Size: 51.34 acres

Established: 2022

Donors: Eric & Karen Auzins

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Straddling the boundary between the City of London and the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, Auzins Nature Sanctuary was donated by Eric and Karen Auzins toward the Vision 20/20 campaign. The wetland areas are part of the Provincially Significant Brigham Road Wetland (PSW) and are within a candidate City of London Environmentally Significant Area (ESA).

Size: 139.13 acres

Established: 2014 & 2019

Donor: Elaine Bebensee in memory of her husband Lloyd Bebensee

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated & Purchased

Photo by Cathy Quinlan

Background:

Bebensee Tract was gifted to TTLT by Elaine Bebensee of Calgary in memory of her husband Lloyd Bebensee. Both grew up near Skunk's Misery Natural Area, one of the largest remnant Carolinian forest blocks in Southwestern Ontario. The reserve expanded in 2019, adding an additional 75 acres. At over 1200-ha in size, Skunk's Misery is designated as a provincial Life Sciences Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, a Carolinian Canada Signature Site, and a Bird Studies Canada Important Bird Area. The nature reserve is bordered by large, forested tracts owned and managed by the County of Middlesex and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

Size: 50 acres

Established: 2015

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Sheila McCahon

Background:

Located in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, Beryl Ivey Woods is part of the highly diverse Skunk's Misery Natural Area mosaic. This nature reserve is named after the late Beryl Ivey. Beryl and Richard Ivey generously donated 1 million dollars, which was used to create the Opportunities Fund and later purchase Beryl Ivey Woods.

Size: 26.96 acres

Established: 2025

Donor: 2862083 Ontario Inc.

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

This nature reserve is part of the Five Points Forest Wetland Complex, which is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). Birch Hollow was gifted for ecological preservation by Kristian Carson of 27862083 Ontario Inc. 

Size: 4.36 acres

Established: 2011

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Black Creek Heronry in East Perth County has been the breeding grounds for a large colony of Great Blue Heron for at least 30 years. It is one of only two heronries in Perth County and is thus the source for these well-loved and majestic birds. TTLT was fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase this wetland that abuts Eberhardt Easement, 100 acres already protected by a Conservation Easement Agreement held by TTLT. 

Size: 67.74 acres

Established: 2009

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Located in the Municipality of West Elgin, just west of Wardsville, Blain Farm was purchased from Wilbert and Eleanor Blain, who had farmed the land for over 70 years. Blain Farm lies one kilometre south of Skunk's Misery Forest, one of the region's most important natural areas.

Size: 85 acres

Established: 2022

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Boview Farm was formerly home to Mary and Paul Harding, and it has been generously bequested to TTLT as a way of continuing the Hardings’ great conservation efforts and legacy. The name “Boview Farm” originates from two associations with the land – the Oxbow Creek that partly runs through it and the bovines (beef cattle) that once grazed its pastures.

Size: 103.20 acres

Established: 2025

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated and Purchased

Photo by Mark Buchanan

Background:

Bradshaw Conservation Lands was established in partnership with the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation (SCRCF). It is part of the protected wildlife corridor along Black Creek, where the SCRCF has created a complex of connected natural areas that support biodiversity. It was identified as a priority for conservation in the Sydenham River Conservation Action Plan. This nature reserve was named for Bradshaw, St. Clair where it is located, in honor of the donor’s wishes for the lands to benefit the community. Management of Bradshaw Conservation Lands will be undertaken by the SCRCF.

Size: 48.07 acres

Established: 2022

Donors: Peter & Heather Scott

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated & Purchased

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

This former farm has been actively restored by Heather and Peter Scott for more than 25 years. Presently, the Scott’s routinely visit the nature reserve to provide stewardship activities and care for the area.

Size: 77.85 acres

Established: 2009

Donors: Al & Lilianne Driedger

Status: Open to the Public

Protection: Donation

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Driedger Tract was donated to TTLT by Al and Lilianne Driedger, who wanted to protect the natural features of the land in perpetuity. This nature reserve is part of the Five Points Forest Wetland Complex, a designated Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW).

Size: 22 acres

Established: 2021

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Lease

Photo by Nela Jankechova

Background:

TTLT leases this nature reserve from CSX Transportation.

Size: 100 acres

Established: 2005

Protected by: Eric & Marsha Eberhardt

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Conservation Easement Agreement

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Located in the Municipality of East Perth, this is TTLTs first Conservation Easement Agreement. In signing this agreement, Eric and Marsha Eberhardt sought to fulfill the wishes of Hamitage Richardson who entrusted the land to their care. The Richardson family began the work of restoring the site, which was, by all accounts, particularly barren at the turn of the century. In 1910, the Richardsons embarked on an 80-year effort that transformed the face of the farm. Today, the nature reserve stands as a testament to the remarkable stewardship efforts of these two families. In the 1990s, 30,000 trees and shrubs were planted with the assistance of area school children and Scouts.

Size: 84.5 acres

Established: 2017

Donor: George Gillies

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Gillies Nature Tract was generously donated by George Gillies, who wanted to protect this beautiful habitat in perpetuity. This nature reserve is a designated Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW).

Size: 304.04 acres

Established: 2016 & 2023

Donor: Cheryl Barendregt

Status: Open to the Public

Protection: Donated & Purchased

Photo by David Wake

Background:

Hawk Cliff Woods is a stunning nature reserve fronting on Lake Erie near Port Stanley. Birders, nature lovers, and banders have been visiting this area for generations. As early as 1950, naturalists from London, Port Stanley, and St. Thomas organized public hawk-viewing weekends at Hawk Cliff, beginning a tradition of public education and awareness that continues to this day. Hawk Cliff has become internationally known as a “Hawkwatch” site and is world renowned as an observation point for over 20 birds of prey, a place for hawk banding and as a site to see migrating songbirds and Monarch butterflies.

Size: 26.93 acres

Established: 2024 & 2025

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

The Jane Bowles Ecological Reserve is situated in the Municipality of West Elgin along the Lake Erie bluffs. This nature reserve forms part of the Elgin-Kent shoreline Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) as well as the Southwest Elgin Forest Complex Important Bird Area. Historically, several areas of Elgin County were cleared for agricultural activities; however, the Jane Bowles Ecological Reserve remained untouched by these activities, preserving the existing Carolinian trees.

Size: 364.33 acres

Established: 2007

Status: Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Located in the Ausable River Valley, Joany's Woods is located near Sylvan in the Municipality of North Middlesex. Thomas Doherty of Sarnia purchased the land in 1986 for the purpose of conservation through reforestation. In 1990, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority entered into an agreement with Mr. Doherty to manage the land for conservation and passive recreational pursuits by the public. When Mr. Doherty died in August 2006, his executor had to list the land for sale to settle the estate. This led to TTLT purchasing the nature reserve. The name “Joany’s Woods” was given to the nature reserve in memory of Doherty’s daughter, Joan.

Size: 100 acres

Established: 2024

Protected by: David Livingstone & Lynn Hjartarson

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Conservation Easement Agreement

Photo by David Livingstone

Background:

Located in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, Livingstone Farm is a Conservation Easement Agreement. David Livingstone and Lynn Hjartarson signed this agreement to ensure the protection of the habitats on this nature reserve. In the past 10 years, this nature reserve has had extensive restoration work, including adding 56.02 acres of new habitat for wildlife.

Size: 127.42 acres

Established: 2015 & 2018

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Background:

Lusty Family Woods is a spectacular Carolinian swamp forest which lies at the heart of the West Lorne Woods in the Municipality of West Elgin. Securement of this wooded parcel significantly increases the amount of protected habitat in the West Lorne Woods. The nature reserve is named the Lusty Family Woods in recognition of the contributions made by the Lusty Family to the Rodney community over many years. Lusty Family Woods contains a wetland that is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW).

Size: 73.34 acres

Established: 2025

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by David Wake

Background:

MapleCross - Bass Woods is located in West Elgin, just 13 kilometres from Wardsville Woods, another parcel protected by TTLT. The name of this nature reserve honors the generous MapleCross funding that allowed TTLT to purchase the nature reserve, as well as the Bass family that had stewarded the land for generations.

Size: 46 acres

Established: 2008

Donors: The McTavish Family

Status: Partially Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Located in Township of Perth East, McTavish Tract is part of a larger area that was settled by Alexander McTavish in 1836. The farm remained in the McTavish family until 1965, when it was sold by Donald McTavish. A long-time conservationist, Donald had the foresight to sever the wooded tract from the original farm, retaining ownership for the McTavish family. His children, Stuart, Robert, Murray, Hugh, Laura, Marian, and Donna, decided to protect the nature reserve in perpetuity by donating it to TTLT.

Size: 14.45 acres

Established: 2002

Donors: Carol & Rick Richardson

Status: Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Payton Landsborough

Background:

Meadowlily Nature Preserve became the first nature reserve dedicated to TTLT. Located within the City of London, on the south side of the Thames River between Highbury Avenue and Meadowlily Road, it was donated to TTLT by Carol and Rick Richardson, who wanted to ensure that their family's land would be protected from future development. This nature reserve is recognized as an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) by the City of London.

Size: 105.01 acres

Established: 2020

Donors: Stan and Anita Caveney

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Stan Caveney

Background:

Located in the southwest corner of the Municipality of West Elgin, MeadowWoods was generously donated by Stan and Anita Caveney toward our Vision 20/20 campaign. It lies within a large coastal wildlife corridor formed by a chain of steep wooded ravines and valleys stretching along 100 km of Lake Erie shoreline in Elgin County.

Size: 106.36 acres

Established: 2019

Donors: Donald and Ruth Bucknell

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated & Easement

Photo by Cathy Quinlan

Background:

Located in the Township of South-West Oxford, Mud Lake Nature Reserve was generously donated to TTLT by Donald and Ruth Bucknell as part of the Vision 20/20 campaign. The wetland is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW).

Size: 100 acres

Established: 2007

Donors: Omnibus Research, Inc (A.K. Dewdney)

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Donated

Photo by Victoria Quilitz

Background:

Located in the Municipality of West Elgin, Newport Forest is part of a much larger forest complex known as the Skunk’s Misery Complex, which consists of about 4000 acres of forest in various conditions. Among the early landowners of Newport Forest were Alex Cameron (1840) and Henry Powell (1877). During and since that period the land has always been mixed agriculture and woodlot.

Size: 36.67 acres

Established: 2023

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Ellise Proctor

Background:

Ridgeview Wetlands is part of the Five Points Woods Wetland Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and an important wildlife refuge. Les and Almeda Charlton have been caring for these lands for more than 30 years. They have initiated wetland restoration projects to support wetland birds and turtles and enjoyed the varied terrain on their walks.

Size: 56.24 acres

Established: 2020

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Daria Koscinski

Background:

Ross's Woods is part of the Five Points Woods Wetland Complex and an important wildlife refuge. There is also a wetland that is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). Ross’s Woods is named after Ross Snider, an avid birder and well-respected bird rehabilitator. He spent many years caring for injured and orphaned wildlife at his Tamarack Raptor Rehabilitation Centre. From Ross's detailed and extensive coverage of what is now known as Ross's Woods, it is apparent what value this nature reserve holds for a variety of bird species that call it home.

To read more about Ross, visit http://www.ofo.ca/library/view/id/22, page 14.

Size: 49.74 acres

Established: 2019

Status: Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by David Wake

Background:

Located in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, Sitler Woods was secured as part of the Vision 20/20 campaign and has long been recognized by TTLT as a top priority for securement. Situated within the extensive Skunk’s Misery Natural Area, this parcel links two woodlands that are in county ownership. The Skunk’s Misery complex is home to many rare species that require large tracts of interior woodland to thrive. TTLT already has other nature reserves within the complex, as do others, including the County of Middlesex, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, and many private landowners.

Size: 100 acres

Established: 2025

Protected by: Jim Handyside & Janette Richards

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Conservation Easement Agreement

Background:

Located in the Municipality of North Middlesex, SpringRush Farm is a Conservation Easement Agreement. Jim Handyside and Janet Richards signed this agreement to ensure the protection of the habitats on this nature reserve. The landowners have helped keep this area pristine, including adding a dug pond to create a wetland habitat.

Size: 100 acres

Established: 2010

Status: Not Open to the Public

Protection: Purchased

Photo by Bren Martinez

Background:

With generous support from nature organizations, charitable foundations and more than 160 individuals, TTLT was able to purchase the Tanager Tract, a Carolinian hardwood forest near West Lorne in West Elgin. Tanager Tract is part of a 380-ha forest known as the West Lorne Woods, a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).