The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) says it has reached its $190,000 fundraising target to fund its purchase for half of the Biddy Creek Wetland property in Brighton.
As previously reported, the land trust launched a campaign earlier, announcing its plans to co-purchase the 300 acres containing rare wetlands with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC.)
In a January update, the not-for-profit charity confirmed it had reached its target just before the new year and said it continues to receive donations to complete the purchase.
“The closing is scheduled for the end of January 2025,” said the trust.
As previously reported, the goal is for this area to serve as a new reserve and the largest in the NLT’s history.
NLT and Ducks Unlimited will serve as joint owners – NLT will steward the property.
The property features “an untouched wetland, rich in biodiversity, with no human development.”
Officials have also noted that 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 (who) helped us reach our goal,” said NLT President Rob Kennedy. “We now have the means to forever preserve this vital natural ecosystem.”
The Biddy Creek property borders the south side of Hwy. 401, north of Little Lake Road. The property comprises two parcels of land that have limited accessibility. A regionally important wetland makes up about 60-70 per cent of the property, while significant mixed woodlands make up a portion of the most eastern parcel, explained officials.
Most of the property is zoned under environmental protection in the Northumberland County official plan and is a priority for conservation, reads a recent release. Its topography resembles the fen wetland areas in Northern Ontario rather than Southern Ontario lowlands, added officials.
“Biddy Creek is an ecologically significant property, combining diverse woodland habitats with 130 acres of regionally significant wetland,” explained 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.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
