THE LAND TRUST
The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) was formed in 1999 by concerned citizens wanting to help protect the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Trust was incorporated in 2001 as a not-for-profit organization and is a registered charity.
The Board of Directors is supported by volunteers, donors, partners and wide spread public interest. In addition to 16 Founding members an additional 21 citizens have served in a Director role. Several individuals remain actively engaged with the Land Trust's work and goals.
The Mission of the Land Trust is:
- to establish, maintain and manage a system of nature reserves in the area of the Oak Ridges Moraine;
- to identify, protect, conserve, maintain and restore the integrity of the natural environment and heritage sites of the Oak Ridges Moraine, including trails and physical features of scientific, ecological, hydrological, historic, architectural, archaeological, scenic and open space interest;
- to research and educate about the natural environment and heritage sites of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
The Trust has developed many partnerships working closely with municipalities, conservation authorities, the Oak Ridges Trail Association, educational institutions, foundations, stewardship councils, other non-government environmental organizations and donors. In addition, the Trust frequently works with federal, provincial and local government departments to help save and sustain the Moraine ecosystem. Corporations and local businesses have been an integral part of work undertaken on the moraine.
The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust is a member in good standing with the Canadian Land Trust Alliance and has adopted their Standards and Practices. ORMLT is also an active member with the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and affiliated with other conservation organizations such as Ontario Nature.
Landowners are the backbone to our conservation efforts.