The Jim and Anne Purvis donation creates the land trust’s 18th nature reserve

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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.”