The Northumberland Land Trust has announced plans to acquire more than 57 acres of land in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, following a memorandum of understanding with the property’s owner.
The Roseneath area property includes a mix of forest, grassland and wetland, all identified as environmentally significant within the Northumberland County Official Plan.
According to the land trust, about 21 acres consist of regenerating forest featuring a variety of tree species, while roughly 30 acres are open hayfields that provide habitat for wildlife, including species at risk such as the bobolink.
The site also includes a small but important wetland area connected to a larger cedar swamp, along with a spring fed pond that supports amphibian species.
The property sits within the Peterborough Drumlin Field and offers elevated views overlooking Rice Lake.
A severance will be required as part of the process, allowing the donor to remain living adjacent to the future nature reserve.
The land trust says it plans to apply to the federal Ecological Gifts program, which may provide tax benefits related to the donation.
Officials note that completing the transfer involves costs for appraisals, surveys, legal work and municipal approvals, estimated at around 40 thousand dollars, not including long term stewardship.
The Northumberland Land Trust says community donations are essential to help cover those costs and support ongoing conservation work and you can learn more on their website.
The organization works to protect natural landscapes across the county through land acquisition, conservation agreements and public education.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)