August 19, 2025 – Athens, Ontario – The Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust (TIWLT) has
successfully bid on the Red Horse Highlands property bordering the north-west boundary of
Charleston Lake Provincial Park in Eastern Ontario. This 360 acre property, with 2000 feet of
shoreline, sits at the west side of Red Horse Lake. This central and crucial area of the Frontenac
Arch Biosphere is just east of Lyndhurst, north of Gananoque and the St. Lawrence River, and
an hour and a half south of Ottawa. This preserves one of the most important migratory
corridors in the country.
“This is the single largest TIWLT-led project in our history”, asserts Land Trust Executive Director,
Calder Schweitzer. “We’ve been working for months to land a deal to secure first right of refusal
on this property and I’m proud to say that we have now signed the deal, and we are first in line
to buy it. We took a big swing, and made a big hit!”
Schweitzer’s passion for the project is mirrored throughout the Land Trust as everyone from the
biologists to the Board of Directors praise the crucial ecological importance of the property. The
Red Horse Highlands is 360 acres of classic Frontenac Arch landscape. It is a dramatic display of
ridges and valleys of pink granite Canadian Shield, cliffs of scenic lookouts, elevated wetlands,
old forest, and species at risk. “It is one of the most worthy conservation projects in our history,”
says Schweitzer, “and in addition, the property shares a massive boundary with Charleston Lake
Provincial Park at a crucial point for habitat connectivity.”
TIWLT made the major announcement on Saturday, August 16, at its kick-off fundraiser,
Celebrate 4ever Summer Party, at its headquarters at the Glen Elbe Learning Centre. For weeks
the Land Trust promised its supporters exciting conservation news to be shared at the event.
Around a hundred people attended the Party, looking to be part of TIWLT’s history. Party-goers
were made up of both the long-time TIWLT faithful, and many new people interested in
learning how to do more to preserve and protect Ontario’s precious landscapes.
Not only was over $6,000 in ticket sales raised at the Celebrate 4ever Summer Party on
Saturday, but an additional $104,000 was raised in the moment, when supporters participated
in an auction of “1 acre parcels of conservation”! The organization is deeply moved by the
impromptu show of support for the purchase of the Red Horse Highlands property. As another
sweltering hot day reigned over the Celebration, and an all-out fire ban sweeps the region, one
by one donors participated in an auction to symbolically “purchase” one acre of conservation
by donating two thousand (2000) dollars. Community members enthusiastically pledged a
combined $52,000, which was then doubled by an anonymous attendee.
Respected conservationist and Land Trust President, Don Ross, says, “The excitement was
tangible as folks at the party, who came here from Kingston, Brockville, Westport, and even
Ottawa and Toronto, expressed increased interest and urgency in protecting and preserving
our precious landscapes here in the Frontenac Arch.”
The desire to protect land in Ontario is real and the Land Trust Executive Director is confident
that the ambitious fundraising goal will be met: “We need everyone from around the
Watershed to make this deal a conservation win. As you can imagine a big property, has a big
price tag, and we have till November 30 to raise the $1,550,000.00. That is also the date, by
the way, that I plan to start sleeping again”, quips Schweitzer. The total needed cost to
complete this project, includes purchase price, staff time, legal and appraisal costs, taxes,
stewarding and protecting the property. Funds raised in excess of funding goals will be put
toward supporting further conservation in the watershed. All donations are eligible for a tax
receipt.
Red Horse Highlands is a critical conservation property that extends the ecological value of its
vast natural area. Its proximity to over 7000 acres of conservation land that is already conserved by
Charleston Lake Provincial Park, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and TIWLT
means the preservation of migratory corridors for animals like deer, moose, birds, and even
long-term movements of plant species, travelling from Adirondack National Park to Algonquin
Provincial Park.
The Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust is proud to be partnering with the Ontario
Conservation Accelerator in this project. They are providing mentorship and fundraising
support. TIWLT has already raised approximately $600,000, making the project about 39%
funded. Sources confirmed are: a major anonymous donor, a Federal Government grant,
Foundations already getting on board, as well as the incredible pledges made at the Celebrate
4ever Summer Party on August 16th, by the people of the Thousand Islands Watershed.
For media: interested in covering this story – we can provide photos, videos of the
announcement, interviewees such as TIWLT President Don Ross, Executive Director Calder
Schweitzer, and Biologist Maggie Stevenson.
Please reach out if you are interested in an
interview, or if we can provide more information:
Media Contact
Deb Lace-Kelly
Communications Lead
Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust
Deb@TheLostCompass.ca
416-453-7013
Executive Director
Calder Schweitzer
Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust
Calder@tiwlt.ca
Founder & Board President
Don Ross
Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust
Don@tiwlt.ca
