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