value of protecting these important spaces for wildlife and human well-being.
The lands were independently valued and acquired from Scouts Canada (via Ontario Incorporated Body - Scouts Canada, the entity that holds title for Scouting properties in the province of Ontario) by TTLT, with catalytic funding support from OCA and other conservation funders including the Echo Foundation, Oxford Community Foundation. The acquisition was also made possible through public funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC)’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)’s Species Conservation Program, both administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA).
TTLT is currently undertaking the stewardship planning process for the land to protect and enhance habitats on site. Existing trails and features will be evaluated to support safe, sustainable public access while protecting sensitive habitats. TTLT is also exploring shared stewardship models with local community partners.
The shared vision realized through this partnership supports protection of biodiversity and promotes access to nature for local communities. Transitioning Scouts Canada holdings to land trust partners ensures green spaces continue to nurture generations of outdoor adventurers and nature guardians.
QUOTES:
“The Ontario government is proud to support the permanent protection of Sycamore Valley through Ontario’s new Species Conservation Program. This funding will help safeguard important habitats while keeping meaningful outdoor experiences available for young people. By working with partners like Scouts Canada and the land trust community, projects like these will encourage the next generation of stewards to help protect Ontario’s biodiversity for the future.”
– Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment Conservation and Parks
“Camp Shegardaynou has been a place of outdoor adventure, learning, and connection for generations of Scouts and the community. Ensuring that special places like these continue to serve youth, while protecting the natural environments that make those experiences so meaningful, is an important priority for Scouts Canada and we are excited to be embarking on this new partnership model that will allow us to achieve that objective. By working with trusted conservation partners, we can safeguard this land for generations and make sure it remains a place where youth can connect with nature, build skills, and develop a lifelong respect for the outdoors.”
– Liam Burns, CEO, Scouts Canada
“This partnership shows what’s possible when conservation organizations and long-standing institutions like Scouts Canada work together with trust and a shared vision. The former Camp Shegardaynou will continue to provide critical habitat for wildlife and opportunities for expanded public access. We’re thrilled to take this first step alongside our incredible partners Scouts Canada and Thames Talbot Land Trust - one of Ontario’s many strong community-based land trusts working to protect nature across the province.”
– Kristyn Ferguson, Managing Director, Ontario Conservation Accelerator
“We are thrilled to lead the way for this new partnership to benefit conservation and community access to nature. Sycamore Valley is a unique and beautiful site full of Carolinian specialties that will now be protected forever. We are grateful to Scouts Canada and Ontario Conservation Accelerator for their vision and leadership on this project and the many projects to come.”
– Daria Koscinski, Executive Director, Thames Talbot Land Trust
FACTS:
- Sycamore Valley is within the Carolinian Zone, which has the highest biodiversity in Canada, but has less than 1% of its land area under protection and some of the lowest natural cover in Canada.
- Sycamore Valley will become a nationally recognized Protected Area, counting towards Canada’s goal of protecting 30% of terrestrial lands and waters by 2030.
- Sycamore Valley is home to rare species including Wood Thrush, Butternut, turtles, and the rare Hemlock-Yellow Birch swamp habitat.
ABOUT:
Scouts Canada is a not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration No.10776 1694 RR0028) and a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Kids and young adults in Scouts chart their own path of discovery. Through a variety of fun experiences with friends, outdoor adventures and contributions to their community, Scouts build resilience and skills that set them up for life. Scouts Canada is the country's leading co-ed youth organization, offering programming for children and youth aged 5-26 in multiple languages, reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. For more information, visit Scouts.ca.
The Ontario Incorporated Body (OIB), title holder to Scouting properties in Ontario, holds true to the principle of expanding and promoting Scouting in the province of Ontario. OIB is pleased that the partnership with conservation groups will allow this important property to continue to expand access to outdoor adventures.
The Ontario Conservation Accelerator works with land trusts, Indigenous organizations and communities, industry, and government to accelerate creative and impactful solutions to conservation across Ontario. Since our inception in 2024, OCA has directly protected over 930 hectares (2,300 acres) of land and influenced the protection of over 1,600 ha (4,000 acres) of additional lands, with a focus on expanding protected areas, connecting people to nature, and simply getting more great conservation done - fast.
Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) is an environmental charity with a mission to protect, restore, and nurture nature within Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford and Perth counties and the City of London. Established in 2000, TTLT has built a dedicated network of staff, volunteers, and community partners who work together to conserve important natural and agricultural lands and inspire a connection to nature at the local level. TTLT permanently protects more than 2,600 acres of land across 32 sites (and counting), which are home to more than 100 species at risk. As one of the first land trusts to receive the Conservation Excellence Award from the Centre for Land Conservation, we are committed to striving towards a greener future for all living beings.
Over $11.7M in funding will be provided from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC)’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) to Ontario Land Trust Alliance and its partners to support nature-based projects that promote carbon storage and capture while providing important habitat for species at risk and/or species of cultural and local importance. This is part of the $1.4 billion that Canada has invested in the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. These funds will be matched from other sources including individual donations and foundation support, as well as other levels of government.
The Ontario government is investing $20 million annually through the Species Conservation Program to help protect species at risk and their habitats across the province. This year’s funding will support high-impact, on-the-ground projects, including 25 community-led conservation projects, protecting a wide range of at-risk species such as Monarch butterflies, Blanding’s turtles and Butternut trees through conservation actions and land securement.
CONTACT:
Daria Koscinski, Executive Director, TTLT
[email protected]
519-858-3442
Kristyn Ferguson, Managing Director, OCA
[email protected]
519-400-1159
Scouts Canada
[email protected]