Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre Facebook image
The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) has launched a fundraising campaign to restore the Laurie Lawson Outdoor Education Centre in Cobourg and complete the acquisition of a new nature reserve on Wilson Island. The organization hopes to raise $200,000 to repair trail damage caused by the emerald ash borer and to enhance protected habitats across Northumberland County.
According to the Trust, the Laurie Lawson Centre has served as a hub for outdoor learning and recreation for more than 50 years, welcoming thousands of students and visitors to its 100-acre forest, wetland, and creek system.
The property, donated to NLT under the condition that it remain open for education and public use, was closed last year after the invasive emerald ash borer devastated local ash trees, creating widespread safety hazards.
“There are so many ash trees on the brink of falling, we had to close Laurie Lawson last year,” said NLT Executive Director Amanda Newell. “We desperately want to re-open the Laurie Lawson trails but we need professional help, and this campaign will restore access to a place students and residents love.”
Lawson says the funds will support the removal of hazardous trees, rebuild accessible trails, and improve forest health through the planting of 1,000 native trees and removal of invasive species.
Part of the campaign will also help finalize the securement of the 187-acre Inscape Nature Reserve on Wilson Island, donated by Anne and Jim Purvis. The reserve will protect key forest, wetland, and grassland areas while expanding wildlife corridors along the Trent River.
Donations can be made at nltrust.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
