David Fleischer, Staff Writer

The Richmond Hill Naturalists is among the organizations leading efforts to preserve not only the historic telescope, but also the 190 acres of surrounding land.

The naturalists are also asking residents to write, phone or fax the provincial and federal governments to advocate for the site’s protection.

“The town can’t buy the property alone without the support of all levels of government,” said the group’s president, Marianne Yake.

The value of the land has been pegged at $100 million or higher, though the acreage given heritage designation is among the factors affecting how much of the site is developable.

In October, the University of Toronto declared the telescope surplus and put the land up for sale.

The closing date for bids is Feb. 15.

In the meantime, Richmond Hill has asked the Ontario Conservation Review Board to award heritage protections to the site.

The university is fighting the designation, to the extent it extends beyond the facility itself. And the naturalists are fighting it for the opposite reason — they hope the board will go beyond what the town wants, extending protection to the land, buildings, equipment and contents of the buildings.

Save our Dome: Spend at Home is the motto behind the group’s effort to preserve the greenspace and historical buildings.

The naturalists require funds to make their case at the board, which is expected to convene early in the new year.

While there are several groups working together to protect at least part of the site from development, Ms Yake said she hopes residents will help them with their fight right now.

“We believe that Richmond Hill residents, and residents in York Region should consider donating locally,” Ms Yake said.

“We’ve enjoyed this park as part of our community for 72 years.”

You can visit rhnaturalists.ca for more information or to donate.