Protecting Livingstone Farm

Woodland at Livingstone Farm. Photo: Cathy Quinlan

Written by Daria Koscinski, Thames Talbot Land Trust

Thames Talbot Land Trust is a registered Canadian charity with a mission to protect, conserve, and restore nature within Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth counties, contributing to a stable climate, human wellbeing, and healthy habitats for all species. Our vision is to create a network of permanently protected areas that are rich in biodiversity, sustain life, and nourish a sense of wonder and inspiration for all people.

In May 2025, Thames Talbot Land Trust, the Livingstone family, neighbours and friends celebrated the protection of Livingstone Farm, 100 acres of land just north of Komoka. A unique aspect of the project was the use of a tested and powerful land protection tool, the Conservation Easement Agreement (CEA). Although used widely across Ontario, this is the first registered Conservation Easement Agreement in Middlesex County. This tool was a great fit for the vision that David Livingstone and Lynn Hjartarson had for this cherished site.

A Conservation Easement Agreement is an agreement that is registered on title, so that the land remains with the family, making it possible to pass down to the next generation or to sell the land in the future. The protection stays with the land so that regardless of who holds title, the care and love for the land remains. Regular monitoring by the land trust ensures that the CEA goals and restrictions for protection are being followed. It is one way to safeguard the vision built by those who care for the land today so the vision can be honoured by those who care for the land in the future.

The Livingstone Farm project was only possible because of David and Lynn’s dedication and commitment to land, nature and future generations. The lands have been in the Livingstone family for several generations and they have ensured its care for decades. This project really started with the planting of some trees, then a few more, then a wetland, and then a prairie. Among all those projects was their overriding vision of ensuring that all the habitats, old and new, would be protected beyond this generation and the next. Permanent protection of the Livingstone Farm by Thames Talbot Land Trust will ensure these natural features, agricultural lands and wildlife are protected forever.

The Livingstone Farm contains a mix of habitats and agricultural lands. Several forest types are found on the site including a rare Black Walnut lowland deciduous forest along the ravine formed by Gold Creek. Gold Creek supports a cool water fish community, which is also relatively uncommon. These habitats support numerous species including several species at risk.

In the face of many pressures on land, making a decision to protect lands for agriculture and nature is a big and bold decision. David and Lynn had made this decision and were looking for a partner to make this vision possible. We are honoured to be those partners in land protection.

This project was made possible through a Community Vitality grant from the London Community Foundation. The “Community-Led Land Protection for A Sustainable Future” project includes more than 10 partners to bring CEAs to London and Middlesex County.

Thames Talbot Land Trust is thrilled to be working with many dedicated partners to make land protection a priority in our community. The Livingstone Farm Conservation Easement Agreement is the first, but certainly not the last, in Middlesex County.