Conserving Land for a Thriving Future

Land trusts protect the natural and working lands we share. They take direct action to protect the local land base and hold those lands or conservation easements in trust for future generations

Get to know your local land trust.
Stay up-to-date on our latest news and events.
Support community land conservation in Ontario.

What Are Land Trusts and Why Do They Matter?

Land trusts are non-profit, charitable organizations that acquire land or interests in land (conservation easements) for the purpose of conservation. They take direct action to protect the local land base and hold those lands or conservation easements in trust for future generations.

By conserving natural habitats, promoting conservation efforts, and nurturing sustainable practices, land trusts help ensure a resilient present and future.  

Climate Resilience & Biodiversity Protection

Land trusts are essential in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. As stewards of sensitive lands, they lead conservation efforts to ensure the protection of habitats and wildlife. Through dedicated action and innovative programs, land trusts show how local efforts can drive meaningful global change in preserving our environment.

Community Well-being

In our fast-paced world, nature is essential for well-being. Land trusts preserve natural spaces, making the beauty and benefits of the land accessible to all. By protecting nature, they foster a strong connection to the environment and promote equitable access, ensuring everyone can enjoy its solace, inspiration, and sustenance. 

Protecting Ontario's Natural Heritage

Discover some of the remarkable lands and waters protected by land trusts across Ontario. 

Eden Mills Millpond Lands, conserved by the rare Charitable Research Reserve, stretches across five hectares of vibrant wetlands, floodplains, and forests, safeguarding vital ecosystems for generations to come.
Barrie Island, conserved by the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, offers lush forests, cultural meadows, tallgrass prairies, and a scenic six-kilometer trail with breathtaking views.
Stackhouse Forest Sanctuary, conserved by Long Point Basin Land Trust, protects pristine forests and vital biodiversity.
Big (Boyd/Chiminis) Island, conserved by Kawartha Land Trust, is the largest undeveloped island in the Kawarthas, home to pristine wetlands, lush forests, and diverse plant and wildlife species.
Deverell-Morton Nature Reserve, conserved by Couchiching Conservancy, protects 169 hectares of vital habitat for species at risk.
Escott Nature Reserve, conserved by Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, features a variety of significant habitats and plays a crucial role in preserving local biodiversity.
Riverside Woods Nature Reserve, conserved by Bruce Trail Conservancy, spans 88 hectares of diverse forests, lush meadows, and wildlife habitats.
Blue Heron Wetlands, conserved by the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust, protect 42 hectares of marsh and forest that are vital for wildlife habitat and the local community's water quality.
Bowen Island, conserved by The Kensington Conservancy, is located in the St. Joseph Channel of Lake Huron. This island is a sanctuary for vital bird species and a hub of rich biodiversity.

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Our Collective Impact in Ontario

76K

Hectares Conserved

1,650

Properties Conserved

105+

At-Risk Species Supported

2M

People Engaged

Voices from the Land Trust Community

Find a Local Land Trust

Whether you're looking to spend an engaging afternoon in nature, or seeking options for preserving your own land,
your local land trust can help.

Join Our Newsletter

Stay informed on land conservation efforts through our monthly e-newsletter.

Give to Protect the Land We All Share

Make a contribution to help safeguard Ontario's natural heritage for future generations.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge and are grateful to Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of the land. For many thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples have inhabited, cared for, and used these lands and waters, applying original instructions, Indigenous knowledge systems, and laws. We also acknowledge those Indigenous Peoples, and other peoples who currently live, work, play, and learn on the lands around us. We believe that, as a community, we need to learn about, engage, and uphold our role within treaties, settler responsibilities, and natural law in order to honor our ongoing commitment to meaningful reconciliation with all Indigenous Peoples on whose treaty and ancestral territories we live and work. We are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile with all our relations.

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OLTA Ontario Land Trust Alliance logo

Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) is a registered charity focused on providing community, knowledge sharing and support to land trusts and other groups committed to land conservation across Ontario.

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Charitable Registration #869437517RR0001