GOOD NEWS: ECA becomes land trust and secures first property to be Preserved Forever

Collingwood, ON – This fall, the ECA expanded to become a land trust. With a local focus, and collaborating with existing land trusts such as the Bruce Trail Conservancy and Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, they are aiming to inspire local land holders to take conservation action and protect ecological lands in perpetuity. As a land trust the ECA can protect land through ownership or conservation easement, and as an eligible recipient of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, qualified donors may be exempt from capital gains tax and may carry forward income tax credits for up to 10 years.

In July 2025, the ECA team explored a remarkable place: a 10 ha/24-acre property that they are temporarily calling Metcalfe North, which is now set to become the very first protected area for the ECA.

“We made the decision to expand with a land trust program very carefully based on numerous community conversations suggesting that a locally led and focused conservation land trust would result in more natural lands protected and connected. Our intention is to complement and expand on the great work that others have been doing for decades.”

• Jarvis Strong, Executive Director

Their first land securement project, Metcalfe North, is a true gem. Nestled within the lands of Treaty 18 of 1818, the Treaty and Traditional territory of the Chippewa Tri-Council (Rama, Beausoleil Island and Georgina Island First Nations) as well as the traditional territories of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. The Metcalfe North property sits adjacent to the Kolapore Uplands Resource Management Area and provides ecological connectivity with the nearby Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park. This property is a vital first step in the process of stitching together a protected corridor across South Georgian Bay.

Here, mature hardwood forests, exposed escarpment cliffs, and ancient caves weave together to offer habitat for several species at risk, including American Hart’s-tongue Fern and Eastern Wood Pee-wee. The dramatic cliff faces create prime nesting sites for Peregrine Falcon, and the cool caves likely shelter at-risk bat species. At the base of the escarpment, natural springs and seeps feed two small wetlands – quiet pockets of life supporting amphibians, turtles, insects, Broad-leaved Cattails, Sweet Joe-Pye Weed, and abundant willow thickets.

By securing this property, these geological and ecological treasures of the Niagara Escarpment in South Georgian Bay remain intact – for wildlife, for climate resilience, and for future generations. It also preserves public access to nature along a portion of the Bruce Trail that connects to Metcalfe Rock, a favourite nature attraction for many visitors and local residents alike.

This moment represents a major milestone for the ECA. After nearly four years of community engagement, advocacy and research – as well as 18 months of science-based corridor planning to identify the most important areas for biodiversity within their expansive 212,000-hectare Area of Influence – they are now advancing real, tangible conservation solutions for nature in South Georgian Bay. Metcalfe North sits at the heart of this vision, setting the foundation for a connected landscape that will grow with each new property the ECA secures.

More than 80% of the funds needed have already been raised. To close this property, and protect it forever, the ECA still needs to secure the remaining $250,000 by December 31st.

To help the ECA secure Metcalfe North, forever, you can make a donation here: LAND SECUREMENT FUND

As a new land trust, the ECA has ambitious goals—to connect and protect a nature corridor spanning across South Georgian Bay. Metcalfe North is the beginning of a butterfly effect that will create a legacy, for nature, for people, for good.

Media Contact
Jarvis Strong
[email protected]