Photo: Kawartha Land Trust’s Kawartha Highlands South nature reserve announcement on November 7, 2025, at the property in the Municipality of Trent Lakes.(L-R) Dave Smith, MPP Peterborough-Kawartha; Geri Blinick, KLT Board Member; Gary Pritchard, KLT Trustee; John Kintare, Executive Director, KLT; Alison Howson, Executive Director, Ontario Land Trust Alliance; Randy Northey, Board Chair, KLT. (Stephanie Lake)
Funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) helps protect a new nature reserve in the Kawarthas and create public access opportunities.
On November 7, 2025, Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) announced the permanent protection of the 435-acre (176-hectare) Kawartha Highlands South nature reserve in the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the future creation of community hiking trails.
The purchase of this ecologically significant land was secured with financial support received from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), Natural Heritage Conservation Program — Land Trusts Conservation Fund (NHCP-LTCF) and the Province of Ontario’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership (GCP) program.
Donations from over 450 individuals and families helped protect this natural asset for future generations. An anonymous donor who offered to match all donations up to $100,000 helped launch KLT’s summer-long campaign.
Additional vital project support was received from the Echo Foundation, Ontario Conservation Accelerator (OCA) and Wild Rock’s ComPassion Project.
KLT’s newest nature reserve is home to iconic granite rock barrens, expansive forests, wetlands, and natural shoreline along 1.2 kilometres of the Mississagua River. The property is bordered on three sides by Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, a popular destination in Ontario for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and paddlers.
Over 100 species of wildlife have been observed on the nature reserve, including Black Bear, Moose, and Fisher. The property’s wetlands provide habitat for numerous species, including North American River Otter, turtles, wading birds, waterfowl, and others.
Thanks to visionary funders, generous donors, and dedicated volunteers, vital wildlife habitat will be protected, and 3-5 kilometres of hiking trails will be created for local residents and visitors to enjoy.
It is anticipated that the trails will be established and opened to the public by the fall of 2027. KLT plans to observe the property for one year — during all four seasons — to inform trail decisions that will strike a balance between ecological and recreational needs.
Kawartha Land Trust protects thousands of acres of natural and working lands across the Kawarthas for future generations. In 2026, KLT will celebrate its 25th anniversary through a series of events and celebrations.
Quotes:
“Through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, our government is proud to support projects that protect Ontario’s natural heritage and expand public access to the great outdoors. The Kawartha Highlands South nature reserve is a shining example of how joint efforts by governments, land trusts, and communities can safeguard ecologically significant lands while creating new opportunities for people to connect with nature. Congratulations to Kawartha Land Trust and all partners involved in this important achievement.”
— Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“The protection of the 435-acre Kawartha Highlands South nature reserve is a monumental win for conservation and is exactly why our government invests in the Greenland’s Conservation Partnership program. We are proud to partner with the Kawartha Land Trust and the federal government to secure this vital habitat adjacent to the Provincial Park. This project not only safeguards important wetlands and forests for species like Moose and Fisher, but it also creates new hiking trails that will allow more families to get outside and connect with the natural beauty of Trent Lakes for generations to come. Congratulations to KLT, their volunteers, and the hundreds of donors who made this incredible achievement possible.”
— Dave Smith, MPP Peterborough-Kawartha
“When KLT saw this ecologically significant property go up for sale, we knew we had to act. The sheer volume of support from our community, funders, and donors was inspiring. Together, we were able to protect nature for future generations and create hiking trails for the community to enjoy. We’re really looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to KLT’s Kawartha Highlands South nature reserve.”
— John Kintare, Executive Director, Kawartha Land Trust
“The Ontario Land Trust Alliance is thrilled to have assisted in the acquisition of KLT’s Kawartha Highlands South through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program. This beautiful property, featuring pristine wetlands and forests of ecological significance, adjacent to the second-largest provincial park in Southern Ontario, provides an important habitat connection, and wonderful hiking opportunities. Protection of this property is truly a collaborative effort, with support from multiple levels of government and many other supporters. Congratulations to Kawartha Land Trust for their leadership and vision!”
— Alison Howson, Executive Director, Ontario Land Trust Alliance
