In the face of urgent environmental challenges, the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) is celebrating 25 years of safeguarding nature with a community-oriented
anniversary event at Trail Hub in Uxbridge, Ontario.
This milestone gathering will honour a quartercenturyof land conservation on the Oak Ridges Moraine, a critical greenbelt that provides clean waterand habitat for Southern Ontario, while rallying support for the work still ahead.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, supporters, landowners, local leaders, and natureenthusiasts will gather at Trail Hub (722 Chalk Lake Rd, Uxbridge) to commemorate ORMLT’s 25thanniversary.
The afternoon will feature live music by Shari Tallon & The Free Spirits, including aspecial performance of their environmental song “The Hidden Life of Trees”, along with local farmfreshfood, inspiring guest speakers, and silent & live auctions. Proceeds from the event will directly support ORMLT’s mission of protecting the Moraine’s ecologically important lands for futuregenerations.
For 25 years, ORMLT has worked to ensure the Oak Ridges Moraine, a 160 km glacial ridge often called the “rain barrel” of the Greater Toronto Area, remains healthy and green. Since its founding in 2000, the Land Trust has permanently conserved 68 properties, totaling 5,367 acres of forests, wetlands, farmlands and habitat on the Moraine.
These protected lands safeguard headwater streams and recharge areas that supply clean drinking water to millions in the region and Toronto, while providing habitat for countless wildlife.
Unlike the provincial Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, which provides broad land-use policies, ORMLT works directly with private landowners to secure permanent protection for ecologically significant lands.
“This anniversary is a celebration of our community’s love for the land,” said Susan Walmer, ORMLT’s Chief Executive Officer. “For 25 years, people from all walks of life have come together to protect our Moraine’s forests and waters. As environmental pressures mount, our work has never been more urgent – but it’s also never been more inspiring, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, landowners, and supporters who believe in leaving a legacy of conservation.”
Local landowners who have partnered with ORMLT will also be recognized for entrusting their properties to the Land Trust’s care.
“I’m so proud to support the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust. Knowing my land will be protected forever gives me real peace of mind. For 25 years, the Trust has been doing incredible work to keep this landscape wild and thriving, for nature, and for future generations. I’m honoured to be part of that legacy.” John McCutcheon, land donor, longtime supporter, and Founder of the Canada Freshwater Challenge Fund.
Volunteers, the backbone of ORMLT’s efforts, will also be celebrated. Rick Berry, a long-time ORMLT volunteer, says the experience has been deeply rewarding:
“Volunteering with the Land Trust has been a deeply satisfying experience for me personally. It has allowed me to immerse myself in the natural wonder of the properties under protection and help preserve them through bio-blitzes, inspection visits and controlling unwanted species. These spaces are sanctuaries. I am very grateful that the Land Trust has given me the opportunity to work with and be part of a wonderful team of people dedicated to preserving our Moraine.”
Stories like Rick’s illustrate how community members find personal fulfillment and purpose in ORMLT’s work, all while making a tangible difference on the ground.
Also performing at the event will be musical artists Shari Tallon and Chris Birkett, the duo known as The Free Spirits. Tallon, who feels a deep connection to ORMLT’s mission, notes:
“There’s a magic in the Moraine’s forests that inspired our music,” Tallon says, referring to The Hidden Life of Trees, a song she co-wrote to celebrate the secret vitality of woodlands. “I’m honoured to share that inspiration through song at this celebration – where art and nature unite to move people’s hearts and support this crucial cause.”
The public is warmly invited to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration and share in this milestone. “Whether you’ve hiked the Moraine’s trails, donated to save a forest, or are just learning about our cause, this event is for you,” says Walmer.
Attendees will have the chance to reconnect with nature, meet the people behind the Land Trust’s successes, and enjoy an afternoon of music and camaraderie.
Tickets and information are available through the ORMLT’s website https://www.oakridgesmoraine.org/25anniversary .
Those unable to attend can still support the Land Trust by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about conserving the Oak Ridge’s Moraine’s irreplaceable ecosystems.
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