The Northumberland Land Trust is the only local, community-based organization that is dedicated to protecting nature through land conservation across Northumberland County.
From the rugged beauty of the Oak Ridges Moraine to the stunning shoreline of Lake Ontario, from the towering woods of the Ganaraska Forest to the rolling Trent River valley, and the many unique and vital grasslands, forests and wetlands in between — Northumberland County is a sight to behold.
Together, we can ensure that the natural landscapes of Northumberland County are protected, forever. If you are looking to protect your land and its natural features, see the land protection options below or contact us at [email protected].
Land Protection Options
Donate Your Land
Donating your land to a land trust is a straightforward and effective way to ensure the permanent protection of your property. When you donate land to NLT, you transfer ownership of the land to the organization, which assumes all responsibility for its ownership, management and stewardship, forever.
There are financial incentives that come with the donation of land. Through Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts program, you will receive a tax receipt for the value of the land donated that you can apply to 100% of your annual taxable income and can be carried forward for up to 10 years. Under this program, you are also exempt from any capital gains tax that would otherwise result from the disposition of your land. Donating your land to the land trust ensures that your land is truly protected forever and its protection cannot be influenced by changing government decisions and policies.
Establish a Conservation Easement
A Conservation Easement Agreement (CEA) is a legally binding agreement between a landowner and NLT that limits certain types of development and land uses on the property while allowing the landowner to retain ownership. CEAs are registered on the property title and continue to apply to all future owners of the property. You can continue to live on, use and sell your property while knowing that the natural features will be protected, forever. These easements can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of both parties and will remain in effect for all future landowners.
Since you are donating a right to your land, CEAs also provide tax relief benefits to the landowner. A tax receipt for the donation will be issued to the landowner.
Leave a Legacy
Similar to a donation of land, you can also bequeath your land to NLT in your will. By naming NLT as a beneficiary to your property in your will, you are ensuring that your property’s legacy will live on, forever. This option results in a tax credit for your estate which reduces taxes on capital gains and further benefits the beneficiaries of your will. Learn more about leaving a legacy gift to nature.
Interested in Protecting Your Land?
Contact us at [email protected] or 416-220-6807 to discuss your options.
“We all know that Helen would be pleased to see her beloved trees and land in good hands.”
In Aug. 2000 we moved from Georgetown (now Halton Hills) where in 1967 we had built our own house in the country. However, increasing development prompted us to move. My wife Helen and I found this ‘farm’ and fell in love with Northumberland County.
Two years ago, when cycling on Lake Shore Road, the Van Nostrand Nature Reserve made me think of doing something similar, but in memory of Helen who had very recently died.
Helen, having grown up in Indonesia, was a person with a great love for trees and nature, and always hiked and explored our woods. Together we plotted a trail, and built a little bridge across Piper Creek which runs year around, had an old school bus removed from the property, to further protect the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Donating land was new for me. I approached Rob and Freda Kennedy, who had donated in the past tracts of land for conservation. They were very supportive and helpful in discussing it more in detail, so it grew in appeal to the rest of de Kleer family.
Thus it became a fact when, on 21 Dec. 2018 we donated 23 acres of my land to The Lone Pine Land Trust, “In Memory of Helen”. We celebrated with a semi-official party with friends, family and supporters, here at 181 Forget Road.
