A heritage group to build a nature reserve on the Kingston Peninsula

The Kingston Peninsula Heritage Group has acquired 81 hectares (200 acres) of land which it hopes to turn into a nature reserve.

Kingston Peninsula Heritage has purchased a $500,000 parcel of land on Ting Hill that includes several historic structures and waterfront property.

Hope Hunter, a board member for the group, said the goal is to preserve prime real estate.

“This is a significant piece of land in a rapidly growing area,” Hunter said.

“We want to make sure there are recreational opportunities here.”

Outside stands a woman with white hair and a poppy on her jacket. — The preserve will include access for recreational activities, Hope Hunter said. (Submitted by Hope Hunter)

Hunter said the property was originally glebe land, which was land that supported the parish priest of Trinity Church of England, the oldest Anglican church in the province.

The land then became a farm that was passed down to another family before being bought by a heritage group.

Hunter said the nature preserve would provide public boating access to the St. John River, which she said is lacking in the area.

The property also has several natural features that make it ideal for people who want to spend time outdoors.

“The area itself is mostly wooded and so it’s very suitable for long hikes, snowshoeing, etc.,” Hunter said.

“The elevation of the land provides a very good vantage point from which we can provide a historical interpretation of the area.”

There are also several buildings on the property that the group hopes to use, including a creekside house that could be used for arts programs.”

Embankment, under the gray autumn sky, near the bank of bare trees. — The preserve will include access to the St. John River, including a boat launch. (Submitted by Hope Hill)

“There’s also what we call the Lodge,” Hunter said. “We’d like to see how we can rebuild it to make it more of a group activity area.”

And at the top of Ting Hill is “a small cabin to shelter from the wind and weather if you’re hiking or snowshoeing.”

Hunter said she hopes people in the area will help turn the property into something residents can use.

On Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm, the group is holding the first of many clean-ups at the site

“We plan to put together a steering group that can begin to develop programs and find the resources we need to deliver what we want to do.”