The Northumberland Land Trust is preparing to add another significant protected property to its growing network of conservation lands.
The organization has signed a memorandum of understanding to accept the future donation of more than 142 acres overlooking Rice Lake. Once the transfer is complete, the property will become the Hillside Nature Reserve, the Land Trust’s 22nd nature reserve.
The land is being donated by Lori Reynolds, who purchased the property with her late husband, Don Paterson, in 2001. The site also has a unique connection to Canadian author and environmentalist Farley Mowat, who once owned the entire property.
Northumberland Land Trust Executive Director Amanda Newell says the donation represents an important step toward the organization’s goal of creating wildlife corridors throughout the county. The property links natural areas stretching from Rice Lake through the Northumberland County Forest and the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario, improving ecological connectivity and creating opportunities for future conservation.
The property includes regenerating forests, mature woodlands, wetlands, a treed swamp and a fen, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including provincially endangered Butternut and Black Ash trees.
Before the transfer can be finalized, the Land Trust must complete appraisals, surveys, legal work, severance and municipal approvals. The organization estimates the process will cost approximately $40,000, in addition to ongoing stewardship expenses.
The Northumberland Land Trust is accepting donations to help cover those costs and support the long-term protection of the property.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
