Funds will also be used to complete the acquisition of the Inscape Nature Reserve on Wilson Island to safeguard critical island habitat on the Trent River.
Laurie Lawson boardwalk before and after the emerald ash borer
MEDIA RELEASE
October 27, 2025 – Cobourg, ON – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) needs to raise $200,000 to reverse the impact of the emerald ash borer and restore public access and forest ecology at the Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre, which is located on the outskirts of Cobourg. Funds will also be used to complete the acquisition of the Inscape Nature Reserve on Wilson Island to safeguard critical island habitat on the Trent River.
For more than 50 years, the Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre has served as a place for nature-based learning and community connection. Tens of thousands of students and hikers have visited the 100-acre property’s forests, creeks, and wetlands. The nature reserve was donated to NLT with the condition that it remain open for outdoor education purposes. NLT had to close the trail system to the public because the emerald ash borer has devastated local ash tree populations and the dead ash trees have made the trails impassible and unsafe.
“There are so many ash trees on the brink of falling, we had to close Laurie Lawson last year,” said Amanda Newell, Executive Director, Northumberland Land Trust. “We desperately want to re-open the Laurie Lawson trails but we need professional help, and this campaign will restore access to a place students and residents love.”
Restoration work will improve accessibility, repair trails, and enhance habitat for local species through the planting of 1,000 native trees and the removal of invasive species.
The Inscape Nature Reserve is 187 acres of forest, wetland, and grassland on Wilson Island, donated by Anne and Jim Purvis. It will expand protected corridors for wildlife and safeguard clean water for future generations. Acquiring a donated property can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so NLT is now raising funds to complete the securement process and ensure the reserve’s long-term stewardship.
“We have already received some very generous donations, so we are optimistic that with a little more help we can reach our goal,” said Amanda. “Nature is part of our identity in Northumberland. You can see this through our 2026 calendar, which is full of beautiful photography from across the county. When you support NLT, you are protecting nature.
To donate:
By etransfer: send to [email protected] and include your name and mailing address
By cheque: make out to Northumberland Land Trust and send to Box 1153 Cobourg, ON, K9A 5A4
Future Inscape Nature Reserve on Wilson Island
For more information please contact:
Sabrina Hasselfelt
Northumberland Land Trust
(416) 220-6807
