Nature notebook

It's spring!

The Beaked Hazel shrub has clearly distinguishable male and female flowers.
beaked hazel catkin

The male flowers are catkins containing pollen. The female flowers are tiny with red styles protruding. Pollen is blown by the wind from the catkin to the female flower which then develops into the hazelnut.

The flowers emerge before the leaves for more effective pollination.
We found three hazel plants next to the creek on a mid-April outing to the Depot Creek Nature Reserve, one of the many features of this property that make it so worth protecting.




Keeping nature near... always

We are working to protect natural spaces in Frontenac County and Lennox and Addington County, Ontario, Canada. Our region has many unique geological features and special habitats. Our properties are home to a number of species at risk.  

There are many ways to help our group protect these special habitats and succeed in our goal of keeping nature near ... always.

Protect the Depot Creek Nature Reserve

Depot Creek shorelineHelp us to purchase this gem of nature. Details about the property:
  • 30 hectares (72 acres)
  • near Bellrock, west of Verona
  • varied habitats — woodland, wetland, meadow
  • several walking trails
  • undisturbed shoreline
  • easy access for everyone
"Wetland, woodland, meadowland — the variety of habitats provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy wildlife with lots of great spots for quietly noticing nature." Anne Robertson, long time nature walk leader and Land Conservancy director

Our fundraising goal is to raise $150,000 by September 15, 2012.  We have raised $80,000 in cash and pledges as of May 10, 2012.  Please donate now, using this form for your convenience. And read the case for supporting the Depot Creek Nature Reserve.Depot Creek woods in spring
Depot Creek footbridge
(These two photos courtesy Kim Ondaatje)
"I feel very positively about having donated waterfront land on Desert Lake to the Land Conservancy in 2010.  There were many necessary steps along the way, including a detailed recording of all flora and fauna observed on the property.  I was thrilled to find out so much I didn't know about (just yesterday I was told of a blue-spotted salamander, so the list goes on).  The quality of stewardship is excellent — regular checking of the property, cleanup of the shoreline if necessary, good signage, and a large drop in the number of ATVs (several species were in danger of being flattened). Helping us to conserve land is THE best way to meet our ecological challenges." Diane Arthur, land donor

Visit the property to see for yourself why it is worth protecting.  Thank you to the owner, Kim Ondaatje, for allowing afternoon visits. We will leave at 1 pm from the car pool lot at Highway 401 and Highway 38, returning around 4 pm. Please contact the listed coordinator if you would like to come along.  

        Sunday June 3, Janis Grant (613) 548-3668 janis.grant@kos.net
        Saturday July 7, Paul Mackenzie (613) 547-5748 mackenzp@queensu.ca
        Sunday August 12, Mary Alice Snetsinger (613) 376-6916 ecoserv@kos.net
        Sunday August 26, Caroline Rowlands (613) 546-9820 rothorpe@kingston.net

"Like many others who have walked Kim's trails in the last 40 years and been touched by the magnificent landscape and the soaring, spectacular trees, we are delighted to make a contribution to preserve this precious land forever." John Kuti and Lynn A'Court, Verona neighbours

We hope you will join us on a tour of the Depot Creek Nature Reserve.
"They keep building and building.  Where are the animals going to live?" Renée Lemieux, 12 year old grade 7 student

Other recent news

Congratulations to land conservancy founder and longtime board member Anne Robertson. Anne received the Ontario Land Trust Alliance Vision Award - Individual in September 2011. The award is well-deserved recognition for all of Anne's work in nature education and wild spaces preservation.

We are now 100 members strong!  In 2011 we reached a milestone. The land conservancy now has over 100 members supporting our work in keeping nature near ... always. Our entirely volunteer organization is thriving thanks to our dedicated members. 

We held our annual meeting on April 18, 2012.  A record crowd heard Dr. Chip Weseloh review his bird research in our area and his specific activities on Snake and Salmon islands.  Take a look at the president's report.

Contact us

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or would like to talk about protecting natural spaces.

Contact us by e-mail.

Talk to a Land Conservancy board member.