In a world of reality TV where backstabbing and strategizing often take center stage, one Islander is using his love for Survivor to make a real difference in conservation. Fraser McCallum, a Parks Canada employee and the lone Canadian contestant in the “Can You Survive?” charity version of Survivor, raised both awareness and funds for Island Nature Trust, channeling his passion for nature into meaningful action. This unique event took place in the remote wilderness of the North Maine Woods with a few dozen American participants.
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Let’s Give a Hoot About Nature This Holiday Season
Birds, like this barred owl make their home in our Island’s forests and wetlands and are signs of healthy ecosystems. While you might not see them, you may hear them with their distinctive call that sounds like: “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all”.
With their soulful brown eyes, they rely on us to protect their habitats so that they can snooze peacefully on the branches of our Island’s trees. Caring for the natural spaces across the Island allows birds to find their preferred nesting habitats and when barred owls and other birds thrive, we all thrive.
As we enter the festive season, there’s a special way to give back to nature: by supporting the birds that call Prince Edward Island their home. These birds are more than just a beautiful part of our landscapes—they play a critical role in our ecosystems. Unfortunately, many of them face serious threats. From habitat loss to climate change, Canada’s bird populations are declining, but with your support, Island Nature Trust is working hard to protect them.
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Media Spotlight: INT’s Essential Role in Protecting Natural Areas
At Island Nature Trust, we are committed to safeguarding the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island. This summer, our stewardship team collected approximately 1,500 pounds of illegally dumped waste across our properties. From household appliances to hazardous materials, improperly disposed waste poses a serious threat to the health of our ecosystems and adds a significant financial burden to our organization.
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Media Spotlight: INT Sees Overwhelming Volunteer Response Following CBC Coverage
Following an October 10 article published by CBC News, Island Nature Trust received an overwhelming response from Islanders eager to join its Conservation Guardian program. The article highlighted the need for more volunteers to monitor and protect the ever-expanding network of Natural Areas safeguarded by INT, resonating deeply with the community. In the days after publication, nearly one hundred Islanders reached out, expressing a desire to become Conservation Guardians, showcasing their commitment to protecting the Island’s natural beauty.
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Island Nature Trust Announces New Executive Director, Melissa Cameron
July 3, 2024
Charlottetown, PE – Island Nature Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Cameron as its new Executive Director. Melissa brings a deep understanding of Island Nature Trust, having served as acting Executive Director over the past five months and through her previous role as Manager of Philanthropy.
Melissa has developed key relationships with donors and volunteers of the Trust and important supporters and stakeholders across the country. She is passionate about the Trust’s work in protecting Prince Edward Island’s varied and vulnerable ecosystems and engaging in outreach and education around these issues.
“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa as our new Executive Director,” said Gordon MacKay, President of Island Nature Trust. “Her thorough understanding of our operations and her commitment to ecological principles align perfectly with our mission to acquire and steward a network of Natural Areas on Prince Edward Island. We are confident that under her leadership, the Trust will continue to thrive and expand its impact.”
As Executive Director, Melissa Cameron will play a crucial role in advancing Island Nature Trust’s strategic vision. From its current position as the third largest landowner in the province, the Trust aims to acquire and steward ecologically important land ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from Prince Edward Island’s rich natural landscapes.
Ms. Cameron expressed her gratitude for her new role, stating, “I am honored to work at Island Nature Trust and to lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Together, we will continue to protect and conserve the natural legacy that makes Prince Edward Island unique. I am excited to contribute to the Trust’s mission and to honour the organization’s rich history.”
Island Nature Trust, celebrating its 45th anniversary, has a long history of success in land conservation, having protected 11,538 acres of land since its founding in 1979. Sustained by the generosity of Islanders who make a difference by directly supporting conservation efforts through donations and volunteer work, the Trust looks forward to furthering its efforts in Natural Area acquisition and stewardship, continuing to lead species-at-risk work on PEI, and fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.
For more information about Island Nature Trust and its initiatives, please visit islandnaturetrust.ca
About Island Nature Trust:
Island Nature Trust (INT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and stewardship of natural areas in Prince Edward Island. It strives to mitigate biodiversity loss by conserving the ecological health of the Island for the benefit of all residents and visitors. INT is committed to supporting the integrity, connectivity and resilience of Island ecosystems by its work in land acquisition, land stewardship, species-at-risk monitoring and nature education.
Visit our website: www.islandnaturetrust.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/islandnaturetrust
Instagram: www.instagram.com/islandnaturetrust/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/island-nature-trust
Media Contact
Island Nature Trust
Ben Russell – Communications Manager
902-892-7513
ben.russell@islandnaturetrust.ca
Exploring Creative Fundraising Options for Island Nature Trust: Making a Difference with Be Creative for Nature
Welcome to the world of creative fundraising, where your passion for nature meets your knack for innovation. At Island Nature Trust, we’re dedicated to protecting the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island, and we invite you to join us in our mission through Be Creative for Nature. In this article, we’ll explore various fundraising methods – from organizing events to crafting innovative products – inspired by success stories and practical tips.
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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 honor 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.
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Safeguarding the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest
Prince Edward Island, known for its beautiful rolling fields and stunning coastal views, is also home to a unique and invaluable natural treasure – the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest. This intricate network of native forests spans across Kings, Queen, and Prince Counties and plays a crucial role in maintaining the Island’s biodiversity. However, these forests are under constant threat from various factors, including development and climate change.
Help INT purchase ecologically valuable lands across PEI to be protected in perpetuity.
Nature’s Guardians: Messengers from the Heart of Our Natural Areas
For over four decades, Island Nature Trust (INT) has been dedicated to the protection of Prince Edward Island’s natural landscapes and its at-risk plants and wildlife. In July, the organization achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 10,000 acres of protected land, and it’s through the tireless efforts of over 70 dedicated Guardian volunteers that we aim to maintain the ecological integrity of INT’s natural areas.
Chris Brennan, a 70-year-old Islander and one of INT’s 76 Conservation Guardians, shares his motivation for being a Guardian for Nature: “It’s a way to help nature a little and not feel as hopeless and anxious in the face of the major environmental crises we are experiencing.”
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Embracing the Guardian Spirit: A Journey of Stewardship
Welcome to the heart of being a Guardian for Nature, where the essence of stewardship intertwines with the call to become custodians of Prince Edward Island’s natural heritage. In the realm of conservation, stewardship is the cornerstone, and being a Guardian for Nature is the embodiment of this duty.
At Island Nature Trust, stewardship is not merely a concept; it’s a way of life—a commitment to safeguarding our Island’s ecological heritage for generations to come. As stewards of over 11,000 acres of land across PEI, we take on the responsibility of monitoring, maintaining, and restoring these treasured ecosystems in perpetuity.
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