A place to
remember.
A future to
protect.
We need your help to protect, restore and preserve Talisman Forest Nature Reserve in the heart of Beaver Valley.
Shaping the future of Talisman Forest Nature Reserve
For generations, Talisman has been a place for people to enjoy and remember, whether skiing its slopes, hiking its trails or simply taking in the beauty of the Beaver Valley.
When this land was at risk of development, there was real concern about what could be lost and what the future of this landscape would look like.
The Bruce Trail Conservancy has secured the former Talisman Mountain Resort “middle lands” in Kimberley, Ontario to create the Talisman Forest Nature Reserve, ensuring the land will remain protected, publicly accessible and part of Ontario’s natural heritage.
Help us reach our $7.5 million fundraising goal
We’re working to raise $7.5 million to support the protection and reforestation of Talisman Forest Nature Reserve. You can bring us closer to making this vision a reality with a gift today. No matter the amount, your support makes a difference.
$7.5M
fundraising goal to create Talisman Forest Nature Reserve
Next $1.5M matched
by Environment and Climate Change Canada
2x impact
Contribute today and your donation will go twice as far
What your support makes possible
Your donation directly supports the work needed to protect, restore and preserve Talisman Forest Nature Reserve for generations to come.
How we’ll bring these lands back to life
Reforestation of native trees and plants.
Filling in the only break in the forest canopy in a 10 km stretch of the Beaver Valley. Native trees and understory vegetation will restore shade, wildlife habitat and support biodiversity.
Removing structures and remediating disturbed areas.
The former ski hill featured resort buildings, chair lifts and other structures. Careful demolition of this infrastructure and responsible ecological cleanup will allow the land to recover.
Restoring habitats for birds, pollinators and vulnerable species.
Many species at risk already call this land home. With help from staff ecologists, the BTC will work to improve and enhance habitats for these and other species to thrive.
Environmental and community benefits
Featuring Sugar Maple forest, flowing streams, exposed scarp and regenerating slopes, Talisman Forest Nature Reserve will provide habitat for a variety of species and provide significant ecological services to the wider community.
This land means
safeguarding:
- Habitat for species at risk, including Barn Swallow, Butternut and more
- Sensitive pollinators
- Migratory birds
- Species that depend on undisturbed forest canopy
These ecosystems
provide:
- Cleaner air
- Natural water filtration
- Flood mitigation
- Climate resilience through carbon storage
Let’s preserve a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever
You can be part of one of the most ambitious restoration projects in the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s 60-year history. Together, we have an opportunity to protect 134 acres of land from development pressures, complete ambitious ecological restoration and ensure continued public access to the Niagara Escarpment by securing 885 metres of the iconic Bruce Trail.
Talisman Forever
Wear it for the memories. Support what comes next. Buy our limited edition Talisman Forever merch inspired by the ski resort past and forest future. Every purchase directly supports our fundraising campaign for Talisman Forest Nature Reserve.
Help protect Talisman Forever
Protecting a ribbon
of wilderness
The Bruce Trail Conservancy is dedicated to preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.
By securing and protecting land along the Niagara Escarpment, BTC is building a continuous conservation corridor, ensuring that natural spaces remain accessible, protected and thriving.
The Talisman Forest Nature Reserve securement is part of this ongoing effort, helping bring more vulnerable Niagara Escarpment lands under the protection of one of Canada’s leading conservation charities, guided by the route of the iconic Bruce Trail.