Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), in partnership with Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF), is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Comfort Maple Pen – a unique initiative honoring one of Canada’s oldest and most iconic trees while raising funds for conservation efforts across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
Crafted by Marv Ens, a talented local woodturner, each pen is handmade using responsibly pruned wood from the Comfort Maple, a sugar maple tree estimated to be over 500 years old. These pens have become cherished keepsakes, representing both artistry and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.
Since the launch of the Comfort Maple Pens initiative in 2015 the project has raised over $60,000 in support of conservation programs led by NPCA. These funds have contributed to ecosystem restoration, water protection, wildlife habitat improvements, and environmental education across the region.
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“As we celebrate 10 years of the Comfort Maple Pen, we honour a unique blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and conservation. Thanks to Marv Ens’ vision and talent, this initiative has helped preserve the legacy of one of Canada’s oldest trees while supporting vital environmental work across our watershed. The Comfort Maple is more than a tree—it’s a symbol of our shared commitment to protecting natural treasures for future generations.” – Leilani Lee-Yates, NPCA CAO & Secretary-Treasurer
“Comfort Maple Pens are more than just writing instruments—they are symbols of stewardship, community pride, and enduring support for conservation. Each pen carries the story, transforming a simple object into something deeply meaningful—an heirloom that connects people to our natural legacy, to history, and to a responsibility for the environment.” – Sharon Pfeifer, NPCF Development & Investor Relations Officer
About the Comfort Maple
The Comfort Maple is recognized as a Canadian Heritage Tree and designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Standing at approximately 24.4 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 6 meters, it sits in a small conservation area in North Pelham, Ontario.
The tree is named for the Comfort family, who had owned the land since 1816, On April 30, 1961, the cherished sugar maple and the half-acre on which it stands was donated by Edna Eleanor Comfort in memory of her brother, Earl, ensuring this magnificent tree would be preserved for generations. Managed by NPCA, the Comfort Maple is a lasting reminder of the importance of protecting our natural treasures.
This milestone would not be possible without the inspiration and generosity of Marv Ens, whose dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship has made the Comfort Maple Pens a beloved fundraising tradition and a beacon of conservation awareness.
Learn more about the Comfort Maple here: npcf.ca/the-comfort-maple
To purchase a Comfort Maple Pen visit npcf.ca/shop
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About NPCA:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.
NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca.
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About NPCF:
Founded in 1969, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to raising funds that aid in the conservation of our natural environment for present and future generations.
When you donate to the NPCF, you help support conservation projects and programs led by the NPCA that contribute to improving our water quality, increasing greenspaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental research and education.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan, Communications & Marketing Specialist
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Mobile: 905-933-0532
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Sharon Pfeifer, Development & Investor Relations
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation
905-788-3135 ext. 434