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.
Goal: $190,000.00
$5 Million Dollar Green Corridor Capital Campaign surpasses halfway mark
Northumberland Land Trust is turning the county green, thanks to our generous donors. Three more beautiful properties are in the process of becoming nature reserves this year. We are raising the money to look after these properties, as well as several more that will be added in the near future. At NLT we know that now is the time to protect critical habitat for wildlife and create more green space in Northumberland County for us all to enjoy.
Our Vision: To triple the lands under NLT’s direct management by 2030
$3,050,000
Light Green: Current Nature Reserves Dark Green: Nature Reserves in Progress
Order your 2025 Calendar here and support land conservation in Northumberland County
Our photo contest yielded spectacular images of nature in Northumberland County, and we chose thirteen photos to be featured in our 2025 NLT Calendar. Thank you to everyone who entered. Here are the winners!
Calendars are $25 each and can be ordered by sending an etransfer to [email protected]. Please include your name and mailing address. Calendars will be mailed to you.
Cover photo of Eastern Meadowlark in Brighton, ON by Marc Venema
Winter scene in Roseneath – by Marina Scassa
Northern Yellow Shafted Flicker in Warkworth – by John Charlton
Nawautin Nature Sanctuary Grafton – by Susan Dubois
Toad in the Woods – Port Hope – by Donna Edmonds
Ruby Throated Hummingbird Cramahe Township – by John Zerafa
Gray Treefrog at Lone Pine Marsh Braham Nature Reserve, Colborne – by Rich Fernandez
Giant Swallowtail in the garden, Grafton – by Elisabeth Lafontaine
Sunflower, Alnwick Haldimand Township – by Gerry Carr
Monarch Butterfly, Brighton – by Andrea Kingsley
Sunset over Rice Lake – by Jodi De Jong
Fox and her Mother, Presqu’ile Point – by Cindy Conlin
Snowy Faced 8 Point Whitetail Deer, Presqu’ile Park – by Phil Lawrence
There’s a new Lone Pine at the Lone Pine Marsh
Northumberland Land Trust receives donation to create new nature reserve in Alnwick/Haldimand Township
Wilson/Leckie donation will create the 16th property under the land trust’s care
MEDIA RELEASE
Cobourg, ON, June 4, 2024 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 140 acres of land near Beagle Club Road and County Road 9. This is the second land donation in 2024.
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 some active agricultural land, and a valley with a seasonal creek and an abundance of hawthorn. As you move north there is a young forest, much of which has been planted by the donors over the past 20 years. At the top end of the property is a mature mixed forest. The variety of habitats and large size make this a biologically valuable property.
“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 this year. 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. Once the severance and donation of the property are complete, there will be an event commemorating the land donation.
“Some people want to donate their land and remain actively involved with its care,” added Mr. Kennedy. “At the request of the donor, the NLT will also apply to the Ecogift program which could exempt the donation from any capital gains if it qualifies. 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: 416-220-680
About 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.
For more information please contact:
[email protected] nltrust.ca
Northumberland Land Trust receives donation to create new nature reserve in Cramahe Township
Haddon donation will create the 15th property under the land trust’s care
MEDIA RELEASE
Cobourg, ON, May 14, 2024 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 80 acres of land just east of the town of Castleton. This property is mostly forested with several small streams running through it as well as a large pond. 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.
“Ms. 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.”
Ms. Haddon 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 while the land trust could provide immediate stewardship of the land. Once the severance and donation of the property are complete, there will be a formal event commemorating the land donation.
“Some people want to donate their land as part of their estate planning,” added Mr. Kennedy. “The Northumberland Land Trust helps the owners sever the land from their house for the donation to NLT. Donations of land have tax implications and require severance, surveys, legal documents and township approval, and this process can cost up to $30,000 as well as 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
Land Trust boosts its presence with Trillium Fund grant
Campaign has led to an increase in volunteer requests, successful grant applications, and an increase in donations.
Northumberland News April 8, 2024
The head of the Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) says it was able to use a Trillium Foundation grant to bring more attention to its efforts and to boost fundraising toward its land preservation cause.
“With the OTF grant, the Northumberland Land Trust was able to hire Peterborough-based V-Formation, a fundraising and communications firm,” says Rob Kennedy, president of the NLT.
“We had an increase in volunteer requests, successful grant applications and an increase in donations.”
Northumberland — Peterborough South MPP David Piccini recently attended NLT’s volunteer appreciation event to formally congratulate them on the $45,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant it received in 2023 through the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The NLT has experienced some of its fastest growth in land donations and fundraising. The OTF grant allowed NLT to hire a fundraising and communications consultant to lead the development of annual fundraising and communications plans.
The NLT relies on volunteers and donations to do its work. In 2023, membership and individual donations increased 69 per cent and stewardship donations increased 58 per cent. Corporate and foundation donations increased more than tenfold.
“I am glad that our government is investing in Northumberland Land Trust as it is the foundation of our community’s way to protect and preserve our province’s biodiversity” said Piccini.
“The Ontario Government will continue to support crucial organizations, like Northumberland Land Trust, to ensure that communities across Ontario have access to nature, while maintaining and conserving it.
The grant also enabled NLT to purchase digital ads and help with the costs for an annual customer relationship management data system.
The NLT holds free nature walks, a birding marathon and prescribed burns, as well as stewardship activities such as removing invasive species and forest management.
The NLT has a mandate to establish, maintain and manage protected areas. A not-for-profit, charitable organization, the NLT 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 local land for the purposes of conservation. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors representing a cross section of the community including landowners, farmers, business people and professionals.
People can donate through the NLT’s website at nltrust.ca or email at [email protected].
Support the NLT Birding Marathon this May
Spring is here, and so are the birds! This May, sixteen expert birders will visit all 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!
Last year our birders set a record, finding a total of 151 species across 13 nature reserves, including species at risk such as Bobolinks and Least Bitterns. Not only do they find lots and lots of birds, but also many of the other creatures that call our nature reserves home such as bears, 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.
The birding marathon is one of NLT’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Donations will go towards our Green Corridor Capital Campaign. In this campaign NLT is looking to raise $5 million in land donations and cash in order to expand our network of nature reserves across Northumberland County. This year NLT is adding two more nature reserves, and three more are in the works for the near future. This is exciting news for everyone who wants to protect critical habitats for wildlife in Northumberland County, including all the birds that call our nature reserves home.
Here’s how to donate:
Smoke signals subscribed burns in Northumberland County
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Smoke signals prescribed burns in Northumberland County
Two Northumberland Land Trust nature reserves will be set on fire this April
April 1st, 2024 – Cobourg, ON – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) will start two prescribed burns at its Pelton Nature Reserve, and Leckey Nature Reserve. Prescribed burns are essential to restoring and revitalizing native prairie and savannah habitat in Northumberland County by removing invasive species, which tend to sprout early, and encouraging the growth of native species. Both burns will be conducted by Lands and Forests Consulting (LFC). These burns will take place in mid to late April or early May 2024. This is the first burn at the Land Trust’s Leckey Nature Reserve, and the fourth for the Pelton Nature Reserve.
“Grasslands are of particular interest because such habitats have undergone a drastic reduction in Ontario over the past century. As a result, many grassland plant and animal species have similarly declined to the point where many are now considered species at risk”, said John Geale, a former board member and current property steward at the NLT’s McEwen Nature Reserve.
Prescribed burns are intentionally set and professionally managed fires that burn across a pre-determined area under strictly controlled circumstances in order to restore natural habitat. Fires clear scrub and brush, allowing sunlight to reach the soil where native grassland seeds lie. Native prairie species flourish following a fire, restoring the native grassland habitat of the area. Burning only occurs under specific weather conditions that will allow a safe and controlled fire.
This year’s prescribed burns are being funded by public donations to the Northumberland Land Trust. Lands & Forests Consulting is an independent prescribed burn consulting firm. For safety reasons, the public is not allowed access to the prescribed burn areas during the burns. Prescribed burns are weather-dependent and site-specific. For a short time, there will be a visible smoke column rising from the burn area. Manual manipulation of the smoke column can be achieved by the type of ignition pattern, and no problems are expected to result.
About Northumberland Land Trust
The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) is committed to preserving the natural heritage of Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada. Its mandate is to establish, maintain and manage protected areas. The NLT 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. The NLT also raises funds to purchase local land for the purposes of conservation. The NLT is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing a cross section of the community including landowners, farmers, business people and professionals. People can donate through the NLT’s website at nltrust.ca or contact us at [email protected] or call: 416-220-6807.
For more information please contact:
Northumberland Land Trust
(416) 220-6807
