Kennedy donation is their second donation to be under the land trust’s care

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Cobourg, ON, May 5th, 2025 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 314 acres of land just north of the village of Vernonville.  The property is being donated by Rob and Freda Kennedy and they have named the reserve Wilhelmina Woods, after Mr. Kennedy’s 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 member of the Board of Directors.

The property features a diverse, and regionally significant woodland, primarily composed of pines, maple, ash, birch, jack pine, bitternut hickory, shagbark hickory, butternut, 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. These ecosystem support six at-risk species identified within the property.

“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 Kennedys 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.  Once the severance and donation of the property are complete, there will be an event commemorating the donation.

“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.”

The NLT will apply to the Ecogift 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, the process will cost the NLT approximately $70,000 not including ongoing stewardship costs. Donations are key to covering these expenses.

People can donate through the NLT’s website at nltrust.ca or contact us at [email protected] or call: 416-220-6807.