About Us
The Central Algoma Land Trust (formerly The Kensington Conservancy) is a non-profit, non-government, charitable land trust that works to protect lands and waters of the Central Algoma region of Ontario, Canada. To date, we have established 16 protected areas for almost 500 acres of forests, wetlands, shoreline, and significant wildlife habitat.
What is a Land Trust?
A land trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving natural spaces for the benefit of communities and future generations. Land trusts acquire land or legal interests in land, such as conservation easements, to safeguard wildlife habitat, maintain public access to nature, and conserve the character of our local landscapes. By caring for these lands, land trusts ensure that the natural beauty and ecological value of the area remain intact for generations to come.
The Central Algoma Land Trust is one of approximately 150 different land trusts that are operating across Canada.
About the Central Algoma Land Trust
In 2001, The Kensington Conservancy was incorporated as a non-profit organization and received charitable status in 2006, which is when the first staff were hired and operations truly began. In 2025, The Kensington Conservancy rebranded as the Central Algoma Land Trust in order to better reflect our growing mission of conducting conservation work across the broader Central Algoma region.
The Central Algoma Land Trust protects land by accepting donations of land, purchasing property, and entering voluntary conservation agreements. These protection methods are all aimed at preserving the area’s irreplaceable landscape in perpetuity. Beyond protecting land, we partner with landowners, governments, schools, and other organizations to deliver projects and education programs that promote stewardship, including sustainable development, sound land and water management, invasive-species control, and low-impact recreation.
Our Vision
Our vision is to inspire all members of the Central Algoma community to embrace positive conservation values that will promote the protection and preservation of natural ecosystems for all generations.
Our Mission
Our mission is the establishment, development, maintenance and management of nature preserves and programs in Central Algoma for the conservation and preservation of the natural ecosystems.
Where is Central Algoma?
Central Algoma is locally defined as the region extending from the eastern edge of Sault Ste. Marie to the eastern boundary of the Municipality of Huron Shores, including St. Joseph Island and surrounding outlying islands in Ontario, Canada. Nature does not recognize human-made boundaries, and while the Central Algoma Land Trust’s primary focus is within Central Algoma, its conservation efforts remain flexible to respond to the needs of the land, water and wildlife across the broader Algoma District landscape.
Conservation and Community Impact
Since 2006, the Central Algoma Land Trust has successfully protected numerous wetlands, forests, islands, and other critical wildlife habitats, while also conducting research, offering recreational opportunities, and engaging and educating the community.
The establishment of 16 protected areas
Established through donations, purchases, and voluntary conservation agreements
Almost 500 hectares of protected land
This land will always be protected for both the benefit of wildlife and humans.
7,350 metres of protected shoreline
Shorelines are important transition zones between terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
4 entirely protected islands
Protecting whole islands keeps habitats intact and wildlife safe from disturbance.
Habitat for almost 1,700 species
There are still likely thousands of species left to be documented within the protected area as well.
Two public hiking trails
The Foster Parkland and Walking Trails and the Gravel Point Preserve Hiking Trails are very popular.
Collecting significant data about bats
Acoustic recorders have been used to determine which bat species are present locally.
Educating the next generation
Programs such as the Explorer Summer Day Camp and Junior Explorers educate youth about nature.
Ontario Land Trust Alliance
The Central Algoma Land Trust is a member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance. They are a registered charity focused on providing community, knowledge sharing and support to land trusts and other groups committed to land conservation across Ontario. By strategically protecting land, they contribute essential solutions to biodiversity loss and climate change.
Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts
The Central Algoma Land Trust is a member of the Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts. They are a representative of local and regional land trusts and has grown into a national voice for land conservation. Their work focuses on fostering collaboration, strengthening capacity, and advocating for policies that support the conservation of natural spaces.
Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices
The need for standards and practices, for all land trusts, regardless of where they operate, is imperative. Developing strong land trust communities depends on the long-term viability and management of all land trusts. By working towards a consistent set of standards and practices, land trusts will continue to thrive and be successful in perpetuity.
The Central Algoma Land Trust has adopted the Canadian Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices as the guiding principles for the organization’s operations and commits to making continual progress towards implementation of all of these standards and practices.