The Northumberland Land Trust has announced the creation of its 19th nature reserve after receiving the largest land donation in the organization’s history.
More than 332 acres of land north of the village of Vernonville have been donated by Rob and Freda Kennedy and will be known as Wilhelmina Woods, named after Kennedy’s late mother. It marks the second reserve created from land donated by the couple. Rob Kennedy currently serves as president of the land trust and Freda Kennedy is a former board member.
Kennedy said the property was originally purchased from an owner who wanted it preserved for nature. Trails have already been maintained and the land trust plans to open the reserve for public use, including hiking and bird watching.
The property contains regionally significant woodland made up of pine, maple, birch, oak and old growth hemlock, along with wetland areas that help filter water flowing from Cold Creek. Fifteen at risk species have been identified on the site.
MPP David Piccini called the project an important investment in the community, supporting conservation and public access to natural spaces.
Completing the donation required appraisal, surveys, severance and legal approvals, costing the land trust about $69,940, not including ongoing stewardship expenses. Financial support was provided through Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership Program, administered by the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.
With this addition, the Northumberland Land Trust now protects 19 reserves totaling about 2,275 acres across the county.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
