Largest Campaign in TTLT history aims to protect 1,500 acres and strengthen connections between people and nature across the Carolinian Zone.

November 10, 2025, London, Ontario - Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) is proud to announce the launch of Nature Nearby, a bold new campaign to protect what sustains us: the lands, waters, and wildlife that make Southern Ontario home.

This is TTLT’s largest campaign since its founding in 2000. Nature Nearby aims to raise $10 million dollars over five years to secure an additional 1,500 acres of land in the unique Carolinian Region of Southwestern Ontario. The Nature Nearby campaign is about more than protecting land: it’s about building a healthier, more resilient future for all living beings.

Through the campaign, TTLT will expand its network of protected natural areas safeguarding forests, wetlands, and farmlands forever through land acquisition and conservation easement agreements. It will restore vital ecosystems and take care of the lands to ensure wildlife thrive. It will connect people to nature by developing trails, outdoor learning spaces, and community events. It will build climate resilience by strengthening the natural infrastructure that helps our region adapt to rising temperatures, floods, and drought.

Southwestern Ontario is one of Canada’s most rapidly developing regions. While growth brings opportunity, it also places immense pressure on natural areas and farmland. Nearly half of Canada’s species at risk are found in the Carolinian Zone, a region of remarkable biodiversity and beauty. Protecting these places sustains biodiversity but also safeguards our drinking water, supports healthy soils, and provides vital habitat for wildlife, all essential for a stable climate and a healthy community.

Time spent in nature is also proven to improve human health and wellbeing. Studies by Neuroscience News and the American Psychological Association show that time outdoors reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels, and boosts mood, energy, and connection. Through Nature Nearby, TTLT will bring these benefits closer to home by protecting spaces where everyone can recharge, learn, and feel inspired. Nature Nearby is both a call to action and an invitation to the community. The land we protect today will shape the lives of tomorrow. From cleaner air and water to stronger communities and resilient food systems, the benefits of conservation ripple outward, touching all. Through Nature Nearby, we will safeguard irreplaceable places, expand access to nature, and build a stronger, greener future, for everyone, for generations, forever.

QUOTES:

“We are excited to share that TTLT has already raised $6.5 million of its $10million goal and secured 543 acres toward the 1,500 acre target. With support from the community and beyond, we’ll ensure nature is always nearby for everyone to enjoy and benefit from. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps grow conservation across our region.” ~ Daria Koscinski, Executive Director, Thames Talbot Land Trust

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the early supporters of the Nature Nearby Campaign – our Campaign Catalysts – who provided the necessary capital to launch this exciting and ambitious campaign. Thank you to Finch Auto Group, Karen & Eric Auzins, Klara & George Klein, André Lachance, Donald & Gwendolyn McCall, Donald Taves, Bernie VanDenBelt and Nature London. Your faith in us is most appreciated.” ~ Daria Koscinski, Executive Director, Thames Talbot Land Trust

“TTLT is in the top 25 land trusts across the country (out of over 150) and the organization is poised to make the top 15. Only 5% of Southern Canada is recognized as protected. We need to step up and TTLT is doing that with this bold new campaign.” ~ John Lounds, Director, Business Development, at the Centre for Land Conservation.

FACTS:

• TTLT’s protected sites are nationally recognized Protected Areas, contributing to Canada’s goal of conserving 30 percent of terrestrial lands and waters by 2030.
• The Carolinian Zone, home to species found nowhere else in Canada such as tulip trees, pawpaw fruit, and red-headed woodpeckers, contains the country’s highest biodiversity, yet less than five percent of its land is protected.
• Land Trusts are non-profit, charitable organizations that acquire land for the purpose of conservation, access to nature and community connection, ensuring these places endure for future generations

ABOUT:
Thames Talbot Land Trust is a registered Canadian charity with a mission to protect, conserve, and restore nature within Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford and Perth counties, contributing to a stable climate, human wellbeing, and healthy habitats for all species. TTLT has been making a lasting impact on local landscapes since 2000. TTLT currently protects more than 2,300 acres of land across 29 sites (and counting), which are home to more than 70 species at risk. In 2025, TTLT was the seventh land trust in Canada to receive Conservation Excellence Certification from the Centre for Land Conservation, demonstrating our commitment to rigorous standards for land conservation.

LEARN MORE AND DONATE:
Individuals, foundations, businesses and government partners can visit the Nature Nearby Campaign webpage at: https://www.thamestalbotlandtrust.ca/nature_nearby

TTLT also accepts donations via E-transfer to [email protected] or by cheque, payable to Thames Talbot Land Trust.

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P.O. Box 25054
London ON, N6C 6A8

MEDIA CONTACT:
Daria Koscinski, Executive Director, Thames Talbot Land Trust [email protected] 519-614-5323 (call/text)