The Northumberland Land Trust has announced plans to create another new nature reserve. /NLT photo
The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) has plans to create another new nature reserve.
The trust recently announced 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,” noted the trust.
The Wilson/Leckie property being donated is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine and sits on the high ground south of Rice Lake.
“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.”
The land includes multiple habitats, including some active agricultural land, and a valley with a seasonal creek and an abundance of hawthorn, said the trust.
“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.”
Wilson and Leckie started 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,” reads a recent release. “They also wish to remain the stewards of the land and will become members of the NLT’s stewardship committee.”
Once the severance and donation of the property are complete, there will be an event commemorating the land donation, added the trust.
“Some people want to donate their land and remain actively involved with its care,” noted 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,” explained Kennedy.
Earlier this year, the trust announced plans to acquire 80-plus acres of land just east of Castleton to create a new nature reserve. This is being made possible through a donation by Dari Haddon.
Just prior to this, NLT announced the completed acquisition of about 100 acres just south of Campbellford, made possible through another land donation by Robert de Lint.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
