North Lancaster-area farmer donates 72 acres of woodland to SDG Counties

Charles McDonald says he first started to think about a land donation 10 or 15 years ago when he first heard about the Ontario Heritage Trust. Courtesy Photo

SDG – A family farm with roots dating back to 1837 will leave a lasting legacy of conservation after owner Charles McDonald donated 72 acres of woodland to the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG Counties).

McDonald, who has dedicated nearly 80 years to the family farm, donated the property just outside North Lancaster through SDG Counties’ land donation program, which helps protect forested land for future generations.

“We don’t need any more corn and soybean fields in the area when there is a bush there to admire,” McDonald said with a chuckle, in describing the rationale for his decision. “I’d like to have this preserved in whatever manner SDG Counties wishes to manage it.”

The property features a variety of tree species, including maple, basswood, hickory and red oak. A sugar bush once operated on the land, which has also been sustainably managed for timber production and wildlife habitat.

McDonald said the donation fulfils a goal he first considered more than a decade ago.

“This dates back 15 or 20 years when I first went to a conference that was put on by Ontario Heritage Trust. At this conference they spoke about these kinds of donations,” explained McDonald.

The donation adds to SDG Counties’ extensive community forest holdings. The municipality owns and manages approximately 9,760 acres of forested land.

Philip Duncan, SDG Counties’ county forester, said the municipality works with property owners to make the donation process as straightforward as possible while ensuring the long-term protection of the land.

“The care Charles and his family have put into the woodlot is evident and we will ensure its protection and conservation,” said Duncan. “SDG Counties engages in sustainable forest practices to conserve and enhance our community forest. SDG Counties is happy to work with landowners to ensure the preservation of woodlots through the land donation program.”

McDonald’s donation will allow the woodland to remain protected and managed for conservation, wildlife and future generations, preserving a natural feature of the region that has been part of his family’s history for nearly two centuries.