At-risk wildlife haven and vital interior forest adjacent to a block of the Peterborough County Forest conserved for future generations.
Thanks to amazing supporters like you and the Wolfe Family, Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is able to share some amazing conservation news — the protection of the 751-acre MapleCross John Wolfe Forest Preserve. This new nature reserve in Peterborough County is adjacent to a 4,800-acre block of the Peterborough County Forest.
The MapleCross John Wolfe Forest Preserve is KLT’s third-largest property after our Hammer Family Nature Preserve (est. 2023) and Big (Boyd/Chiminis) Island (est. 2015). It’s an exciting win for nature in the Kawarthas.
The Wolfe Family dutifully cared for their land for decades. When they made the decision to sell the property, they turned down offers from industrial developers who would have cleared the forested land, and with it, core habitat for many species.
“A year ago, the executors of John Wolfe’s estate got in touch with me,” shared John Kintare, KLT’s Executive Director.
“They were working to consolidate Mr. Wolfe’s estate and had listed this incredible property for sale as part of that process. After receiving offers from industrial developers, they realized that they would prefer to see the property remain in its natural state, but they needed a commitment from KLT quickly. I’m so grateful to our donors and funders who stepped in to protect this beautiful forest.”
KLT’s MapleCross John Wolfe Forest Preserve is located within the Crowe River subwatershed. One hundred percent of the property is considered deep habitat or interior forest. In a time of increased fragmentation of forest ecosystems in Southern Ontario, the protection of interior forest habitat is essential for species that require large, unbroken, tracts of natural land to survive and thrive, including Black Bear, Moose, White-tailed Deer, and Fisher, among many others.
“Walking beneath the vast canopy of trees, I couldn’t help but feel the immensity and richness of this land,” shared Sam Clapperton, KLT’s Land Research Coordinator, about her visits to the property.
“Quiet moments in the early dawn revealed shy forest birds, while the sound of the creek made me pause to listen. The air feels full of life, and the Preserve is just that – alive with flourishing wetlands that are home to beavers and waterfowl, forests of oaks and maples, and small clearings where pollinators hover above native wildflowers. Every step further into this sprawling forest reminds me that this place is more than just land – it’s a sanctuary and a piece in the larger puzzle of natural habitat on the landscape where nature can thrive.”
This newly protected property is surrounded on three sides by a block of the Peterborough County Forest. Its protection ensures that this contiguous forested land is not fragmented.
The property is comprised of several forest types, the largest being a 280-acre mixed hardwood forest that features Sugar Maple, Red Oak, and Ironwood, which are now protected forever due to the generosity of the Wolfe Family who lowered the asking price of the property by $300k, KLT donors, MapleCross Fund, Echo Foundation, and the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program – Land Trusts Conservation Fund (NHCP-LTCF).
The protection of KLT’s MapleCross John Wolfe Nature Preserve brings KLT’s total protected lands to 44 properties and 8,100 acres. In 2026, KLT will celebrate its 25th anniversary — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
“Through collaboration and the collective effort of the Wolfe Family, amazing donors, funders, and volunteers, we were able to protect nature in Peterborough County,” said Kintare.
“As we approach KLT’s 25th anniversary, I’m continually reminded that this organization began when several people came together with an idea and a goal to protect and care for nature in the Kawarthas. Over two decades later, the original spirit and intent carries on.”
You can visit the MapleCross John Wolfe Forest Preserve property page to learn more about this new nature reserve and our funders and see photos of the property.
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Main photo: Sam Clapperton, Land Research Coordinator, at KLT’s MapleCross John Wolfe Nature Preserve (Photo: Isabelle Summers/KLT)
