Northumberland Land Trust adds another nature reserve to its portfolio

Photo courtesy of Northumberland Land Trust Facebook

By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM, Local Journalism Initiative

The Northumberland Land Trust says it has completed the acquisition of more than 140 acres of land near Beagle Club Road and County Road 9.

The Willow Lane Nature Reserve is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine and sits on the high ground south of Rice Lake.  It includes multiple habitats including mixed wood forest, rolling valley lands and some active agricultural land. As you move north there is a young forest, much of which has been planted by the donors over the past 20 years.

“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.”

Ms. Wilson and Mr. Leckie began the process of donating this property in 2024. They required that their house be severed from the surrounding property so that they could remain in their home.  They also wish to remain the stewards of the land, and will become members of the NLT’s Property Stewards Team.

“Some people want to donate their land and remain actively involved with its care,” added Kennedy.  “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.”

This donation creates the 17th nature reserve under the care of the Northumberland Land Trust.