In 2024, Long Point Basin Land Trust expanded its network of protected areas with the acquisition of the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy, an 18-hectare property in Norfolk County. With generous support from Paul and Ben DeCloet, this new reserve builds on the family’s earlier conservation efforts, including the adjacent Paul DeCloet Forest gifted to Norfolk County in 2021. The property features valuable ravine and cold-water stream habitats and will undergo ecological restoration to support native biodiversity.
The DeCloet brothers contributed $400,000 toward the project, demonstrating their deep commitment to local conservation. This acquisition brings LPBLT’s total protected land to 1,201 acres, supporting national goals to conserve 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030.
Family Planting Day
On May 17, 2025, the DeCloet family gathered at the DeCloet Family Forest Legacy property to celebrate the protection of this 44.3-acre property, made possible by brothers Paul and Ben DeCloet. They were joined by friends and members of Long Point Basin Land Trust to continue their conservation impact through a family-friendly planting activity.
Multiple generations headed out to a former farm field to plant acorns and other tree seeds to supplement the native grasses and wildflowers that were planted earlier in the spring. With nearly 100 species planted, this site is already supporting native insects and birds while adding to a natural corridor along a stretch of Clear Creek.
All ages eagerly joined in to plant a tree and leave their mark. The family intends to return to witness the land’s ecological transformation over time. LPBLT extends our sincere gratitude to the DeCloet family for their generous support and dedication to conserving nature in Norfolk County.
The DeCloet family is an inspiration—a reminder of the meaningful impact individuals and families can have on the future of nature. If you’re inspired by their story, consider supporting the vital conservation work of Long Point Basin Land Trust. Visit longpointlandtrust.ca/support-our-work to learn more.
In the media
- Simcoe Reformer – DeCloet family donates $400,000 to expand protected forest in Norfolk
- Tillsonburg Post (pg.23) – DeCloet family gives generously to protect nature
- Norfolk Today.ca – DeCloet family helps grow protected forest in Norfolk County
- Philanthropy News Digest – DeCloet family helps grow protected forest in Norfolk County
