rare Charitable Research Reserve

Our Mission

Founded in 2001, rare is a registered charity that owns and stewards, for the benefit of the public, a stunning 900+ acres of environmentally and culturally significant land situated at the confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers in the Region of Waterloo, one of the fastest-growing urban areas in Canada.

Founded to preserve these lands intact and in perpetuity, rare focuses on peer-reviewed research as part of its Chain of Learning model. This model engages even the youngest scientists with research at rare. Working with community partners, researchers and volunteers, rare provides unique opportunities to the community to help us better understand our environment - its role in our lives, our economies, and even our survival. At rare, we believe everyone has a role to play in protecting and nurturing the environment today and tomorrow.