Press, News and Events
Fueling Innovation in Food: Food Resiliency Foundation Fund
Georgina, ON, Canada – We are pleased to share that ClearWater Futures Foundation has received a $40,000 grant from the Food Resiliency Foundation Fund – Ottawa Community Foundation in support of our hydroponic modular farming project at ClearWater Farm. This funding will help expand our capacity to grow sustainable food year-round while providing young people with practical, hands-on learning opportunities in innovative and climate-resilient agriculture.
This investment strengthens our ability to build a more resilient local food system while equipping youth with the skills and confidence to lead in a changing world. We are grateful to the Ottawa Community Foundation and the Food Resiliency Foundation Fund for their support and partnership in advancing this work.
Find out more about The Food Resiliency Foundation here.
Toronto Foundation: Annabel Slaight’s Legacy of Curiosity
Toronto, ON, Canada – For more than five decades, Annabel Slaight has sparked curiosity in the natural world, inspiring generations of young people to engage with the world through curiosity, creativity, and care. Best known as the co-founder of OWL Magazine, her work extends far beyond publishing—spanning environmental leadership, hands-on learning at ClearWater Farm, and innovative storytelling that connects children with nature and climate solutions.
As the founding force behind the ClearWater Futures Foundation, Slaight’s vision comes to life in programs that empower young people to take meaningful action—grounded in real-world experiences and a deep connection to the natural world.
In this conversation, she reflects on the role of curiosity as a catalyst for change and shares why creating opportunities for young people to explore, build, and lead is more important than ever.
Visit the Toronto Foundation to read the full article
Not-For-Profit ClearWater Farm Makes Waves Nationally: Honoured with ECO Impact Canada Award – February 20, 2026
Georgina, Ont., Canada – A small farm with a big vision is making national headlines. ClearWater Farm, nestled on the shores of Lake Simcoe, has been honoured with the prestigious Community Impact Award by ECO Impact Canada. This recognition celebrates the farm’s extraordinary efforts to transform its community through sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and innovative programs that inspire the next generation.
Share our excitement, watch our acceptance video!
From its roots as a modest community initiative, ClearWater Farm has grown into a national leader as not‑for‑profit regenerative farming and environmental stewardship organization. At the heart of its mission is the belief that small, local actions can create ripples of change that extend far beyond their origin. This award is a testament to that vision.
This honour highlights ClearWater Farm’s steadfast dedication to fostering local agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the next generation of changemakers. Central to this mission is the innovative Agripreneur Program, which provides young farmers with the mentorship, tools, and resources they need to launch their own agricultural ventures and lead the way in sustainable farming.
Since 2016, ClearWater Farm has grown into a vibrant hub where youth, families, and volunteers connect with healthy food, water-wise practices, and regenerative farming. It’s also a place where creativity and education intersect, as seen in initiatives like Future Chicken, which uses media to engage children in environmental awareness and inspire them to think critically about the future and the planet.
Annabel Slaight, the visionary trailblazer and founding chair of ClearWater Futures Foundation, reflected on the achievement: “It is a huge honour when a community farm wins a national award, and extra special as ClearWater aims to make ripples for change that help people and the planet.”
Chris Campbell, executive director of ClearWater Farm, added: “What a thrill! Our collective hard work is paying off. This award has inspired us to keep working hard to be an advocate for our planet.”
Key Highlights of ClearWater Farm
- Agripreneur Program: A one-of-a-kind initiative providing mentorship and hands-on support for youth farmers, empowering them to build their own sustainable farming ventures.
- CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Basket Program: Delivering fresh, seasonal produce to the community while fostering a direct connection between consumers and the farm.
- Water-Wise and Environmental Education: Teaching responsible water use and ecosystem protection to inspire sustainable practices.
- Community Engagement and Youth Education: Hosting events, school programs, Canadian Summer Jobs opportunities, and volunteer initiatives to promote environmental awareness and hands-on learning.
- Future Chicken Initiative: Engaging children through media to spark curiosity and critical thinking about the future of food, farming, and environmental sustainability.
ClearWater Farm continues to break barriers and make waves, blending innovative practices with deep community engagement to create a lasting impact. The Community Impact Award is a powerful reminder that with vision, teamwork, and a steadfast focus on people and the planet, even a small farm can inspire change on a national scale.
To see this moment for yourself, watch our awards acceptance video at the link attached.
For more information about ClearWater Farm and the ClearWater Futures Foundation, visit clearwaterfarm.ca or theclearwaterfoundation.com, or contact Amy Clynes at communications@theclearwaterfoundation.com.
Future Chicken wants to Hatch Hope for Eco-anxious Kids – March 25th, 2025
Ontario Water Centre Rebrands as ‘The ClearWater Futures Foundation’ to Reflect Global Vision for Healthier Future
WILLOW BEACH, ON, March 20th, 2025 – The Ontario Water Centre (“OWC”)—a not-for-profit hub for ecological innovation, future leaders’ development, educational research and nature-based exploration—is proud to announce its rebrand to The ClearWater Futures Foundation to coincide with World Water Day on March 22. The rebrand reflects the Canadian charity’s growing global reach and leadership, and continued focus on its mission to engage people in water-wise ways with the land through arts, science and technology.
Since its inception in 2006, OWC has been a beacon of innovation and community engagement in its local community on Lake Simcoe. Inspired by the Ladies of the Lake Conservation Association, the organization has evolved significantly. From achieving charitable status in 2012 and transforming the 180-year-old Reed Farm into ClearWater Farm—a living lab on the lake in 2016—to creating Future Chicken, an animated multi-platform series of nature and climate action content for kids.
Founder and Board Chair, Annabel Slaight, says: “With the climate-related challenges we’re facing as a global community, it is the right time to rebrand to The ClearWater Futures Foundation to support the broader strategic vision of a world where people live in harmony with nature, anchored in the power of water to connect all aspects of life.”
“Rebranding as The ClearWater Futures Foundation marks an exciting chapter for us with a new three-year strategic plan, website, logo and bi-monthly newsletter for stakeholders to stay up to date with exciting initiatives and ways to give,” says CEO, Susan Doyle.
The public is invited to a special World Water Day event at its flagship property ClearWater Farm on March 22nd featuring speakers, educational sessions and family activities. Click here for more details on this free event.
About The ClearWater Futures Foundation
The ClearWater Futures Foundation is a Canadian educational charity dedicated to shaping a world where people live in harmony with nature. We lead impactful initiatives in nature-based education, regenerative farming, and water stewardship. Like ripples across a pond, we spread hope and inspire action around the globe, engaging young people through arts, science, and technology to (re)connect them with nature. Join us in empowering the next generation to create positive change and build a sustainable future for all. Learn more at www.theclearwaterfoundation.com.