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the TaTTLer
a newsletter of the
Thames Talbot Land Trust
Working together to leave a legacy of healthy landscapes
Seeds of Change in Ontario Agriculture
We do not inherit the earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children." - Native Proverb
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The guest speaker at our AGM was David Pullen, Executive Director of the McCully Centre for Rural Learning (MCRL) and the Farm's manager. MCRL and TTLT are partners in a project that will see the farmland protected in perpetuity and greatly enhance the educational and social capacity of this popular site near St Marys.
The McCully family farm was purchased from the Canada Company by John McCully in 1847. Third generation family member Norman McCully, now a Member of the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame, dedicated much of his life to land stewardship and to the education of rural youth.
Several years ago, the family realized that in order to maintain high quality programming and to improve public access to the farm, an alliance would have to be forged with other groups and individuals dedicated to environmental and agricultural education. At the same time, several family members wished to develop a plan that would ensure the farm's existence for future generations. With support from members of the McCully/Pullen families, a not-for-profit organization known as the McCully Center for Rural Learning was developed and is governed by an independent board of directors.
As a not-for profit organization, the McCully Centre for Rural Learning will operate the farm. Production and sales of maple syrup, meats, vegetables and farm-made preserves associated with McCully's Hill Farm will continue, with revenues going directly back into the operations of the McCully Centre. Seasonal tours and events will also continue with an increasing emphasis on educational programs for groups of all ages. TTLT will take ownership of the farm and lease it to MCRL providing long-term security for the McCully Centre project and protection of the environmental and agricultural features of the farm.
Fourth generation McCully family member Florence Pullen, a strong supporter of the programs and activities at the farm, recently said; "My parents, Norman and Elizabeth McCully would be delighted that the farm they loved will be continuing in this exciting direction. My father was an innovator who readily embraced new ideas. He was passionate about land stewardship and sharing his agricultural knowledge with others, particularly young people - concepts so avidly shared by his grandson David."
David Pullen Leads a Tour for Land Trust members
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President's Address to the AGM
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 As President, I am pleased to now have this opportunity to highlight some of the Trust’s recent and current initiatives. Looking back, it is clear that 2005 was an eventful year for the Thames Talbot Land Trust.
In February of 2005, the Trust registered its conservation easement agreement with Eric and Marsha Eberhardt to protect the natural features of their 100 acre farm located near Sebringville. On June 5, 2005, friends and neighbours joined TTLT members and the Eberhardts to officially celebrate the event and to tour of the property.
The Eberhardt easement represents the first formal agreement in the Land Trust’s Headwaters initiative; its aim is to protect significant headwater lands of the Thames River, a Canadian Heritage River. The Eberhardt easement was featured in the Winter 2005/2006 edition of ON Nature and was also the subject of a workshop at the 2006 Guelph Organic conference in January.
Securing conservation lands is an expensive undertaking. Substantial funds are required to acquire, and properly care for, conservation lands. Knowing this, the Board established an Opportunities Fund in the summer of 2005. Monies donated to this fund will be accumulated for the purpose of securing and managing key conservation lands.
This past fall, TTLT was delighted to be the recipient of one of the largest gifts in Ontario’s conservation history when Richard and Beryl Ivey announced a one million gift to TTLT’s Opportunities Fund. The Ivey Natural Lands Legacy will be disbursed on a matching basis so that the total amount associated with this donation will be at least two million dollars. This generous gift will allow TTLT to make a significant contribution to conservation within the Thames Talbot region.
Also in 2005, the Trust completed an agreement with the McIlwraith Field Naturalists that will see the two organizations work together to create a tribute to Helen and Spencer Inch, two long-time McIlwraith members. Proceeds from the Inch bequest will be used acquire a conservation property in honour of their many contributions to the cause of conservation.
Looking Forward
Looking forward, 2006 is shaping up to be another eventful year. Our Fundraising and Marketing Committee has been active on many fronts and are advancing several initiatives to enhance the profile of TTLT within the community. Among these are the TTLT’s participation in the Leave a Legacy program, which encourages and facilitates planned gifts to the Trust. TTLT’s focus on the permanent protection of land naturally lends itself to the creation of lasting legacies.
On the fundraising front, TTLT has recently completed arrangements for a monthly donor program. This is a convenient way to support the Trust and it provides us with reliable and predictable stream of revenue that assists us greatly in planning our activities. I would encourage you to consider taking advantage of this vehicle for supporting TTLT.
Our Acquisitions Committee is looking forward not only to following up on several existing leads involving partner groups and individuals landowners, but also moving forward with some initiatives of its own. With our Opportunities Fund now well established, TTLT is in a position to take a leading role in land securement within the region.
And, of course, the Trust looks forward to the evolution of its recently established partnership with the McCully Centre for Rural Learning. With TTLT and MCRL sharing so many objectives in common, ours is a natural partnership.
In closing, I would like to thank our all volunteers, you our members and all our other generous supporters. None of our achievements would have been possible without your continued goodwill and assistance.
Bernie VanDenBelt
6 April 2006
Editors note: This address was Bernie’s final duty as TTLT President, a post that he had held since incorporation.
Many thanks Bernie!
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| to contact the Board |
| Tel: |
519-858-3442 |
| eMail: |
thamestalbot@ttlt.ca |
| Postal Mail: |
Thames Talbot Land Trust
P.O. Box 25054, London, Ontario N6C 6A8 |
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Arboretum America comes to The Forest City
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 Plan on joining us this October when a capacity crowd is expected at the Wolf Performance Hall when celebrated author and “renegade scientist” Diana Beresford-Kroeger brings her message of environmental salvation through the miracle of trees to The Forest City. London’s leading conservation groups are hosting this free event in order to promote the inspiring vision that we can restore the health of our landscape. Diana’s recent book Arboretum America: A Philosophy of the Forest has been awarded the National Arbor Day Foundation’s 2005 Media Award.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a botanist, medical and agricultural researcher, lecturer, and self-defined “renegade scientist” in the fields of classical botany, medical biochemistry, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. In the area of popular media, she has regularly contributed to, written for, or hosted programs on CBC radio, National Public Radio (USA) and CTV. She is a regular columnist for the Canadian magazines, Nature Canada, and Eco/Farm and Gardens, and the community newspaper, the Merrickville Phoenix. Her articles also appear in Europe in journals such as those of Irish Garden Plant society, the Wiltshire Gardens Trust and others.
Diana Beresford-Kroeger was raised in Ireland and now lives outside of Ottawa. She has studied classical botany, medical biochemistry, organic and radio nuclear chemistry, and experimental surgery in Ireland, the USA and Canada. Her scientific publications appear in journals such as, The American Heart Journal, The Canadian Heart Journal, and The Journal of Microscopy. She has lectured at the University College Cork (Ireland) and at Carleton University (Canada) and received a fellowship at the University of Connecticut. She has worked as a research scientist at the Canada Department of Agriculture and the University of Ottawa School of Medicine, as well as the aforementioned institutions.
Her charitable work includes raising considerable funds for the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize winning group Medecins san Frontiers, the Shepherds of Good Hope Shelter, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, many horticultural societies, arboreta and libraries. She is also an active scientific and educational resource for eastern Ontario schools.
Beresford-Kroeger and I share a dream. We want people to see the forest and the trees, and the wildlife abounding in wild environments, in fine detail. We want native species to be valued and cultivated one by one for the special place they have in the deep history of the land. We want horticulturists to contribute more consciously and joyfully to the natural heritage they represent. Arboretum America speaks for the trees as well as it has ever been done.” — from the foreword by Edward O. Wilson
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Please mark your calendar for
Friday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.
Wolf Performance Hall
London Public Library, Dundas Street
Free admission
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TTLT gets an Exective Director: Don Gordon
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 On April 1st, 2006 the Board of Directors of the Thames Talbot Land Trust appointed Don Gordon as the first Executive Director of the Trust. The Trust was established in 2000 and has enjoyed a string of successes in its efforts to conserve natural, agricultural and cultural heritage throughout the Thames Talbot region, centred on London, Ontario. Don has extensive experience in Ontario’s land trust community beginning with his role as Executive Director of the Muskoka Heritage Foundation. In addition, Don was on the founding committee of the Ontario Nature Trust Alliance that was subsequently incorporated as the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, of which he was a founding Governor. Don also played a leading role in the creation of the Thames Talbot Land Trust in his capacity as the Executive Director of Carolinian Canada.
In addition to his experience in land conservation Don is also an expert fund raiser and holds the Certified Fund Raising Executivedesignation and is a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners . Don has worked for such prominent organizations as the Canadian Red Cross and Ducks Unlimited Canada, as well as operating his own consulting practice serving a wide variety of charitable interests. Don has a keen interest in promoting excellence in philanthropy through his involvement with professional associations and as a college instructor.
Don is an alumnus of the University of Toronto Schools and read history and philosophy at the University of Toronto where he also managed a Co-op housing project. Prior to his career in conservation Don qualified as a journeyman carpenter; first operating a renovation firm in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, and then building custom cottages on the Muskoka Lakes. Don lives in London with his ecologist wife and their two children.
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Grant Recognizes Value of Land Trust
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 The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) recently made a grant of $57,000 to the TTLT to foster the growth and sustainability of the organization. The OTF recognizes that volunteers are the foundation of healthy and caring communities that are safe, clean, secure and vibrant. The OTF is committed to building community connections and awareness; promoting and increasing volunteerism, particularly among young people; enhancing the capacity of the volunteer sector and fostering strategic thinking and innovation; and building the capacity of charitable and not-for-profit organizations. TTLT is proud that OTF has recognized that the strength of our land trust is the commitment of our volunteers and has chosen to invest in us so that we may build a legacy of healthy landscapes.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario’s charity casino initiative.
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Committees of the Thames Talbot Land Trust
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The TTLT relies upon volunteers to get the job done. Although we have recently been able to contract a part-time Executive Director the lion’s share of the work of the TTLT is performed through our active committees. Each committee is chaired by a Director, but many of the members are community volunteers. Committee work is a great way to become involved with the land trust movement.
Acquisition Committee Chair:Stan Caveney
The Acquisition Committee is charged with identifying and evaluating land securement opportunities. These may be gifts of property or easements, or in rare cases the TTLT may offer to purchase a significant property. The Committee uses conservation science to help determine priority areas. A number of areas were identified in our Blueprint for Action study and our decisions are also informed by partners such as conservation authorities and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. TTLT has a comprehensive acquisitions policy which results in a careful evaluation of each candidate property to ensure that it fits with our long term objectives. Gifts to the Opportunities Fund such as the $1 million pledge from Richard and Beryl Ivey make it possible for the TTLT to protect a natural legacy in perpetuity.
Fund Raising and Marketing Committee Chair:Shelley Kaufman
Public awareness and financial support go hand in hand and so it is natural that this committee combines those two functions. Among the committee’s priorities is to increase membership in the TTLT and to promote this our volunteers make speaking appearances, write stories for local media, distribute brochures and set up our display at various events. The committee has prepared a Case for Support and a Fund Development Plan to guide the TTLT towards financial sustainability. The committee is organizing the appearance this fall of noted author Diana Beresford-Kroeger that we hope will throw a spotlight on the local conservation community. Most recently the committee has been working hard to promote the idea of making bequest to the Opportunities Fund as a means of leaving a permanent natural legacy.
Property Management Committee Chair:Jane Bowles
Securing a property is just the beginning of TTLT’s responsibilities. In order to protect the natural legacy we must monitor, manage and maintain the properties within our care. This process begins even before we acquire a property as members of the management committee assist the acquisitions committee in assessing candidate properties and determining management goals for them. TTLT develops a comprehensive baseline inventory of each property and then conducts regular monitoring to track our progress or to identify any problems. In addition the committee we also develop projects to enhance the natural values of the sites. TTLT’s dedication to detail and ecological integrity are second to none.
Our volunteers pool their talents as scientists, teachers, lawyers, planners, business people and much more to form a dynamic team that is playing a leading role in local conservation. If you are interested in a meaningful volunteer experience in an organization that is truly led by volunteers, please contact usinfo@ttlt.ca
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Perspective of the new President
Muriel Andreae
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How can I fill Bernie VanDenBelt's shoes, as President of the Land Trust? In April I accepted signing authority as the new President of TTLT, and asked myself what would this mean?
I have realized that this Land Trust stands on three pillars: people, planning, and land. People formed the idea of this land trust; ethical, responsible, conservation-minded people organized the structure; worded our bylaws; and initiated the Board structure and committees. Members financed this process, and the reputation and the actions of these members has resulted in: the Meadowlily property donation; the Eberhardt Conservation Easement; the Dewdney bequest of Newport Forest; development of the McIlwraith Field Naturalists Inch bequest; and donation of the Ivey Natural Lands Legacy funds.
Planning was needed: to provide solid financing; to steer and support committees; to obtain and retain good staff; and to serve and increase our membership. For the land, we must set an example of good stewardship and provide information and opportunities of good land securement practices. In recognition of these three pillars, our vision is most appropriate: "Working together to leave a legacy of healthy landscapes."
Bernie has done an amazing job as President for our first six years. I will work hard to fulfill this role, and hope many more people will contact us, to share our vision
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Giving back to Mother Nature
Terry Keep
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 The Thames River meanders through southwestern Ontario past a 45 hectare parcel of rich forest land known as Newport Forest. On most winter afternoons, you will find Kee Dewdney tending Newport Forest. Kee and his wife Pat purchased the land 8 years ago from the Newport family. Kee and Pat Dewdney live in London, Ontario. But their hearts belong to the forestland, which borders the Thames River near Skunk’s Misery Forest 45 minutes west of London, just west of the town of Wardsville.
As part of a growing trend of protecting land from encroaching urban and industrial development, today’s generation wants to leave a legacy behind.
In the past, landowners like Kee and Pat struggled with how to protect the land once they were no longer here to be the stewards. But the recent advent of land conservation trusts in Ontario was the perfect solution for Kee and Pat.
Land trusts like the Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT), exist in order to allow people to create a permanent natural legacy for future generations. Through conservation easements, gifts of land or donations in cash, donors make it possible for future generations to share their love of nature. To land trusts, a legacy of an important landscape is a welcome gift.
After long and careful consideration, the Dewdneys have committed to bequeath their treasured Newport Forest to the TTLT. The Trust will hold the land in perpetuity and manage it according to a conservation plan developed with the Dewdneys. Kee and Pat chose the Thames Talbot Land Trust to receive their land gift, as they know that the TTLT shares the same values and vision for the land as they do.
Kee and Pat Dewdney have a deep understanding of what it means to be good stewards of the land. Through many years of experience in the preservation of the Kirk-Cousins Management Area (just south of London) the Dewdneys formed clear opinions on what a good caretaker should be. As a result, the Dewdneys’ love of the forest shows in the painstaking network of trails, a detailed species inventory, and the reforestation of old farmland.
When asked what his grand vision for the area is Kee replies “Skunk’s Misery National Forest. We will need the cooperation of private landowners, municipal government and organizations like the TTLT to acquire and protect land in the area for this vision to be realized one day”.
Kee and Pat see their gift to the TTLT as a seed that will blossom over time. “The TTLT has more resources to protect the land than I have. I hope people see the long-term value in having an organization like the Thanes Talbot Land Trust to conserve the land.” Indeed, it is the trust’s sole purpose to see the blossom of their land gift each and every year.
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Federal Budget 2006: Encouraging Donations
Shelley Kaufman
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The 2006 Federal Budget contains two proposed changes that would have an immediate benefit to donors of both ecologically sensitive lands and publicly traded securities. The 2006 budget proposes to exempt donations of ecologically sensitive land under the Ecological Gifts Program (Ecogifts) from capital gains on any donation made on or after May 2, 2006. The 2006 budget proposes to do the same for donations of publicly traded securities to public charities. As long as the 2006 budget passes, the changes will apply retroactively.
These important tax initiatives are directly relevant to the Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT), and the land trust movement generally. As a federally approved recipient under the Ecogifts program, Canadian landowners may donate ecologically sensitive land, or easements on such land, to the TTLT to ensure its preservation in perpetuity. Ecogifts donors currently receive a charitable donation tax credit (individuals) or the charitable donations deduction (for corporations) as well as a reduced inclusion rate on capital gains resulting from the donation.
Applying a reduced inclusion rate, the capital gain that had accrued on the land at the time of the donation is calculated in the donor’s income at one-half the standard capital gains inclusion rate of 50%, reducing this amount to 25%. The proposed exemption will entirely eliminate donations of ecologically sensitive land under the Ecogifts program from capital gains tax, bringing the inclusion rate down to zero. Donors will continue to receive a charitable donation tax credit or deduction from such gifts.
Donations of publicly traded securities to public charities will also be exempt from capital gains tax. Any donation of publicly traded securities to the TTLT Opportunities Fund will benefit directly from this change. The Opportunities Fund has been established by the TTLT to support the costs of securing and stewarding natural, agricultural and cultural lands in perpetuity. The Opportunities Fund can receive capital, in part, through direct gifts of securities or bequests of such securities in wills, memorial gifts and other planned gifts. Once again, instead of applying the reduced inclusion rate of 25%, the exemption would entirely eliminate the inclusion rate.
When the 50% reduction in the inclusion rate was introduced in the 1997 budget, it led to over $1.5 billion in additional gifts of stock, including pledges. While comparable statistics are not available for the newer Ecogifts program, the benefits to a donor resulting from either type of gift are obvious. The TTLT is confident that these proposed changes, which charitable organizations have been lobbying for in Ottawa for years, will encourage donors to consider the additional tax benefits that now accompany their generous gifts of land or securities. TTLT is pleased to know that its donors will no longer have to incur a direct financial tax implication from their philanthropic efforts to preserve Canada’s natural heritage.
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Time, Talent and Treasure
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Regular readers of this newsletter will know that we never let an issue go to press without asking for your financial support. We know that it can be a little tedious, but please bear with us as land securement is a very expensive proposition. If you are already a member - thank-you! If you are not yet a member, or have not renewed your membership please consider doing so today. We are a small organization with big ambitions and we need each and every one of you.
The article above on EcoGifts describes new measures to favour the donations of land. The advertisement for planned gifts to the right appeared in the Leave-a-Legacy supplement in the London Free Press. On the reverse you will find a reply form. There are many ways that we can work together to leave a legacy of healthy landscapes.
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Can We Talk?
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Land Trusts remain largely a new and unknown concept for most Canadians and we would like to change that. One of the most effective ways we know of is to simply go and speak to groups of people who may already have an interest in conservation.
In recent months volunteers from the TTLT have made presentations and/or set up our portable display at a wide range of events and locations. We have spoken to organic farmers in Guelph, woodlot owners in Middlesex, and service club members in London. We have been to Stratford, Glencoe and St Mary's; and we’ve been written up in ON Nature, Ontario Farmer and the London Free Press.
Now we would like to come and speak with you. If your group or organization would like a speaker, or if you are planning an event at which we could put our display then we want to hear from you.
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Membership in TTLT
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It is time to renew your membership in the Thames Talbot Land Trust, or perhaps to become a member for the first time. It would be hard to overstate how important membership is to our organization - we simply wouldn't exist without it. We know that there are many worthy causes that compete for your attention and your support but consider that less than 2% of the charitable giving in Canada goes towards conservation and the environment and you will realize how important it is for those of us who care to match our concern with our generosity.
Annual membership fees are
$25 for Youth;
$50 for Individual; and
$100 for a Group or Corporation.
Membership period is January to December.
Please see Membership Renewal Form
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Automatic Monthly Donation Authorization
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This year we are pleased to introduce the Supporters' Circle of convenient automatic monthly payments.
Become anAdvocate with a gift of $20/month, or a Protector with a gift of $40/month.
You will receive an annual tax receipt and you may alter, cancel or suspend your monthly gift at any time. This is an easy way to make a larger gift.
Please see Automatic Monthly Donation Authorization Form
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Contributors to this issue:
Muriel Anrdreae
Jane Bowles
Bill DeYoung
Don Gordon
Terry Keep
Bernie VanDenBelt
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