This acquisition aligns with NPCA’s Land Securement Strategy launched in late 2022, aimed at acquiring lands within the Niagara Peninsula watershed for environmental and natural hazard protection and public enjoyment. With an ambitious target to acquire 445 acres (180 hectares) of new lands by 2031, this success in Pelham brings NPCA closer to its strategic goal of increasing biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and natural cover through land management.

The land was sold by Anna Lathrop, building on her family’s established legacy in Pelham. In 2011, NPCA acquired 50 acres (20 hectares) through the estate of Anna’s father, Whiting Lathrop, known today as Lathrop Conservation Area. Similarly, Whiting and his wife Margaret also donated the Lathrop Nature Preserve to the Nature Conservancy of Canada in 1998.

The NPCA and its partners in conservation are thankful for the Lathrop family’s commitment to creating a natural legacy. NPCA continues to work towards conserving and enhancing the watershed’s valuable green spaces and encourages others in the community to support this important endeavour by engaging with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation.

There are no immediate plans to open this new property for public access and future uses will be determined through a management planning process.

This important acquisition was made possible through Niagara Region Land Securement Funding and Federal Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada. NPCA is thankful to all supporters and partners for enabling this important work.

QUOTES

“In order to achieve our ambitious conservation goals to help our vital watershed thrive, NPCA takes a collaborative and science-based approach. We are proud to work with all levels of government to improve biodiversity and access to greenspace across the Niagara Peninsula. And we encourage others to follow this remarkable example of the Lathrop Family to conserve the watershed’s precious natural heritage in perpetuity.”

Robert Foster, Board Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

“Being in nature is a gift, an experience you can’t get in any other way. Preserving our land is a way to pay it forward. My father first had the vision to protect this land from development. Now it’s my turn. NPCA is helping us leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren.”

 Anna Lathrop, Lathrop Family of Pelham

“Anna Lathrop and her family are true stewards of the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s natural heritage and their commitment to preserving their property in perpetuity by partnering with NPCA is inspirational. By their example, we hope others will consider ways to leave their own legacy – either through financial donations to Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, or through gifts of land to NPCA.”

Diana Huson, Board Chair, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation