Land Trust Launches Campaign to Re-open Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre
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
Order your 2026 Calendar 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 2026 NLT Calendar. Thank you to everyone who entered. Here are the winners!
Baby Barred Owl at Presqu'ile Park by Cindy Conlin
Calendars are $25 each and can be purchased by etransfer to [email protected]. Please include your name and address – calendars will be mailed to you.
River Otters at Gage Creek by Marc Venema
Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre by Donna Edmonds
Fawn on Jobes Woods trail by Victor Carrozzino
Marsh Wren at Presqu'ile Park by Mark Brunton
Painted Turtle at Garden Hill Conservation Area by Barry Octeau
Bee on trout lily at Munn Nature reserve by James Stokman
Grey treefrog at Lone Pine Marsh by Rich Fernandez
Black-bellied Plover at Presqu'ile Park by Andrea Kingsley
Monarch butterfly in Colborne by Marie Wannamaker
Aurora Borealis in Warkworth by John Charlton
Hoverfly at Butler Creek, Brighton by Richard Midgely
Snowy Owl at Owen Point by Phil Lawrence
Scenes from Summer
It has been an eventful summer on NLT’s 17 nature reserves! Let’s take a look back on fun trail camera videos catching wildlife in action, as well as the events and stewardship activities that brought us together.
You can enjoy the sounds of nature by unmuting the video in the right hand corner of the viewer.
Enjoy!
McRae property tour
Moose at Haddon Nature Reserve gate
Haddon Nature Reserve opening
Haddon Nature Reserve opening
Small Wonders walk at Lone Pine Marsh
Willow Lane Nature Reserve opening
NLT booth at Incredible Edibles Festival
Monarch Caterpillar at McEwen Nature Reserve
Grey treefrog at Lone Pine Marsh
Lone Pine Marsh
Arts Day at Lone Pine Marsh
Arts Day at Lone Pine Marsh
Red pine thinning crew Bonebakker Nature Reserve
Bonebakker gate installation
McRae property tour
Moth morning at Bonebakker Nature Reserve
Common ringlet Lone Pine Marsh
Bonebakker gate installation
Wilkinson Nature Reserve trail clearing crew
Willow Lane Nature Reserve Opening
de Kleer Nature Reserve
Kennedy Nature Reserve
Kennedy Nature Reserve
Wilson Island- future Inscape Nature Reserve
Northumberland Land Trust receives property donation on Wilson Island
Cobourg, ON, May 27, 2025 – The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 187 acres of land on Wilson Island in the Trent Hills area of Ontario. This is the second land donation in 2025.
The Purvis property 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. Provincially significant woodlands cover approximately 130 acres of the property.
“Jim and Anne Purvis purchased the property in 1989 and have used the property as a natural sanctuary for the family for the past 35 years,” said Rob Kennedy, President of the Northumberland Land Trust. “Nearly 100% of the land is in a natural state and is actively contributing to a healthy local ecosystem.”
The majority of the property is identified as a provincially significant wetland (PSW) with the exception of the grasslands. However, the active wetland area only covers about 44 acres. Species at risk including Eastern Meadowlark, Black Tern, Eastern Wood-pewee, Wood Thrush, Least Bittern, Red-headed Woodpecker, Snapping Turtle and Midland Painted Turtle have been identified on the property. The property lies within the Trent River. When the dams were installed to the waterway, this increased the water level of the river, making the property more difficult to access. Because of this, the property will be closed to the public.
“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.”
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: 416-220-6807
Scenes from Spring
Hello there! It has been an exciting spring on NLT’s 17 nature reserves! To celebrate, let’s take a look back on fun trail camera videos catching wildlife in action, and some of the beautiful images that have been shared with us of life inside NLT’s nature reserves.
The first part of this video has sound, and you can listen by unmuting it on the lower right hand corner of the viewer.
Enjoy!
Spring Scenes
Jack van Nostrand NR by Andrea Kingsley
Common Mergansers de Lint NR by Gertie Crashley
Polygala at de Kleer NR by Leslie Abram
Grey Treefrog Leckey NR by Andrew Buntin
Wake Robin Haddon NR by Leslie Abram
Marsh Marigold Haddon NR by John Charlton
Bloodroot Wilhelmina Woods by Leslie Abram
Cold Creek McColl NR
Hepatica de Lint NR by Leslie Abram
Wilhelmina Woods by Freda Kennedy
Turkey egg Biddy Creek Wetland
Wilson Island by Sabrina Hasselfelt
Stewardship
Trail clearing at Munn NR
Biddy Creek Wetland sign is up!
Trail Clearing at Haddon NR
Controlled burn at McEwen NR
Trails at Haddon NR
Buckthorn crew – Lone Pine Marsh
HTM Insurance at Munn NR
Thank you!
When we take a look at the incredible biodiversity of life in NLT’s 17 nature reserves, we are reminded of the importance of our mission. 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.
Thank you for your volunteer hours, your donations, and for spreading the word about Northumberland Land Trust in our community.
Northumberland Land Trust receives donation to create 18th nature reserve
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Tickets for 2025 Gala on sale now
A pioneering underwater explorer, Jill Heinerth, is the featured speaker at The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) Gala scheduled for Thursday, October 16th. The Gala is open to the public and tickets are now on sale.
The Northumberland Land Trust Gala is a fundraising event to support the conservation efforts of NLT, as well as the stewardship of its reserves.
Jill Heinerth redefined the boundaries of underwater exploration and scientific discovery. Her journey is a testament to the fusion of technology, courage, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to understanding the hidden depths of our planet. She is the inaugural recipient of the Sir Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration and was awarded Fellowships from the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, Underwater Academy of Arts and Sciences, Women Diver’s Hall of Fame, National Speleological Society, WINGS WorldQuest, and the Explorers Club, which further honored her with the distinguished William Beebe Award for ocean exploration.
“Anyone who is interested in the natural world and the exciting stories from exploring it at length will want to hear Jill’s stories,” said Freda Kennedy, Gala Organizer for the Northumberland Land Trust. “Jill is a tireless advocate for conservation, climate change, and water resource protection. She inspires action through her writing, photography, films, social media, podcasts, and speaking engagements.”
The Gala will also feature a silent auction that offers many opportunities to secure a personal item or to complete your early Christmas shopping. One of the special auction items this year is an original oil painting of NLT’s own Lone Pine Marsh Braham Nature Reserve, painted by local artist Inca Vos. Estimated value of $700.
Tickets for the Gala are $140 per person. Secure a table of eight for you and your friends for $1120.00. Tickets can be purchased through e-transfer or Canada Helps. Please specify the names and email addresses of those attending.
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
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
Final total: $14,500.00
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.
The Birding Marathon is done in memory of Norma Wallace, a keen local birder and naturalist.
Please support our Birding Marathon this year and spread the word.
| Nature Reserve | Birders |
|---|---|
| Biddy Creek |
Doug McRae, Leslie Abram |
| 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, Doug McRae, Richard Girardin |
| McColl | Doug McRae |
| McEwen | Ben Walters |
| Munn | Kris Ito, Marina Scassa |
| Pelton | Katsu Sakuma |
| Wilkinson | Richard Girardin |
| Willow Lane | John Geale & Jayne Fry |
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.
