Canada South Land Trust

The Canada South Land Trust is a registered charitable organization dedicated to preserving natural areas in Southwestern Ontario, specifically within the City of Windsor, Essex County, Pelee Island, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The trust's mission is to secure these areas for future generations, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region's ecological heritage.

Mission and Activities

The trust operates under the principles of conservation, focusing on the protection and preservation of ecologically significant lands. It achieves this goal through various means, including the acceptance of land donations and the establishment of Conservation Easement Agreements. These agreements allow landowners to donate an interest in their land, ensuring its long-term care while providing the donors with income tax benefits.

The Canada South Land Trust utilizes Environment Canada's Ecological Gifts Program, which provides guidelines for accepting donations of ecologically significant lands. This program allows landowners to donate their land outright or create a Conservation Easement, both of which result in an income tax receipt reflecting the appraised value of the donation.

Organizational Overview

As a registered charity with a business number of 857417331RR0001, the Canada South Land Trust complies with all the requirements set forth by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The organization is recognized for its commitment to environmental conservation and is part of local initiatives aimed at protecting natural habitats.

Legacy and Impact

The trust honors the legacy of its founding President, Elizabeth (Betty) Learmouth, who played a pivotal role in conservation efforts in the region. To commemorate her contributions, plans are underway to establish a natural heritage site named after her.

The Canada South Land Trust collaborates with other local environmental groups to address shared conservation concerns, such as the rapid loss of natural areas and family farms in Ontario. Through these partnerships, the trust aims to amplify its impact and ensure a sustainable future for Southwestern Ontario's natural landscapes.

[1] http://www.canadasouthlandtrust.org [2] http://www.canadasouthlandtrust.org/what-we-do/ [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canada-south-land-trust/ [4] https://olta.ca/find-a-land-trust/canada-south-land-trust/ [5] https://kawarthanow.com/2025/04/02/kawartha-land-trust-one-of-six-canadian-land-trusts-certified-for-conservation-excellence-by-national-organization/