Northumberland Land Trust, seeks donations for two projects

Trail is closed at the Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre. Photo courtesy of Northumberland Land Trust Facebook.

The Northumberland Land Trust is launching a fundraising campaign to help reopen a nature trail near Cobourg and complete the acquisition of a nature reserve on the Trent River. The Land Trust had to close the Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre’s trail system  as emerald as borer was devastating the ash tree population causing dead trees to fall along the trail route.

“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. 

As well, the Land Trust is seeking to purchase a 187-acres forest, wetland and grassland on Wilson Island, It will expand protected corridors for wildlife and safeguard clean water for future generations.

“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.”

Officials are seeking to raise $200,000 for both projects.