SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - Charles McDonald has a farm, E-I-E-I-O. And on that far, a legacy grows, E-I-E-I-O.
McDonald has sewn the seeds of that legacy with nearly 80 years of dedication to a family farm that has roots dating back to 1837 – 30 years before Confederation.
Now, McDonald has donated a portion of his property, located just outside of North Lancaster, so that future generations can enjoy one of the most picturesque woodlots in the region.
McDonald has donated 72 acres of prime woodlot space to the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, part of a land donation program that facilitates future stewardship and protection of the land.
SDG Counties owns and manages approximately 9,760 acres of forested land.
“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 this decision. “I’d like to have this preserved in whatever manner SDG Counties wishes to manage it.”
The donation includes an array of maple, basswood, hickory and red oak. For a time, a sugar bush operated on the property, and the property has been sustainably managed for timber production and wildlife values.
McDonald said making the donation has been a longtime goal.
“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.
Philip Duncan, SDG Counties’ County Forester, said the upper-tier municipality works hand-in-glove with property owners to make the transition as efficient as possible.
“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.”
If you are interested in preserving your natural legacy, please contact Duncan at pduncan@sdgcounties.ca.