The densely forested land includes 1.5 kilometres of undeveloped, natural lakefront shoreline and at least two at-risk species including the Eastern Ribbonsnake and Eastern Wood Pewee.
“Our major goal and great wish [was] to protect, conserve and preserve this land, forest and habitat now and for the foreseeable future as, in effect, our legacy and gift to our Mother Nature,” said Dr. Morton.
The Morton Nature Sanctuary is part of the “The Land Between” transitional landscape zone and almost 60% of the property falls within the Kawarthas Naturally Connected (KNC) natural heritage system.
“I had the pleasure of visiting the property for a habitat inventory prior to the donation,” said Thomas Unrau, KLT’s Director of Community Conservation. “During a lunch break, we paused in a majestic stand of Red Pines overlooking the lake, birds calling all around us. Sitting in that forest, I experienced a great moment of peace, knowing the land would be protected through our collaboration with the Mortons.”
The dedication of Kawartha Land Trust’s donors, volunteers, and supporters has resulted in the acquisition of 10 new properties in the past two years, which has expanded KLT’s protected lands to 4,800 acres, providing additional safe havens for wildlife in the Kawarthas and securing important ecological landscapes help combat climate change.
