MMLT's The Sky's the Limit Fundraising Gala

We invite you to join Us for MMLT’s The Sky’s the Limit Gala
An unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) and its mission to conserve lands and protect nature for future generations.


Date: Friday, November 15th, 2024

Location: Temple’s Sugar Bush, 1700 Ferguson’s Falls Rd, Lanark, ON, K0G 1K0

Doors Open: 6:30 PM



✨ Highlights of the Evening ✨

Welcome drink and gourmet hors d’oeuvres: Enjoy a glass of Pelee Island Prosecco and delicious finger-foods while mingling with fellow conservationists and nature lovers.

Celebrate MMLT’s impact: Short presentations about all we have achieved recently, and what comes next!

Silent auction: Bid on exclusive items, events, and experiences. Learn more.

Guest speaker: Be inspired by Jill Heinerth, world-renowned Canadian cave diver, writer, photographer, and filmmaker, as she shares her extraordinary experiences. Read Jill’s bio below.

Musical performance: Enjoy a heartfelt performance by Jim Bryson, National Folk Award nominated Canadian singer-songwriter and record maker. Read Jim’s bio below.

Beverages: Tasting stations featuring local brews from the Perth Brewery, including a new beer debuting at the event!





Ticket includes: welcome glass of Pelee Island Prosecco (or non-alcohol alternative), gourmet hors d’oeuvres (vegetarian and gluten-free options available) and a Milford Bay Trout Farm station (smoked rainbow trout, paté, lox), Perth Brewery samples, and chocolate truffles. Cash bar will be open throughout the event.

All proceeds from the event directly support MMLT’s vital conservation efforts, helping to protect ecologically sensitive lands and species at risk. Tickets and auction bids are not eligible for tax receipts, but receipts will be issued for all separate donations received.

A Few of the exciting Silent Auction items:

Nature by Runtz Package – A private one-hour slideshow for up to 12 people with Michael and Britta Runtz, including a book package.
Private Garden/Landscape Consultation with Ed Lawrence – Gather your friends and family to participate in a one-hour private on-site consultation at your home. Ed will also give you a signed copy of his book Gardening Grief and Glory.
Knifeware Ottawa – Cut Like a Chef Class
A canoe route planning session with Kevin Callan on Zoom, and autographed copy of 70 Canoe Routes.
A behind-the-scenes tour of Algonquin Park with Chief Park Naturalist Peter Simons.
A personalized hiking tour of an MMLT property with Conservation Coordinator Andrew Dunbar and Board Member Steve Blight.
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority annual passes
Decorative birdhouses
…and many more unique offerings!

About our Musical Performer, Jim Bryson:

Jim’s 2000 Debut “The Occasionals” was recently (May 2022) named a Top 10 record of the 2000’s by Americana UK!

Aside from singing and strumming his own golden hits, Jim produces records out of his Fixed Hinge Studio Recordings shed. His production work has been acknowledged by The Juno Awards, The Canadian Folk Music Awards and The Americana Music Awards.

Recent releases of note are Juno Nominee Suzie Ungerleider’s “My Name Is Suzie Ungerleider”, Kathleen Edwards’ “Total Freedom”, Ken Yates’ “Cerulean”, and Good Lovelies Singer Caroline Marie Brooks’ solo debut “Everything at The Same Time”.

In Jim’s former lives, he traveled extensively as a side player for artists such as Kathleen Edwards, The Weakerthans, and The Tragically Hip.

About our Guest Speaker, Jill Heinerth:

Jill Heinerth, a celebrated explorer, writer, and filmmaker, has explored underwater caves, shipwrecks, and mines across Canada. With over 30 years of experience, she has collaborated with major outlets such as National Geographic, BBC, and Discovery Channel, along with directors such as James Cameron, inspiring millions through her documentaries and TV series. Jill’s remarkable adventures include swimming with polar bears and discovering Shackleton’s shipwreck, Quest.

At MMLT’s The Sky’s the Limit Gala, Jill will take us on a journey through her extraordinary explorations, demonstrating how environmental conservation is as boundless as the sky itself. Her passion for protecting fragile ecosystems will inspire us all to take action.

This event is more than just an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most accomplished explorers; it is a call to action. Together, we can reach for the sky while diving deep into efforts that safeguard ecologically sensitive ecosystems for future generations. ☁️✨