Category: Invest In Nature
Marie Ann-Bowden: Sponsors a Sugar Maple Seed Tree in the Jean & Stewart MacKay Natural Area
Marie-Ann Bowden is a long-term supporter and current board member of Island Nature Trust. Her commitment to conservation is driven by her global travel experiences in highly populated areas, which made her realize the importance of preserving natural areas. She believes that when an opportunity arises to protect and conserve natural spaces, it should be seized to avoid the need for costly reinvention or recovery efforts in the future.
Marie-Ann’s support is deeply rooted in her personal connection to the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island and her experiences living out West. The inspiration behind her participation in Seed Tree Sponsorship, she says, is quite straightforward: “After spending 30 years out West, I found myself yearning for the vibrant red maples and the colourful foliage that I missed during the fall season. These natural wonders were not as prevalent in the Western region where I resided. By sponsoring a Seed Tree and returning home to witness the rich array of colours and the breathtaking shading that our Island’s forests offer, it became evident that this endeavour would not only bring me joy but also bring happiness to many other Islanders when they experience the beauty of our forests in the autumn.”
In terms of her role in supporting the protection and regeneration of Prince Edward Island’s Wabanaki-Acadian forests and broader environment, she emphasizes “that the generous donors provide the land, but it’s essential to fulfill the expectations of maintaining, protecting, and enhancing these spaces.” Her support contributes to the stewardship initiatives of Island Nature Trust, ensuring that the natural areas are preserved for future generations.
Marie-Ann sees herself as an ambassador for the cause of forest conservation. By making a personal commitment and financial contribution, she hopes to inspire others to do the same, encouraging more people to join the efforts to protect the island’s forests.
Looking to the future, Marie-Ann Bowden envisions an optimistic future for Prince Edward Island’s native forests as long as the support for land acquisition and stewardship continues to grow. She emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and acting quickly to safeguard these natural spaces for the benefit of the island’s natural legacy.
For those interested in sponsoring a seed tree through Island Nature Trust’s program, there are various levels of participation available, ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 annually. Each level offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation and restoration of our forests, allowing supporters to choose a meaningful species in one of 26 natural areas across the Province.
To talk about Seed Tree Sponsorship, contact our Manager of Philanthropy, Melissa Cameron at development@islandnaturetrust.ca.
Seed Tree Sponsorship
Seed Trees in the Wabanaki-Acadian forest are elder trees highly regarded for their important seed-producing abilities. Elder trees provide an anchor for the diverse structure of the many-sized trees in their communities.
Learn how sponsorship of an INT Seed Tree will ensure these forest matriarchs continue to deliver their life-giving seed to diverse ecosystems in our natural areas across the Island.
Be A Champion For Nature
We all share a unique connection to nature, and our supporters express it in diverse ways.
They are our Champions of Nature, coming from various backgrounds – from hands-on volunteers to
digital advocates, creative fundraisers, and generous donors.
What kind of Champion for Nature are you?
Are you passionate about hands-on conservation efforts or getting directly involved in nature protection?
Are you interested in supporting nature through financial contributions or potentially donating land for long-term protection?
Are you an artisan or entrepreneur and enjoy using your creativity to raise funds for nature conservation?
Do you love using your voice to raise awareness and advocate for environmental causes in your community?
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Growing a Legacy: The Impact of Seed Tree Sponsors
The ‘Invest in Nature’ initiative by Island Nature Trust is more than a call to action; it’s a pledge to safeguard Prince Edward Island’s natural landscapes and protect them in perpetuity. In the heart of this conservation effort lies the Seed Tree Sponsorship program, an avenue that allows us to honour and protect the magnificent seed trees of our Island’s forests. These venerable trees, often termed the matriarchs of our woodlands, play an indispensable role in the regeneration of our forests, ensuring the continuity of their unique species.
Charlottetown Toyota: Sponsors a yellow birch Seed Tree in Dunk River Natural Area
Islanders and Island businesses have heeded this call to protect our forests and have embarked on a transformative journey. Among them is Charlottetown Toyota, a local business that recognizes the pivotal role they can play in preserving our natural heritage.
When asked about what inspired Charlottetown Toyota to sponsor an Island Nature Trust Seed Tree and why this initiative holds special significance for their organization, Matt MacLennan explained, “After witnessing the devastating impact of post-tropical storm Fiona on Prince Edward Island’s forests, it was clear that we had to take action. The storm’s aftermath galvanized our community to protect our wildlife, and we were deeply moved by the loss of trees and wildlife. Being a local Island business, we felt a strong connection to the cause, especially since the hurricane had the most significant impact on Islanders.”
The alignment of Seed Tree Sponsorship with Charlottetown Toyota’s values and mission as a local business in Prince Edward Island is evident. Matt stated, “Our family business has a deep connection to wildlife and our commitment to Seed Tree Sponsorship emerged from a desire to make a meaningful impact in the wake of post-tropical storm Fiona, rather than spreading our support too thin. It’s a focused and meaningful way to contribute to the recovery effort.”
Seed Tree Sponsorship
Seed Trees in the Wabanaki-Acadian forest are elder trees highly regarded for their important seed-producing abilities. Elder trees provide an anchor for the diverse structure of the many-sized trees in their communities.
Learn how sponsorship of an INT Seed Tree will ensure these forest matriarchs continue to deliver their life-giving seed to diverse ecosystems in our natural areas across the Island.
Be A Champion For Nature
We all share a unique connection to nature, and our supporters express it in diverse ways.
They are our Champions of Nature, coming from various backgrounds – from hands-on volunteers to
digital advocates, creative fundraisers, and generous donors.
What kind of Champion for Nature are you?
Are you passionate about hands-on conservation efforts or getting directly involved in nature protection?
Are you interested in supporting nature through financial contributions or potentially donating land for long-term protection?
Are you an artisan or entrepreneur and enjoy using your creativity to raise funds for nature conservation?
Do you love using your voice to raise awareness and advocate for environmental causes in your community?
Sign up
To Our
Newsletter
Be the first to know about
future events, news and
campaigns.
Follow Us
#givingbacktonature
The Judson Family: Honoring their vital land donation for coastal headland conservation
Island Nature Trust (INT) relies significantly on land donations in protecting the natural landscapes of Prince Edward Island, particularly when these donations connect with existing protected areas. While financial support plays a crucial role in the Island Nature Trust’s mission to safeguard the island’s natural heritage, the donation of land stands as a testament and lasting commitment from individuals and families to protect the island’s ecological diversity.
We are excited to spotlight the remarkable generosity of the Judson family, who donated the 117-acre Judson Salt Marsh Natural Area in Alexandra. This donation aims to expand the already protected Crown Point headland, known as the 182-acre Crown Point – Wjikijek Natural Area. The latter faces threats of development due to its proximity to Charlottetown and Stratford, making it a focal point in recent conservation endeavors by the Island Nature Trust.
Read more
INT Expands its ‘Corridors of Connectivity’ Mission with Generous Land Donation in Blooming Point
Island Nature Trust (INT) has reached a major milestone in its conservation efforts. With the recent donation of 15 acres by Bruce and Patricia Craig (pictured), INT’s total acquisitions of ecologically important land now exceeds the 10,000-acre mark. This contribution located in Blooming Point on the Old Bedford Road, not only expands connectivity for wildlife, but also strengthens conservation efforts and promotes the preservation of surrounding ecosystems.
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Bookmark makes inaugural donation to Island Nature Trust’s Seed Tree Initiative
In celebration of the Bookmark’s 50th anniversary, the Charlottetown based book seller has made five $10,000 donations to community organizations. $7,500 of its donation to the Trust was used to sponsor a Red Maple Seed Tree in the North Lake Creek Natural Area in North Lake, Kings County. The remaining $2,500 donated to the Trust’s Match A Patch campaign, which uses publicly raised funds – matched by the MapleCross Fund and the Province of PEI – to acquire a network of ecologically diverse natural areas across PEI.
The Trust’s Seed Tree Sponsorship initiative is in response to the need for nature-based solutions to climate change. In the wake of the most recent major weather event, Post-Tropical storm Fiona, Islanders were met with too many downed trees to count. In those first few weeks following the storm, staff at the Trust quickly got to work assessing the damage and the likelihood for the Trust’s natural areas to be able to repair themselves naturally. Early reports confirmed that a healthy number of the Trust’s more substantial seed trees survived.
These seed trees, lovingly referred to as Seed Trees, will be instrumental in the natural regeneration of INT forested properties and will continue as seed providers for the Trust as well as partner nurseries throughout the province dedicated to ensuring a steady supply of native species for planting.
“We’re touched and appreciative that the Bookmark, a small local business here in Charlottetown, has heard our call for Seed Tree sponsorship and made the inaugural donation in December 2022. We know it’s been a challenging couple of years for bricks and mortar retailers, so this significant contribution is not lost on us”, says Bianca McGregor, Executive Director of Island Nature Trust.
Sponsorship opportunities focus on eight different species of native trees found in the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest. Sponsorships are for three years for annual pledges of $2,500, $5,000 or $7,500. Benefits vary depending on sponsorship level. More details can be found on the Trust’s website at islandnaturetrust.ca/seedtree.
Money raised for Seed Tree Sponsorship will go to support the ongoing stewardship efforts of the trees themselves, the natural areas that they live in, seed collection, as well as the acquisition of other impacted forested properties that will benefit from seed tree saplings as part of their recovery.
Addressing the impacts of Post-Tropical storm Fiona, and future weather events, in Prince Edward Island’s forested landscape will take considerable time and planning. By focussing resources on seed trees, the Trust will be able to ensure a strong local seed source to help forests in the province become more resilient to climate change.
Other early adopters of Seed Tree Sponsorship include Carr, Stevenson MacKay of Charlottetown who sponsored a Sugar Maple in the Malcolm McArthur 1899 Natural Area located in Elmwood, Queens County. Other anonymous donors sponsored Red and Sugar Maple in natural areas in Prince County.
Images & Video
Photographs and Video can be viewed and downloaded from this link: https://islandnaturetrust.box.com/s/0kjgvnhpxvm163l46ekgjitrg8smg65u
Quick Facts
- Island Nature Trust owns and stewards over 8,600 acres of land in 88 separate natural areas across all three counties.
- Island Nature Trust has identified seed trees in 26 of its natural areas.
- Selected seed trees are acknowledged as phenotypically (as in strong DNA) superior, prolific in seeding and flowering, sturdy, healthy, free of damage and of good growth form.
- Tree species identified for sponsorship:
- Eastern Hemlock – longest-lived native tree species in PEI
- Red Oak – Important food source (acorns) for wildlife
- Red Maple – Abundant, fast growing and predicted to do well re: climate change
- White Pine – Long lived and grows tall
- Eastern White Cedar – Slow growing and found in wet/swampy areas
- Yellow Birch – Among the tallest of native birch
- White Ash – Does well in floods and seeds are a food source for birds
- Sugar Maple – Known for maple syrup, does well in the shade
- Island Nature Trust’s Match A Patch campaign was launched in July 2022 with a goal to raise $150,000 towards its mission to strategically secure a corridor of natural areas across PEI. Public donations are tripled thanks to matching partners – MapleCross Fund and the Province of PEI. The Trust has $37,500 left to raise by March 31st, 2022.
https://islandnaturetrust.ca/match/
About
Island Nature Trust is a membership-based, non-government, Canadian charity dedicated to land conservation in Prince Edward Island since 1979. In a race against time, our mission is to preserve and steward forever a network of natural areas and wildlife habitats across PEI and bring together those who care about preserving PEI’s natural legacy for future generations.
We are a key provider of technical, science-based knowledge on land stewardship and wildlife in PEI for landowners, governments, and partner environmental groups. We provide mentorship and employment opportunities to people committed to land stewardship, conservation research and wildlife monitoring.
Contacts
Ben Russell – Communications Manager
902-892-7513
ben@islandnaturetrust.ca
Seed Tree Sponsorship
Seed Trees in the Wabanaki-Acadian forest are elder trees highly regarded for their important seed-producing abilities. Elder trees provide an anchor for the diverse structure of the many-sized trees in their communities.
Learn how sponsorship of an INT Seed Tree will ensure these forest matriarchs continue to deliver their life-giving seed to diverse ecosystems in our natural areas across the Island.
Be A Champion For Nature
We all share a unique connection to nature, and our supporters express it in diverse ways.
They are our Champions of Nature, coming from various backgrounds – from hands-on volunteers to
digital advocates, creative fundraisers, and generous donors.
What kind of Champion for Nature are you?
Are you passionate about hands-on conservation efforts or getting directly involved in nature protection?
Are you interested in supporting nature through financial contributions or potentially donating land for long-term protection?
Are you an artisan or entrepreneur and enjoy using your creativity to raise funds for nature conservation?
Do you love using your voice to raise awareness and advocate for environmental causes in your community?
Sign up
To Our
Newsletter
Be the first to know about
future events, news and
campaigns.
Follow Us
#givingbacktonature
Seed Tree Sponsorship
In response to the damage created by post-tropical storm Fiona, and the anticipated long recovery process for INT’s forested areas, the Trust has recently launched an initiative aimed at protecting and stewarding important native seed trees. Through Seed Tree Sponsorship we are asking individuals and businesses to sponsor an identified seed tree in one of our natural areas. These trees, with their proven DNA, will be instrumental in the natural regeneration of their respective immediate landscapes, not to mention great seed providers for nurseries dedicated to ensuring a steady supply of native species for planting.
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Buote family donates legacy upland hardwood forest in New Glasgow
It’s a crisp fall morning. The leaves crunching under our feet betray the silence as Rowena Lawlor and Faren Buote accompany me into the Buote Heritage Woods Natural Area in New Glasgow. The stand of old white pine trees greeting us at the entrance to the trail have a stoic presence. The forest is looking unusually skeletal for this time of year from the impact of Hurricane Fiona. Only a few isolated red and amber patches are visible, indicating some leafed branches were spared the intense winds that tore through the rest of the canopy a few weeks earlier.
‘This is the spot where my siblings and I came across a large owl last year,’ says Rowena, one of eight siblings who – as a family – donated the woods to Island Nature Trust in 2021. Her voice crackles with emotion. ‘Walking together in the woods it suddenly appeared ahead of us in the trees. It felt like the owl was our mother Clarice proudly looking down on us. She would have been so happy to know that this land is now protected, forever’.
