36th Conservation Auction online for 2026
Conservation Foundation, Exeter Lions to bring back online auction in 2026 in support of community projects
Conservation Auction Committee announces return of virtual auction, 50-50 raffle draw in April 2026; Winning bidders can buy unique items while supporting trails, opportunities for youth, outdoor recreation and education, and other local projects
A partnership of Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, Exeter Lions Club, and the local community has raised more than $1.42 million, over 35 years, in support of needed projects. The Conservation Auction Committee has announced plans to bring back the online auction and 50-50 raffle draw in 2026.
George Irvin and Janet Clarke are Co-Chairs of the 2026 Conservation Auction. They encourage you to ‘save the dates’ (April 9-16, 2026) for the online auction.
“We are excited to continue this close and successful partnership that has benefitted our local communities for more than 35 years,” said Co-Chair George Irvin. The online auction and 50-50 raffle draw raised more than $30,000 in 2025 for local projects. “We hope the return of these community fundraisers can continue to support work that could not happen otherwise,” he said.
The Conservation Auction Committee has held successful online auctions in 2021, 2022, and 2025. Those three virtual auctions, combined with 50-50 draws, raised more than $90,000 over those three years.
“The online auction format is fun and people can bid on lots of great items, over several days, in communities near and far, without having to purchase a ticket,” said Co-Chair Janet Clarke. “They also know they are supporting important projects in the area.”
The Conservation Auction Committee will announce more details in the new year and notify the public when the online auction is live in April 2026. The link to the live auction will be posted on the online auction web page.
The Co-Chairs say they would like to thank all the people and businesses who donate items for the online auction.
“We are looking for donors of auction items,” said Co-Chair Janet Clarke. “If you are interested in donating funds or donating items to the online Conservation Auction, please phone Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation or speak with a Conservation Auction committee member.” The committee welcomes donations of items of great or modest value as well as donations of gift cards and cash.
Organizers of the 36th Conservation Auction say they are keeping the door open to a possible return of the in-person Dinner and Auction in a future year but committee members agreed the virtual auction is the best way to go for the upcoming year.
Co-Chair George Irvin gave special thanks to auctioneers Bob Heywood, Ben Lobb, Richard Lobb, and Kevin McArter, who have generously contributed their skills, in the live auctions at the Conservation Dinner, over many decades. He said he hopes the live auction and Dinner will return in the future.
Exeter Lions Club has been co-partner with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, on the Auction, since 1991.
Net profits are split evenly between the two organizations. The annual charitable auction supports needed initiatives in the area, such as parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education for the young and young at heart, job and education opportunities for youth, and other local conservation projects that depend on the auction for support.
The 50-50 raffle draw prize, for 2026, could be as high as $7,500 if all tickets are sold. Tickets (pending) will be sold between February 16 and April 16, 2026. The winning ticket is scheduled to be drawn (pending) at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
If you have questions about the auction, you may phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.