Velema Donor Profile
In 1980, when George and Hennie Velema obtained their land on Grant Road in the Township of North Stormont, they were instantly captivated by its unique landscape. They sensed a noticeable rise in elevation, setting their wooded land apart from the neighboring farmlands. The property, situated atop of one of the County's highest points, formed a segment of a ridge defining the boundaries between the South Nation and Raisin Rivers' watersheds.
Over the years, the Velema family has expanded their land investments through various acquisitions, while undertaking extensive tree planting endeavors to enhance the overall health and density of the forest. Presently, the fruits of their labor are evident, with many of their wooded properties now nestled between agricultural landscapes.
Upon his retirement as a Forester at Domtar in 2013, George Velema continued his vision with the company to continue to work in conservation and forest management endeavors. George dedicated himself to environmental initiatives, primarily using innovative methods to use biosods to enhance soil richness in agriculture. The outcomes of his endeavors extended widely, ultimately enhancing crop growth rates and boosting corn yields for farmers in the area.
The Velema family's association with SNC dates back to 2003 when they generously donated a 97-acre parcel of land through SNC’s Ecological Gifts Program. Later, collaborating with SNC, they facilitated another donation through the Federal Land Securement Program, which provides tax credits for contributing ecologically sensitive land. Aligned with their conservation objectives, the program proved to be a fitting choice, allowing George and Hennie to solidify their conservation legacy with SNC.
Since 2003, the Velemas continued to donate land to SNC through the Conservation Authority's Land Donation and Ecological Gifts Programs. In 2013, the family donated a 147 acre poplar plantation on which they planted thousands of white pine and white spruce through the 50 million Tree Program.
To date, the Velemas have contributed over 381 acres of land and have made an impact through their passion for conservation and the environment. With the increased clear cutting in the region for agricultural purposes, any property donated or sold to SNC will be managed and protected from development or agricultural practices.
By donating their land to SNC, George and Hennie Velema have created a living legacy in our region, all while fulfilling their life’s passion for forestry and stewardship. Woodlot donations, located in an agriculturally dense landscape seen in North Stormont, are particularly important to preserve. Environmental benefits include preserving wildlife habitat, especially for insect and birds. They provide wind breaks, drought protection and capture carbon, ultimately providing a resilience to climate change.
"Our goal was to secure the hard work we have invested in the property now that we are retired. We are alarmed by the recent intensification of farming practices in this area. Modern agriculture leaves little space for natural areas such as woodlots and hedgerows. We didn't want to see the land cleared for cropping so we turned to South Nation Conservation (SNC) to help secure the natural heritage of the property," said George Velema.
SNC will continue to monitor, manage and protect these donated properties, to ensure they stay in a healthy, natural state, for generations to come.
