The Northumberland Land Trust has announced plans to create a 19th nature reserve. /NLT Facebook photo
The Northumberland Land Trust has announced plans to create a 19th nature reserve called “Inscape” on Wilson Island in the Trent Hills area.
The trust has confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding for the future acquisition of more than 187 acres of land known as the Purvis property, which is located at the western tip of the island, adjacent to the Murray Marsh. The property is also identified as an area of natural and scientific interest.
This marks the second land donation to NLT this year.
“Jim and Anne Purvis purchased the property in 1989 and have used the property as a natural sanctuary for the family for the past 36 years,” noted Rob Kennedy, NLT president. “Nearly 100 per cent of the land is in a natural state and is actively contributing to a healthy local ecosystem.”
Provincially significant woodlands cover about 130 acres of the property, and the majority of the property is identified as a provincially significant wetland, with the exception of grasslands, explained NLT officials.
The “active wetland area” only reportedly covers about 44 acres.
Species at-risk, including the eastern meadowlark, black tern, eastern wood-pewee, least bittern, red-headed woodpecker, wood thrush, snapping turtle and midland painted turtle have been identified on the property.
The property lies within the Trent River. When the dams were installed to the waterway, this increased the water level of the river, making the property more difficult to access – because of this, the property will be closed to the public, noted the trust.
Jim and Anne Purvis said they’ve stewarded the property for more than three decades for the purpose of protecting and restoring its ecological integrity, and they’re excited to tap into the trust’s conservation expertise and network to further preserve the area where plants, animals and birds will flourish in perpetuity.
Fundraising efforts also continue for NLT.
Donations of land have tax implications and require appraisals, severance, surveys, legal documents and municipal approvals – the process can cost up to $40,000, as well as ongoing stewardship costs. Donations are key to covering expenses.
NLT has more information on its website. Donation information is also accessible by emailing info@nltrust.ca or calling 416-220-6807, noted the trust.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
