Support the NLT Birding Marathon this May
This May, twenty expert birders will visit all 17 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!
We have added three new nature reserves since last year – Haddon, Willow Lane, and Biddy Creek Wetland. 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 17 nature reserves!
Goal: $12,000.00
Last year our birders found a total of 149 species across NLT’s 14 nature reserves, including new species such as Bald Eagles and Red Headed Woodpeckers. Not only did they find lots and lots of birds, but also many of the other creatures that call our nature reserves home such as foxes, otters, and much more. Each year we can’t wait to hear the birders’ reports of what they found. Their reports are a fascinating snapshot in time of life on NLT’s nature reserves. We will share our birder’s discoveries with you here, as well as posting live updates from the marathon on Instagram and Facebook.
The birding marathon is one of NLT’s biggest fundraisers of the year.
Please support our Birding Marathon this year and spread the word.
| Nature Reserve | Birders |
|---|---|
| Biddy Creek |
Doug McRae, Leslie Abram, & Andrés Jimenez |
| Bonebakker | Marina Scassa |
| Chub Point | Owen Jamieson |
| de Kleer | Paulette Hebert |
| de Lint | Matt Mair |
| Haddon | Tom & Jenny Jackman |
| Jack van Nostrand | Andrea Kingsley & Marie Wannamaker |
| Kennedy | David Geale |
| Leckey | Roger Frost |
| Laurie Lawson OEC | Kurt Appleman |
| Lone Pine Marsh | Leslie Abram & Jacob McLaren |
| McColl | Doug McRae |
| McEwen | Ben Walters |
| Munn | Kris Ito |
| Pelton | Katsu Sakuma |
| Wilkinson | Richard Girardin |
| Willow Lane | John Geale & Jayne Fry |
Enter the 2025 Photo Contest
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! Do you love taking photos of nature? Submit your photos taken across Northumberland County for a chance to be featured in Northumberland Land Trusts (NLT’s) new 2026 Calendar! Photos can be of landscapes, plants, and animals at one of our nature reserves or across Northumberland County! If your picture is selected you will be featured in our 2026 calendar with photo credit and win a free calendar.
Read full contest details and rules here
Northumberland Land Trust creates 17th nature reserve
Wilson/Leckie donation will be called the Willow Lane Nature Reserve.
Cobourg, ON, April 8, 2025 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of more than 140 acres of land near Beagle Club Road and County Road 9. It will be called the Willow Lane Nature Reserve. This donation creates the 17th nature reserve under the care of the Northumberland Land Trust.
The Wilson/Leckie property is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine and sits on the high ground south of Rice Lake. It includes multiple habitats including mixed wood forest, rolling valley lands and some active agricultural land. As you move north there is a young forest, much of which has been planted by the donors over the past 20 years.
“Ms. Wilson and Mr. Leckie have nurtured this property since they purchased the property in 2002,” said Rob Kennedy, President of the Northumberland Land Trust. “It is close to Hazel Bird Nature Reserve, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Their proximity will help us with our mutually shared goal of creating green corridors between the natural habitats in Northumberland County.”
Ms. Wilson and Mr. Leckie began the process of donating this property in 2024. They required that their house be severed from the surrounding property so that they could remain in their home. They also wish to remain the stewards of the land, and will become members of the NLT’s Property Stewards Team.
“Some people want to donate their land and remain actively involved with its care,” added Mr. Kennedy. “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.”
Financial support for the costs associated with completing this land donation to the Northumberland Land Trust was provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.
Northumberland Land Trust creates 16th nature reserve
Haddon donation completed
Cobourg, ON, March 31, 2025 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of more than 90 acres of land just east of the town of Castleton. This donation creates the 16th nature reserve under the care of the Northumberland Land Trust.
The Haddon Nature Reserve is mostly forested with several small streams running through it as well as a ponds and wetlands. A broad selection of trees grows here, including some of considerable age. The small ravines along the steam edge are particularly lovely being lined with old hemlock and White Pine. The southern-most part has a small hayfield which is attractive to grassland species.
“Dari Haddon has cared for the property as if it were a nature reserve since she purchased the property in 2007,” said Rob Kennedy, President of the Northumberland Land Trust. “Only walking has taken place on the trails in the forest, and there has been no off-road vehicle use on the property.”
Dari began the process of donating this property in 2023. She required that her house be severed from the surrounding property so that she could continue to live in her home. She also wishes to remain the steward of the land, and will become a member of the NLT’s dedicated team of property stewards.
“Some people want to donate their land and remain actively involved with its care,” added Mr. Kennedy. “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 and grants are key to covering these expenses.”
Financial support for the costs associated with completing this land donation to the Northumberland Land Trust was provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.
For more information please contact:
Northumberland Land Trust
Scenes from Winter
Hello there! We are almost at the end of a long snowy winter. To celebrate, let’s take a look back on fun trail camera videos catching wildlife moving around while we were out shovelling snow, and some the beautiful images that have been shared with us of winter scenes on NLT’s nature reserves.
Enjoy!
Lone Pine Marsh Sally Verstege
Ice at future Rae Blackwell NR -John Charlton
Stewardship in the snow at Leckey – Andrew Buntin
Bluebird at Lone Pine Marsh -James Stokman
Coopers Hawk at Lone Pine Marsh – Leslie Abram
Future Rae Blackwell NR John Charlton
Sally Verstege
Lone Pine Marsh Picnic Shelter Gerry Carr
Red Bellied Woodpecker at de Lint NR – Gerti Crashley
We have a new radio show and podcast!
Nature in Northumberland is the name of our new show, which highlights our 14 beautiful nature reserves and the people who look after them. You can listen to previous episodes on the podcast here, or listen to new shows twice weekly on 89.7 FM Cobourg. Shows air at 6:05 PM Mondays and 12:05 PM Wednesdays.
Interviews paint a fascinating behind the scenes picture of life in our protected nature reserves.
Enjoy!
Chex TV Peterborough covers Biddy Creek Wetland Nature Reserve acquisition
The partnership between Northumberland Land Trust and Ducks Unlimited Canada was highlighted in this segment broadcast on Chex TV/ Global News Peterborough, ahead of World Wetlands Day. Watch here
We are Hiring
Northumberland Land Trust is looking to hire an Executive Director to champion our vision to conserve more spaces across Northumberland County. If you are a leader with a passion for nature, we’d love to hear from you.
Northumberland Land Trust and Ducks Unlimited Canada secure new nature reserve to protect rare Ontario wetland
Cobourg, ON – January 30, 2025 – In advance of World Wetlands Day on February 2nd, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) are celebrating the recent acquisition a 304.7 acres (123.31 hectares) property in Brighton, Ontario. The newly established Biddy Creek Wetland Nature Reserve is an ecologically rich area, with 65% of its landscape covered by wetlands, including a regionally significant fen wetland. The reserve also features diverse mixed woodlands in its eastern portion.
Bordering the south side of the 401 Highway, the property provides critical habitat for waterfowl and many species at risk including bats, monarch butterflies, and three species of turtle. Peatlands, including fens, are types of wetlands considered rare in southern Ontario. Peatlands are globally important ecosystems known for their ability to store more carbon in their soil than other types of ecosystems. DUC and NLT are thrilled to partner on this co-purchase to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy and productive long into the future.
“This acquisition will protect vital habitats for species at risk and create a lasting natural area that will provide flood protection and water filtration for the community,” said Marie-Paule Godin, DUC’s Manager of Provincial Operations for Ontario. “We are grateful to partner with the Northumberland Land Trust to conserve this important ecological asset.“
The successful purchase of this property was made possible by the generous support of private donors, as well as the financial support from Ontario Conservation Accelerator, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grants administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited Inc., and state agencies through the Fall Flights Partnership.
“This acquisition is a major milestone in the growth of Northumberland Land Trust. We are so grateful to our many supporters who raised almost $200,000 in less than three months.” said Rob Kennedy, President of the Northumberland Land Trust. “With our partner, Ducks Unlimited Canada, we are able to purchase this natural habitat and protect it forever.”
Through this committed partnership, DUC and NLT will ensure the long-term conservation of the wetland as an integral part of the local ecosystem. NLT will take the lead in managing the property, while DUC will assist with future wetland restoration efforts. Given the ecological significance and its proximity to major infrastructure, the Biddy Creek Wetland Nature Reserve will not be open for recreational activities.
In southern Ontario, up to 70% of wetlands have been destroyed or degraded, with as much as 95% lost in densely populated areas. Wetlands play a crucial role in protecting against flooding, drought, and climate change. They also support hundreds of species by providing safe places to feed, shelter, and raise young, while cleaning the water in our lakes, rivers, and beaches. As wetlands disappear, so too do the many benefits they provide.
The acquisition of this property by DUC and NLT will help protect this important habitat, ensuring it remains a key ecological and community asset, contributing to flood management, carbon storage and water filtration in an increasingly developed region.
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the country’s largest land conservancy and a leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.
Northumberland Land Trust
The Northumberland Land Trust is committed to preserving the natural heritage of Northumberland County. Its mandate is to establish, maintain and manage protected areas. The Northumberland Land Trust is a not for profit, charitable organization, which accepts donations of land, enters into conservation agreements for the permanent protection of natural landscapes, forests, farms and waterways and provides public education and information on land conservation tools. The Trust also raises funds to purchase land in Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada for the purposes of conservation. The Trust is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a cross section of the community including landowners, farmers, business people and professionals. To learn more visit nltrust.ca
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) is a $1.4 billion, ten-year fund(2021–2031) administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada to help conserve, restore, and enhance the management of ecosystems such as wetlands, peatlands, forests, and grasslands, in order to help tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. The NSCSF focuses on three main objectives: (1) conserving carbon-rich ecosystems at high risk of conversion to other uses that would release their stored carbon; (2) improving land management practices to reduce their greenhouse gas emission-causing impacts on Canada’s ecosystems; and (3) restoring degraded ecosystems. Overall, these projects will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increased carbon sequestration, while also providing benefits for biodiversity and human well-being.
Media contacts:
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Joanne Barbazza
Head of Communications and Outreach Support
[email protected]
Northumberland Land Trust
Sabrina Hasselfelt
Stewardship and Operations Coordinator
[email protected]
Northumberland Land Trust meets fundraising target to co-purchase property
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Northumberland Land Trust meets fundraising target to co-purchase property
Biddy Creek’s 300 acres contains rare wetlands for southern Ontario
Cobourg, ON, January 6, 2025 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) met its fundraising target of $190,000 to fund its half of the purchase of a property in Northumberland County. The not-for-profit charity reached its target just before the new year and continues to receive donations to complete the purchase of the Biddy Creek Wetland in Brighton. The closing is scheduled for the end of January 2025. The new reserve will be the largest in NLT’s history.
NLT has partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to purchase the property as joint owners. The NLT will steward the property which features an untouched wetland rich in biodiversity, with no human development. Hunting will not be permitted.
“Our matching gift campaign was a great success, and it was followed by many more small and large donations from individuals that helped us reach our goal.” said Rob Kennedy, President of NLT. “We now have the means to forever preserve this vital natural ecosystem.”
The Biddy Creek Wetland borders the south side of the 401 Highway, north of Little Lake Road in Brighton. The property comprises two parcels of land that have limited accessibility. A regionally important wetland makes up 60-70% of the property while significant mixed woodlands comprising Black Cherry, Oak, Birch, Maple, Cedar, and White Pine make up a portion of the east most parcel. The majority of the property is zoned as Environmental Protection in the Northumberland County Official Plan and is a priority for conservation. Its topography resembles the fen wetland areas in northern Ontario rather than southern Ontario lowlands.
“Biddy Creek is an ecologically significant property, combining diverse woodland habitats with 130 acres of regionally significant wetland,” said Marie-Paule Godin, DUC’s Manager of Provincial Operations for Ontario. “This acquisition will protect critical habitats for species at risk and create a lasting natural area that provides flood protection and water filtration for the community. We are grateful to partner with the Northumberland Land Trust to conserve this important ecosystem.”
IN THE NEWS:
Scenes from 2024 – A look inside NLT’s nature reserves with videos and photos.
Thank you for your support of Northumberland Land Trust this year. Here is a recap of 2024, highlighting the beauty and diversity of life in our 14 nature reserves.
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.
Trail Camera Highlights
First, a video from trail cameras we set up at the Lone Pine Marsh beaver dam this spring. All these animals used the dam in a two week period. The dam is almost two metres wide and 30 metres long, and the animals use it as a bridge across the marsh. The Canada Geese had a nest right on the dam. It was quite a thrill to get video footage of the fisher!
The trail camera footage below was taken in November this year at the Lone Pine Marsh. The Great Horned Owl was a huge surprise! The beavers have made a wide path through the forest by cutting down small trees and dragging them to the marsh.
These views inside our nature reserves serve as a reminder of just what we are working for.
Snapshots of Nature
NLT’s protected lands are home to a stunning variety of creatures, from the tiny tree frog hiding in the grass to the huge black bear lumbering through the forest. Thank you to everyone who shared photos with us this year. It’s fascinating to see our nature reserves through many different lenses.
Moth morning at Bonebakker NR
Grey Treefrog at Lone Pine Marsh - Rich Fernandez
Fox kit at de Lint Nature Reserve - Leslie Abram
Praying Mantis at McEwen NR - Sabrina Hasselfelt
Black Bear Wilkinson NR trail camera
Tallgrass Prairie at Pelton NR - Elayne Linn
Bobolink Lone Pine Marsh - Leslie Abram
Fall forest at Lone Pine Marsh - Hilda van Netten
Pelton NR - Elayne Linn
Haddon forest - Gerry Carr
Lone Pine Marsh in winter- Leslie Abram
Monarch butterfly
Spring peeper Lone Pine Marsh - Leslie Abram
Clematis at Wilkinson NR - Gerry Carr
Io Moth - Tyne Bonebakker
Doe and Fawn - de Lint NR - Gerti Crashley
Tree Swallows- Lone Pine Marsh -Leslie Abram
Tallgrass Prairie at Pelton NR - Elayne Linn
Fox kits at de Lint NR - Leslie Abram
de Kleer Nature Reserve - Gerry Carr
de Lint Nature Reserve - Norm Rae
Tree Swallow nest Leckey NR - Andrew Buntin
Pelton NR forest - Gerry Carr
Canada Geese at Lone Pine Marsh - John Charlton
Land Stewardship
Let’s give a shout out to our volunteers, who rolled up their sleeves and helped look after our nature reserves. They always look like they are having a great time – and they are.
Buckthorn cutting Munn NR
Lone Pine Marsh DSV removal
Controlled burn Pelton NR
tallgrass prairie seed collection
preparing for controlled burn Leckey NR
DSV removal Laurie Lawson OEC
New Lone Pine planting
trail clearing McColl NR
bat acoustic monitor Bonebakker NR
Birding Marathon at Jack van Nostrand NR
de Kleer NR trail clearing and buckthorn cut
buckthorn crew at Kennedy NR
Community
Natural spaces are not just good for wildlife, they are good for people too. We love the sense of community that comes from our nature walks and events.
de Lint Nature Reserve sign goes up
de Lint Nature Reserve grand opening
Grassland birds walk at Bonebakker NR
Northumberland Photo Club at de Lint NR
Arts Day at Lone Pine Marsh
Wood Duck Box by Kat Kinch
NLT Gala
Jack van Nostrand NR
tallgrass walk at Pelton NR
Picnic shelter opening day
Property steward meeting at picnic shelter
November walk at Lone Pine Marsh
walk in the Kennedy's woods
Mothy Morning at Bonebakker NR
walk at McRae property
Looking Ahead
Three more beautiful nature reserves will be under NLT’s protection in 2025: The Haddon Nature Reserve donated by Dari Haddon, the Willow Lane Nature Reserve donated by Robert Leckie and Cherlyn Wilson, and the Biddy Creek Wetland which we are purchasing in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Haddon forest
Willow Lane
Biddy Creek Wetland
Matching Gift Campaign update December 17: $42,955.81 total raised exceeds $40,000 target. Thank you!
November 27 the Northumberland Land Trust announced a $40,000 matching gift challenge to support its purchase of the Biddy Creek Wetland. The not-for-profit charity needs to raise $190,000 in order to complete the purchase, scheduled for the end of January 2025.
Update: As of December 20 the NLT has raised more than $141,600 towards the acquisition of the Biddy Creek Wetland, and the matching gift campaign has exceeded $42,000.00.
A matching gift challenge occurs when a key supporter of your organization agrees to match donations made by other supporters for a specific campaign. Matching gift programs can effectively double the impact of individual gifts.
“A few donors have approached us and pledged to match future donations up to $40,000,” said Rob Kennedy, President of the Northumberland Land Trust. “If successful that would add $80,000 to our fund raising and push us over the $110,000 mark, which is almost 60% of our ultimate goal.”
NLT has partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to purchase the property as joint owners. The NLT will steward the property which features an untouched wetland rich in biodiversity, with no human development.
To Donate:
Help Conserve the Biddy Creek Wetland
Northumberland Land Trust has an ambitious goal to conserve 306 acres of regionally significant wetland and forest habitat in Brighton. This property will be conserved in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, who have made great strides in conserving and restoring habitat, providing clean water and healthy wetlands for all waterfowl, wildlife, and people.
The Biddy Creek Wetland is located immediately South of the 401 Highway, off of Little Lake Rd in Brighton, ON. The property comprises two parcels of land that have limited accessibility. A regionally important wetland makes up 60-70% of the property while significant mixed woodlands comprising Black Cherry, Oak, Birch, Maple, Cedar, and White Pine make up a portion of the east most parcel. The majority of the property is zoned as Environmental Protection in the Northumberland County Official Plan and is a priority for conservation.
Update December 26: Over 92% of total acquisition cost has been raised, thanks to our generous donors.
You can help us with land acquisition costs for the Biddy Creek Wetland. These costs not only include the cost of the property itself, but the costs to support the acquisition process including staffing, biological studies, legal costs, land transfer taxes, and stewardship costs for maintaining the property.
Your support for NLT is an investment in the future.
Northumberland Land Trust’s mission is to establish and maintain protected areas in Northumberland County. Thanks to overwhelming community support, NLT already protects over 1,200 acres of land, representing a diverse range of critical ecosystems.