The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) met its fundraising target to fund its half of the purchase of a property in Brighton that is set to become the largest reserve in the organization’s history.
The not-for-profit charity reached its $190,000 target just before the new year and continues to receive donations to complete the purchase of the Biddy Creek Wetland.
NLT has partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to purchase the property as joint owners.
The closing is scheduled for the end of January 2025.
“Our matching gift campaign was a great success, and it was followed by many more small and large donations from individuals that helped us reach our goal,” said Rob Kennedy, President of NLT. “We now have the means to forever preserve this vital natural ecosystem.”
The NLT will steward the property which features an untouched wetland rich in biodiversity, with no human development.
The Biddy Creek Wetland borders the south side of Highway 401, north of Little Lake Road in Brighton and comprises two parcels of land that have
limited accessibility.
A regionally important wetland makes up 60-70% of the property while significant mixed woodlands comprising black cherry, oak, birch, maple, cedar, and white pine make up a portion of the east most parcel.
The majority of the property is zoned as Environmental Protection in the Northumberland County Official Plan and is a priority for conservation.
Its topography resembles the fen wetland areas in northern Ontario rather than southern Ontario lowlands.
“Biddy Creek is an ecologically significant property, combining diverse woodland habitats with 130 acres of regionally significant wetland,” said Marie-Paule Godin, DUC’s manager of provincial operations for Ontario. “This acquisition will protect critical habitats for species at risk and create a lasting natural area that provides flood protection and water filtration for the community. We are grateful to partner with the Northumberland Land Trust to conserve this important ecosystem.”
Hunting will not be permitted.