The Lower Grand River Land Trust Inc., now Ruthven Park National Historic Site Inc (RPNHS) evolved from a group of local residents interested in protecting the natural, cultural and heritage resources of the surrounding community.  In 1996 Marion Hartney, (an aunt of the two brothers David and Drew Thompson who represented the fifth generation of the Thompson family), generously transferred her ownership of Ruthven Park and associated lands to Ruthven Park National Historic Site Inc. (RPNHS)

RPNHS Board members recognized the significance of Ruthven Park’s natural and historic values. The property includes 598 hectares (1476.6 acres) on both sides of the river and an island with vast areas of slough forest and wetlands. An 1845 Greek Revival 33 room villa, the focal point of the property, is enhanced by a simply designed, 19th-century picturesque landscape.  Ruthven Park is located north of Cayuga along the banks of the Canadian Heritage Grand River adjacent to the ghost town of Indiana.

An extensive Conservation Easement Agreement between the RPNHS and the Ontario Heritage Trust (formerly the Ontario Heritage Foundation) (OHT)was completed and registered on title.  This Agreement is integral in protecting and conserving the significant cultural and heritage features of the property through land management, built heritage conservation and education.

The dedicated members of the RPNHS Board of Directors are responsible for governance of the property in compliance with the Ontario Heritage Trust Easement Agreement, Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (Haldimand County Bylaw 1483-98), and the Board’s Mission and Vision Statements.

The RPNHS is an Associate member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) which has in its objects the protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage areas and has adopted the Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices as the technical and ethical guidelines for stewardship activities.