In December 2020, Laurie and Judith Reed made an extraordinary ecological gift to Conservation Halton to preserve 80 acres of their cherished 105-acre property in Milton. With strong scientific backgrounds—Judith, a biologist with a master’s degree in wetland ecology, and Laurie, a geophysicist with a keen interest in nature—were both acutely aware of the ecological importance of their land. Rich with marshland, their property stores water during rain and snowfall events and helps to prevent downstream flooding by maintaining water flow over time.
The Reeds’ journey with this land began in 1984 when a friend invited them to look at the property. At the time, it was swampy and overgrazed, but it held potential. The house was originally built in the 1840s and was redesigned and expanded by Laurie and Judith. They have called this place home for forty years.
The original property was saucer-shaped with fields around the edges and marshy woodland in the middle. Laurie and Judith planted white pine, red pine and white spruce to bring native tree species back to the land. The cedars and deciduous trees have also returned vigorously, creating dense canopies in a lush environment. In the 1990s, beavers moved in and built dams that created a 30-acre pond that now supports diverse wildlife, including Great Blue herons, painted turtles and various fish species like large mouth bass and chub.
Laurie recalled, “Seeing the land transform over the years has been incredibly rewarding. When we first planted the trees, it was hard to imagine what they would look like thirty years on. It’s wonderful to watch the natural evolution of the land.”
Judith reminisced, “I remember the time when the beavers moved in. It was a turning point for our land. Watching them build their dams and seeing the pond come to life with so many different species has been nothing short of magical.”
Laurie and Judith’s decision to donate their land to Conservation Halton was driven by their deep conservation values and their love of the cyclical changes of nature. “We’ve always felt a responsibility to preserve this land. It’s a living ecosystem, and every year we see new changes and new life. Our goal has always been to protect it,” Laurie explained.
Laurie and Judith wish for the land to flourish naturally to ensure that its ecological value is preserved for the future. Their concern for local wildlife and the broader ecological health of the region fueled their decision.
Ecological gifts are an opportunity to contribute to Halton’s Natural Heritage System and ensure the protection of land in perpetuity. For Judith and Laurie, knowing that their land will remain a sanctuary for wildlife brings them immense joy.
Judith emphasized, “Knowing that our land will be protected long after we’re gone gives us immense peace of mind. It’s our way of giving back to nature and ensuring that this land remains untouched.”
“The ecological value and community benefits of preserving natural lands are immeasurable. We encourage others thinking about the long-term impact of their land to consider making an ecological gift. Protecting it not only benefits the environment but also leaves a meaningful legacy. The tax benefits are a bonus, but the real reward is knowing you’ve made a difference,” Laurie added.
If you would like to learn more about ecological land donations, please email Trina Seguin at tseguin@hrca.on.ca. To learn more about other ways to support the Conservation Halton Foundation’s Connected campaign, click here.