Photo contest 2026
5 total entries per person. Send us your very best.
Portrait orientation photos will not be judged.
We’re Hiring!
We are seeking an Engagement & Development Coordinator to play a central role in keeping our organization organized, connected, and visible while supporting our fundraising and community engagement efforts. This is a versatile, people-centred role that blends administration, communications, and fundraising support. The ideal candidate is highly organized, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working in a small nonprofit where adaptability and initiative are valued. You will help ensure that NLT runs smoothly, communicates clearly with our community, and maintains strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and supporters.
Deadline to apply: June 19
Support NLT’s 2026 Birding Marathon and help conserve wildlife habitat in Northumberland
What’s a Birding Marathon?
This May, nineteen expert birders will visit all 19 of our nature reserves to try to find as many species of birds as they can in a 24 hour period.
It’s a marathon!
The birding marathon is one of NLT’s biggest fundraisers of the year. It is done in memory of Norma Wallace, a keen local birder and naturalist.
This year’s goal is $15,000.00.
What’s new:
We have added two new nature reserves since last year’s Birding Marathon – Inscape and Wilhelmina Woods. These reserves total over 500 more acres of protected habitat for birds and other wildlife. It will be exciting to see what our birders will find on all 19 nature reserves!
Follow our Birding Marathon:
Each year we can’t wait to hear the birders’ reports of what they found during their marathons. Their stories are a fascinating snapshot in time of life on NLT’s nature reserves. Last year our birders found a total of 147 species of birds, including new species such as Northern Saw Whet Owl and Greater Yellowlegs . Not only did they find lots and lots of birds, but also observed many of the other creatures that call our nature reserves home such as foxes, otters, and much more. We will share our birder’s discoveries with you here, as well as posting live updates from the marathon on Instagram and Facebook.
Support our Birding Marathon this year and spread the word.
Please donate through our updated system below! Alternatively, you can e-transfer [email protected] or donate by cheque to “Northumberland Land Trust” at Northumberland Land Trust, PO Box 1153, Cobourg, ON. K9A 5A4
| Nature Reserve | Birders |
|---|---|
| Biddy Creek | May Haslam and Leslie Abram |
| Bonebakker | Marina Scassa and Kris Ito |
| Chub Point | Jayne Fry |
| de Kleer | Roger Frost |
| de Lint | Matt Mair |
| Haddon | Richard Girardin, Tom and Jenny Jackman |
| Inscape | Anne and Jim Purvis |
| Jack van Nostrand | Andrea Kingsley and Marie Wannamaker |
| Kennedy | Ian Shanahan |
| Leckey | David Bree |
| LLOEC | Kurt Appleman |
| Lone Pine Marsh | Leslie Abram and Jacob McLaren |
| McColl | Doug McRae |
| McEwen | Ben Walters |
| Munn | Kris Ito and Marina Scassa |
| Pelton | John Geale, David Geale and Killari Geale |
| Wilhelmina Woods | David Geale |
| Wilkinson | Paulette Hebert |
| Willow Lane | Jacob McLaren |
What’s Good in Northumberland? Land Trust Marks 21st Nature Reserve as Conservation Momentum Grows
Hear Executive Director Amanda Newell’s full radio interview with 93.3 myFM where she describes how the achievement reflects both growing community support and a long-term commitment to protecting natural spaces for future generations.
NLT signs agreement to create 21st nature reserve
Apostolides property features critical habitat.
MEDIA RELEASE
Cobourg, ON, March 24th, 2026 –
The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 57 acres of land. The property is being donated by John Apostolides who bought the property in 2006.
The Apostolides property is located in Roseneath within the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand. The forested portion of the property is identified as Significant Woodland in the Northumberland County Official Plan, highlighting its ecological importance within the region. The landscape features approximately 21 acres of regenerating forest composed of pine, spruce, oak, maple, elm, and ironwood, with a rich understory. Much of this woodland reflects the donor’s stewardship, with trees carefully planted and nurtured over many years.
“I have done my best to be environmentally progressive all my life,” said Mr. Apostolides. “This one gesture is probably more than my life’s contribution. A sobering thought.”
Roughly 30 acres of the property consist of open hayfields that provide important grassland habitat for wildlife, including species at risk such as the Bobolink. The property lies within the physiographic region known as the Peterborough Drumlin Field, and its highest point offers a scenic view overlooking Rice Lake. Approximately 3.2 acres of the property are classified as Regionally Significant Wetland, forming part of a larger cedar swamp that provides habitat for amphibians such as spring peepers, green frogs, and bullfrogs. A small spring-fed pond is located along the eastern edge of the property, contributing to the wetland’s hydrological diversity. There is a severance required for this property so that the donor may live adjacent to the nature reserve.
“Most land donors want to remain actively involved with the care of the property they have owned for so long,” added Rob Kennedy, President, Northumberland Land Trust. “John is no exception, and we look forward to him joining our Stewardship team.”
The NLT will apply to the Ecological Gifts program which could exempt the donation from any capital gains. Donations of land have tax implications and require an appraisal, severance, surveys, legal documents and township approval. Due to the size of this land donation, and the process cost the NLT approximately $40,000 not including ongoing stewardship costs. Donations are key to covering these expenses.
Donations are accepted at nltrust.ca or contact us at [email protected] or call: 416-220-6807.
Read or listen to news article about Apostolides donation in Northumberland News
NLT signs agreement for new property donation
Rae Blackwell property will be NLT’s 20th nature reserve.
MEDIA RELEASE
Cobourg, ON, March 12th, 2026 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 70 acres of land in the township of Alnwick/Haldimand in Northumberland County, Ontario. The property will be called the Rae Blackwell nature reserve, and will be donated by S.R. Slobodian and Graeme Harris.
The property is near two other NLT nature reserves: de Kleer and Wilhelmina Woods. Protecting this land will help close critical gaps between conserved areas, reduce habitat fragmentation, and strengthen ecological corridors across the County. Due to its biodiversity, hydrological importance, and connectivity potential, the Rae Blackwell property is ranked as a Priority 1 conservation target for both Northumberland Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Conservation Plan.
“One of the land trust’s ambitions is to create wildlife corridors, and the proximity of these three nature reserves will assist wildlife in their daily and seasonal travels,” said Graeme Harris, Vice-Chair of the land trust and co-owner of the property being donated. “We purchased the property in 1996 because we needed a place to de-urbanize on weekends to escape the pressures of living in downtown Toronto.”
The property features a wet cedar forest dominated by spruce, cedar, and white pine transition into mixed woodland where old-growth large-tooth aspen, oak, black cherry, ash, maple, and hemlock tower overhead. Vernal pools and regionally important wetlands are scattered throughout the forest, alive in early spring with the chorus of spring peepers. These wetlands form one of the headwaters of Shelter Valley Creek, a significant cold-water stream within the Barnum House/Shelter Valley watershed. This watercourse supports diverse aquatic life and serves as a migratory route for species like steelhead trout. On the southeast side of the property, approximately seven acres of open cultural meadow provide vital grassland habitat. Together, these forest and meadow ecosystems support six species at risk documented on site including Common Gallinule, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Protecting this property safeguards not only habitat, but also ecological integrity required for these vulnerable species.
“At first, we knew little about nature and as the wildlife began introducing themselves over the years we realized we must protect this property,” added Mr. Harris. “We looked for a solution and discovered the Northumberland Land Trust. “After getting involved with NLT, we knew the property could be protected forever, and began the process of donating this land that has given us so much over the years.”
Donations of land have tax implications and require an appraisal, severance, surveys, legal documents and township approval, and this process can cost up to $40,000 as well as ongoing stewardship costs. Donations are key to covering these expenses. People can donate through the website at nltrust.ca or contact us at [email protected] or call: 416-220-6807
For more information please contact:
Sabrina Hasselfelt
Northumberland Land Trust
416-220-6807
Come Celebrate 30 Years of Land Conservation in Northumberland County
Join us for a social afternoon with our board and staff to celebrate 30 years of dedication from you, our supporters! Refreshments provided. RSVPs appreciated ([email protected]). Walk ins welcome.
Northumberland Land Trust creates 19th nature reserve: Wilhelmina Woods
Kennedy donation is their second donation and the largest ever to the land trust
MEDIA RELEASE
Cobourg, ON, January 29, 2026 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of more than 332 acres of land just north of the village of Vernonville. This is the largest property by acreage donated to the land trust. It was donated by Rob and Freda Kennedy and they have named the reserve Wilhelmina Woods, after Mr. Kennedy’s late mother. This is the second nature reserve created from land donated by the Kennedys. Rob is the President of the Northumberland Land Trust and Freda is a former member of the Board of Directors.
“We purchased this property from a gentleman who had hoped we would preserve it for nature,” said Rob. “We have maintained the trails and plan to open the nature reserve to the public to enjoy for hiking, bird watching, and the health benefits of being immersed in nature.”
The property features a diverse, and regionally significant woodland, primarily composed of pines, maple, ash, birch, jack pine, bitternut hickory, shagbark hickory, black oak, and old-growth hemlock. In the eastern portion of the property, patches of unevaluated wetland are found, filtering water from Cold Creek, which flows south through the easternmost parcels. Fifteen at-risk species have been identified within the property.
“The protection of Wilhelmina Woods is a crucial investment in our community,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South. “Our government is proud to support the Northumberland Land Trust in conserving this land, expanding public access to nature, and protecting it for future generations.”
The Kennedy’s began the process of donating this property in 2024. They required that their house be severed from the surrounding property so that they could continue to live in their home. They will also remain the stewards of the land.
“Land donors usually want to remain actively involved with its care,” added Freda. “Rob and I are no exception. We have a strong attachment to this land, and look forward to being the official stewards of this new nature reserve.”
Donations of land have tax implications and require an appraisal, severance, surveys, legal documents and township approval. Due to the size of this land donation, the process cost NLT approximately $69,940 not including ongoing stewardship costs. Financial support for completing this land donation was provided by the Government of Ontario Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program.
“Wilhelmina Woods adds more than 330 acres of forest and wetland to Northumberland County’s natural heritage,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I would like to thank the Northumberland Land Trust and the Kennedy family for their extraordinary generosity and vision in establishing this nature reserve, which our government has been proud to support through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program. By working together with conservation leaders, we are creating a legacy for future generations.”
Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program
The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program is the single largest provincial fund to secure private land in Ontario. This unique program, administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, leverages non-governmental dollars to acquire, restore and manage privately owned natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands and forests. For every dollar of provincial funding provided, grant recipients match it with a minimum of $2 from other conservation partners, including individual donors, foundations and other levels of government. Since 2020, the Ontario government has invested $58 million into the program, which has helped to protect over 430,000 acres (174,310 hectares) of private land across the province – more than 2.75 times the size of Toronto.
About Ontario Land Trust Alliance
Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) focuses on providing community, knowledge sharing and support to land trusts across Ontario. It empowers and supports highly effective, well-governed land trusts that engage their communities to protect forests, wetlands, nature, and water sources and provide natural climate solutions. OLTA builds capacity through training and educational programs, connecting land trusts to each other, resources, and their communities, leading and supporting on-the-ground conservation work, sharing knowledge and best practices, reducing financial barriers to land conservation, promoting organizational excellence, providing access to current research and acting as a voice for land trusts among the public, governments, and other rightsholders.
Our impact is Ontario-wide through 51 connected charities and communities. OLTA’s local land trust members currently collectively own and steward over 2,000 natural areas and green spaces across Ontario, with the leadership of thousands of supporters and volunteers annually. To support your local land trust, visit OLTA.ca.
About Northumberland Land Trust
The Northumberland Land Trust is committed to preserving the natural heritage of Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada, by establishing, maintaining and managing nature reserves. It is a not-for-profit, charitable organization, which accepts donations of land, enters into conservation agreements, and provides public education and information on land conservation. The Trust was originally established in 1996 and has grown to 19 nature reserves with 2275 acres of land under care. The Trust is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a cross section of the community including landowners, farmers, business people and professionals. The Trust is a member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.
CBC Ontario Morning Interview with Anne Purvis
Anne Purvis describes Inscape Nature Reserve and the reasons behind the property donation to Northumberland Land Trust on CBC Radio Ontario Morning.
Anne and Jim Purvis have cared for this property on Wilson Island in the Trent River for over two decades, and it became a NLT nature reserve in December 2025.
Listen here
Inscape Nature Reserve Officially Protected
The Jim and Anne Purvis donation creates the land trust’s 18th nature reserve
MEDIA RELEASE
Cobourg, ON, January 7, 2026 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of more than 187 acres of land on Wilson Island in the Trent Hills area of Ontario. Jim and Anne Purvis, who donated the land, have called the nature reserve “Inscape” after a concept derived by the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins.
“The Jim and Anne Purvis property was a cornerstone of our 2025 fundraising campaign, helping to offset the administrative costs associated with accepting their generous donation as well as ensuring long-term stewardship,” said Amanda Newell, Executive Director of the Northumberland Land Trust. “Their commitment truly became a family affair when Michael Purvis made a substantial contribution to the campaign – support that not only strengthened the project but helped us surpass our fundraising goal!”
The Inscape Nature Reserve is located at the western tip of Wilson Island (187.4 acres) directly adjacent to the Murray Marsh, which is identified as an area of natural and scientific interest (ANSI). Nearly 100% of the land is in a natural state and is actively contributing to a healthy local ecosystem. Regionally significant woodlands cover approximately 130 acres of the property.
The majority of the property is identified as a provincially significant wetland (PSW) with the exception of the grasslands. Several distinct ecosystems are present, including deciduous swamps, thicket swamps, cattail marshes, a grassy meadow, and a vernal pool. Eight species at risk including the Least Bittern, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Midland Painted Turtle have been identified on the property, which lies within the Trent River. When the dams were installed in the waterway, the water level increased making the property more difficult to access. As a result, the property will be closed to the public to protect its natural features.
“We have stewarded Inscape for 36 years for the purpose of protecting and restoring its ecological integrity,” said Jim and Anne Purvis. “We are excited to tap into Northumberland Land Trust’s conservation expertise and network, so as to preserve Inscape as a natural area where plants, animals, birds will flourish in perpetuity.”
Celebrating Nature in 2025
Candid Critters: Trail Cam Chronicles
Five new properties protected, forever
Haddon Nature Reserve opening
Biddy Creek Wetland Opening
Inscape Nature Reserve
Willow Lane Nature Reserve opening
Inscape Nature Reserve
Inscape Nature Reserve
Wilhelmina Woods Nature Reserve
Wilhelmina Woods Nature Reserve
Wilhelmina Woods Nature Reserve
Willow Lane Nature Reserve
Willow Lane Nature Reserve
Biddy Creek Wetland
Biddy Creek Wetland
Haddon Nature Reserve
Haddon Nature Reserve
Community events and outings brought nature lovers together
Wilhelmina Woods
Lone Pine Marsh Braham Nature Reserve
Jack Van Nostrand Nature Reserve
Wilkinson Nature Reserve
Arts Day at Lone Pine Marsh Braham Nature Reserve
McRae Property
Moth morning at Bonebakker Nature Reserve
Nature Photo Contest
NLT Gala
Stewardship in our nature reserves
Laurie Lawson Outdoor Ed Centre
Biddy Creek Wetland
Biddy Creek Wetland
McRae property
Leckey Nature Reserve
Laurie Lawson Outdoor Ed Centre
de Kleer Nature Reserve
Kennedy Nature Reserve
Pelton Nature Reserve
Thank you everyone for your support this year. The beauty and natural diversity in NLT’s 19 nature reserves is stunning! Each one of you has played a part in ensuring these natural spaces and the creatures that live in them are protected now and in the future.
$40,000.00 Matching Gift Campaign
Big and exciting news for NLT!
Several generous and faithful supporters have challenged the community to match $40,000 in pledged donations.
Starting today, your donations will be matched dollar for dollar.
Your gift of $50 becomes $100.
$500 becomes $1000.
Until $40,000 becomes $80,000!
Double your impact towards wildlife habitat, clean water, and public trails. Your generosity directly supports forest restoration, species at risk, access to nature for school children, and resilient landscapes.
If you’ve thought about giving (or giving a little more!), now your donation will go twice as far. Help revitalize NLT’s Laurie Lawson property and cover the securement and stewardship of this year’s Inscape Nature Reserve donation. A win-win for you and nature!
$40,000.00 Matching Gift Campaign progress:
Holding space for nature is more important now than ever before. And that’s exactly what NLT does. We receive land donations and care for habitats in the face of development, climate instability, and invasive species.
Tackling these challenges takes resources.
At the Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre, the scale of ash tree damage is impossible to communicate in words. Closing the trails last year was not a decision NLT made lightly. Our priority is to get this forest open, get school kids back outdoors, and give the public access to nature next door to Northumberland’s biggest centre.
We’re thrilled to be on this adventure with you!
Starting today, your generous gift goes even further to keep nature thriving in Northumberland. If you’d like to see how your support leads to real change, please join us for a walk at Laurie Lawson on November 29 from 1 pm to 3 pm. Register by emailing [email protected].
🌿 Please give today to help NLT protect and care for nature in Northumberland.
E-transfer [email protected] or donate through Canada Helps.
Sincerely,
Amanda Newell
Executive Director, Northumberland Land Trust
P.S. Did you know? Some employers will match your charitable donations! Check with your human resources department to find out if your employer participates!