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.
Island Nature Trust (INT) announces the release of “Flitt’s Call,” a captivating children’s book authored by Kara Griffin and illustrated by local artist Shawn Larson, published by Acorn Press. This tale of resilience, togetherness, and environmental consciousness is poised to resonate deeply with readers of all ages, encouraging a profound connection to nature amidst today’s challenges.
“Flitt’s Call” follows the journey of Flitt, a steadfast bank swallow, as he confronts changes in his habitat and rallies for the planet’s well-being. Griffin, the author, shares, “The story of Flitt reflects the interconnectedness we all share with nature. It’s a call to our hearts and a reminder that our actions reverberate through the entire ecosystem.”
The book, crafted in collaboration with INT, aims to foster eco-literacy among young readers, instilling a love for nature and a sense of responsibility toward its conservation. As part of this initiative, INT is partnering with Griffin and Larson to distribute the book and an Activity Guide to all grade two students in the Public Schools Branch in 2023/24.
“This book is an extension of my love for nature. I hope it inspires people to fall in love with the natural world and, from that place of love, be moved to protect it,” Griffin emphasizes.
The official launch event for “Flitt’s Call” will be held at the Haviland Club on November 25th, featuring a reading by Kara Griffin, providing insight into the inspiration behind her work. The event marks the culmination of collaborative efforts supported by the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
“In crafting ‘Flitt’s Call,’ I aimed to seamlessly blend scientific facts into a heartfelt story. It’s been a unique and complex creative process, delving into the world of bank swallows and learning more about them with each step,” Griffin reveals.
The book’s message is a plea for conservation, urging readers to protect the natural world. Griffin’s commitment is reflected in her pledge to contribute author royalties to INT for the next five years, showcasing the convergence of art and action in fostering meaningful change.
“Flitt’s Call” stands as a testament to passionate minds weaving art, narrative, and conservation into a tapestry of hope. As the pages of this enchanting tale turn, they echo the resilient spirit of a little bird calling for us to protect our shared home—our planet.
Author of ‘Flitt’s Call’, Kara Griffin (middle), with Island Nature Trust’s Kayle Laverty (left) and Shannon Mader (right) at Bookmark in Charlottetown.
“My work with species-at-risk is incredibly meaningful to me. I feel a deep connection to these birds and the coastline of PEI. I want others to feel that same connection,” shares Shannon Mader, INT Species at Risk Manager. “The data and facts that deal with day in and day out don’t elicit those feelings. Collaborating with Kara and Shawn this past year has been a delight; their ability to weave poignant narratives and visuals allowed us to communicate those heartfelt connections in ‘Flitt’s Call.’ “
Join Island Nature Trust at the Haviland Club on November 25th at 10 am for the official book launch and a special reading by the author, Kara Griffin!
For book purchases, “Flitt’s Call” is available through Nimbus, Bookmark PEI, or Indigo/Coles.
This project was made possible through the generous funding support of the PEI Alliance for Mental Well-Being and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
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 protect and steward forever a network of natural areas and wildlife habitats across PEI and bring together those who care about protecting 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 who will continue building on the long tradition of Island Nature Trust as the premiere land trust on the Island.
Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, an event planner, or simply someone with a flair for creativity, ‘Be Creative for Nature’ gives you the resources you need to make a difference. Your unique approach to fundraising and creative interpretation can leave an indelible mark on the island’s conservation efforts.
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?
Island Nature Trust (INT) proudly announces an expansion to its 182-acre protected Crown Point – Wjikijek Natural Area in Alexandra with the generous contribution of the 117-acre Judson Salt Marsh Natural Area. This remarkable gift from the Judson family is a testament to their commitment to safeguarding an area of Prince Edward Island that’s been loved and cared for by their family for generations.
Corridors of Connectivity: The Importance of Expanding Protected Areas
Island Nature Trust’s mission depends on the acquisition of interconnected natural areas, protecting in perpetuity the landscapes that define Prince Edward Island. These sanctuaries offer shelter and habitat to a myriad of species while ensuring the sustenance of our natural resources, benefiting the Island’s entire community. The initial acquisition of Crown Point – Wjikijek Natural Area Crown Point headland in March 2020 was made possible through collective support from Environment Canada, the MapleCross Fund, and approximately 100 individual donations from Islanders, illustrating the power of collective action. Its protection was of paramount importance due to the development pressures of being near Charlottetown and Stratford. The rapid urban expansion in these areas highlights the urgency of securing and preserving natural habitats like Crown Point.
The Judson Family: A Pivotal Contribution
The Judson family’s decision to donate their land adds a new chapter to the Crown Point conservation story. Island Nature Trust approached the Judson family, recognizing that expanding the protection of this headland aligns with its mission to create a mosaic of interconnected natural areas, ensuring the ecological health of the Island’s landscapes and the well-being of its diverse species.
Island Nature Trust Executive Director, Bianca McGregor, stated, “The Judson’s legacy of keeping this land in their family and managing it over generations with intent to maintain it as a natural area exemplifies the spirit of Island Nature Trust’s mission. We’re honoured that the family has decided to allow us to continue this very important work. Joining this donated land with the previously purchased adjacent land, will ensure the continued natural integrity of the ecosystems and species that call Crown Point home.”
William Judson, representing the Judson family, shared his sentiments, saying, “My entire family has actively worked to protect the land and keep it in its natural state. When we were approached by INT, we decided the timing was right for us to donate the land to ensure its continued protection.”
A Lifelong Connection
William Judson continued, “My father and mother, Donald and Virginia Judson, purchased this land as part of the family farm in the late 1960s. We spent many years, while growing up, experiencing what the marsh had to offer – picking cranberries, hunting ducks in the fall, and playing in the marsh. We would follow the fox and racoon runs, catch minnows in buckets, and dissect owl pellets. We knew where every water hole was located, and we watched the changes in the marsh year after year.”
Left: Judson Salt Marsh Natural Area shown in Green. Other INT natural areas shown in orange. Salt marsh is pink, freshwater marsh is light blue, bog is brown, and sand dunes are yellow-tan.
A Landmark in Alexandra
Crown Point, located southeast of Stratford, PEI, is a relatively undeveloped coastal headland. It serves as a natural barrier protecting the rural communities of Alexandra and Pownal from the forces of storm surges, winds, and high spring tides. The salt marsh on the property is part of a wider band of coastal salt marsh that stretches along Hillsborough Bay from Stratford to Orwell.
A Cultural and Ecological Gem
Crown Point is not only an ecological treasure but also holds significant cultural history for both the Mi’kmaq and the Acadians. The area is believed to contain Mi’kmaq and Acadian burial grounds, along with evidence of Mi’kmaq camps and French battlegrounds.
Diverse Ecosystems
The coastal forest on the Judson Salt Marsh Natural Area boasts mixed wood stands, including white spruce, trembling aspen, white birch, red maple, eastern larch, and American beech. A 3-acre island within Jardine’s Bay hosts a similar forest structure, with older hardwoods and established pit and mound topography. The presence of alder swamp along the salt marsh provides habitat for the federally at-risk Canada warbler.
L-R: Donors Tara, Oliver, Bridget, Isaac, William and Elliot Judson at the Judson Salt Marsh Natural Area in Alexandra
A Gift to Future Generations
The Judson family’s decision to donate this ecologically significant land highlights their deep connection to the Island’s history and natural heritage. Their donation will ensure the continued protection of Crown Point’s unique ecosystems.
William Judson reiterated, “This land has been part of my family’s life for generations, even before my parents purchased it in the 1960s. The Judson family has lived in the area for over 200 years. Stories have been passed down from generation to generation about the marsh and the families that made use of it.”
Land donations like the one from the Judson family secure the natural heritage of Prince Edward Island for generations to come. While financial contributions are critical for Island Nature Trust to continue its work, donating land is a powerful symbol of commitment to conservation. It is a message that echoes through time, safeguarding the Island’s ecological diversity.
The Judson family’s act of protecting their land ensures the continuity of the natural tapestry at Crown Point, and their contribution is an inspiration for all of us to continue protecting the precious environments that make Prince Edward Island unique.
Ecological Gifts Program
A portion of this project was donated to the Island Nature Trust under the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. This program provides enhanced tax incentives for individuals or corporations who donate ecologically significant land.
Moreover, donating land to INT can also have financial benefits. We provide a charitable tax receipt for the donated fair market value and can help landowners apply to the Federal Ecological Gifts program for capital gains tax relief, making it easier to donate land to Island Nature Trust in support of its vital work.
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 who will continue building on the long tradition of Island Nature Trust as the premiere land trust on the Island.
Island Nature Trust (INT) is excited to announce that it has achieved a major conservation milestone by protecting over 10,000 acres of land in Prince Edward Island. This achievement marks a significant point in the organization’s ongoing efforts to protect and conserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Island.
Since its inception in 1979 by a small group of volunteers who saw the pressing need for conservation in the province, INT has worked tirelessly to conserve and steward ecologically significant land across Prince Edward Island. Over the past four decades, the organization has secured a network of 98 natural areas, covering more than 10,000 acres of land and protected a wide variety of habitats working towards the goal of protecting 10% of the Island. These natural areas including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and shorelines, are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endangered and threatened species that rely on these ecosystems for their survival. The protected areas also support a range of important ecological functions that benefit our Island communities and play a crucial role in purifying air and water, storing carbon, and preventing soil erosion.
“The acquisition and protection of over 10,000 acres of land is a significant achievement for INT, and we are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished,” said Bianca McGregor, Executive Director of Island Nature Trust. “However, it does not end here. 10,000 acres is similar to the size of Charlottetown city limits, and we are aiming to increase this number substantially by the end of the decade.”
Bianca adds ” PEI’s population is growing and our rural landscapes are under increased pressure from residential development, resource use, and climate change. It is important to note that most of this achievement was accomplished in the last few years, highlighting our accelerated efforts and a race-against-time to protect what little ecologically diverse land remains in PEI.”
“This success was accomplished in no small part to the dedication and hard work of our donors, staff, partners, and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to protect the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island. However, to meet our long-term goals of placing 10% of the province under protection, we need Islanders to continue their support by donating suitable land for protection or cash to INT.”
In the past year, INT has protected 29 Natural Areas, totalling over 2,405 acres of ecologically significant land. In a province where 87% of the land is privately owned and population growth, development, and climate change continue to exert pressure, this recent success highlights INT’s unwavering strategic commitment to permanently protect and secure large contiguous natural areas throughout PEI.
An example of this strategic objective is the recent donation of 15 acres by Bruce and Patricia Craig in Old Bedford Rd, lifting INT over the 10,000-acre mark. The generous contribution expands connectivity for wildlife by serving as an addition to the existing 100-acre Blooming Point Woodland Natural Area, which was acquired by INT in 1999. This connectivity strengthens the conservation efforts and promotes the conservation of the surrounding ecosystems.
The donated property’s ecological importance further reinforces the significance of INT’s approach. The presence of a freshwater marsh, forested wetland, and riparian zone along the Trout River, combined with a diverse array of micro-ecosystems, underscores the property’s ecological richness. This varied habitat supports a wide range of flora and fauna, providing valuable resources for numerous species and promoting biodiversity. The property also contains ideal habitats for species such as the endangered Canada Warbler and the Olive-sided Flycatcher.
By actively focusing on creating connected and expansive natural areas, INT ensures the long-term viability of ecosystems and the conservation of vital ecological processes. These tracts of protected land allow for the conservation of intact ecosystems and the sustainable management of natural resources. INT’s dedication to bringing such areas into protection contributes to maintaining healthy populations of wildlife, conserving critical habitats, and safeguarding the province’s natural heritage.
Reaching the milestone of 10,000 acres demonstrates INT’s effectiveness in engaging donors, landowners, and the community at large to contribute to the conservation cause. Each donation, like the one made by Patricia and Bruce Craig, plays a crucial role in realizing INT’s mission and contributes to the collective effort of protecting Prince Edward Island’s natural heritage for future generations of nature and people to come.
The protection of these properties would not have been possible without significant contributions from our individual donors, the Provincial government of PEI, MapleCross Fund, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Read more about the Craig’s pivotal donation here.
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 protect and steward forever a network of natural areas and wildlife habitats across PEI and bring together those who care about protecting 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 who will continue building on the long tradition of Island Nature Trust as the premiere land trust on the Island.
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.
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.
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.
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?
‘It could have been worse!’ This is the sentiment lingering in the minds of many Islanders after Hurricane Fiona hit the Island as a powerful post-tropical storm on September 23-24, 2022. Those who saw iconic sand dunes disappear and swaths of forested areas flattened by the winds witnessed the immediate impacts of one of the most damaging events in recent Island history. Nevertheless, the team at Island Nature Trust is striving for a more positive outlook and a regenerative way forward that can give hope to all Islanders.
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature announced that the Monarch butterfly has been place on the international endangered list. Coincidentally, Lone Oak Brewery in partnership with Island Nature Trust are today launching a limited-edition beer in tribute of the iconic species.
To celebrate the record-breaking success of last years Saving Our Island campaign, the Trust is launching a series of short videos revealing a birds-eye view and first glimpse of the natural areas acquired in 2021. The purchase of these ecologically rich properties was only made possible because of the generosity of Islanders. The first episode, is available at https://islandnaturetrust.ca/match/
Since April 2021, The Trust has nearly tripled its yearly acquisitions by securing 21 ecologically sensitive properties across PEI. In that time, 1,822 acres of natural area were secured. This continues an impressive growth trajectory, which has seen the 40-year-old Trust acquire over a third of its total natural areas within three years.
Through the Saving Our Island campaign – first launched in September 2021 – the Trust asked Islanders to help connect PEI’s patchwork landscape by either donating their land to Add A Patch or giving cash to Match A Patch, to see their contribution quadrupled by the Trust’s conservation partners. Funds raised allowed the Trust to continue its mission to strategically secure a corridor of natural areas across PEI. Lastly, Mend A Patch used cash donations to ensure the long-term stewardship of the Trust’s acquired natural areas.
1,304 acres were purchased by INT in 2021-22 and a further 518 acres donated thanks to the generosity of the Island community.
Ecosystem Services: A standout feature of these ecologically important acquired areas is the plethora of benefits they provide to Islanders, not just nature. Crucially, the carbon sequestration potential of large forest blocks, wetland and marshland present in recent acquisitions are a natural defence to the rising effects of climate change.
The acquisitions, made possible from last years Match A Patch campaign, will all be protected in perpetuity under the PEI Natural Areas Protection Act and include:
Wji’kijek – MapleCross Natural Area: This property is an expansion to the Crown Point Wji’kijek Natural Area in Alexandra and hosts coastal Krummholz forest and a freshwater marsh that once connected to Jardines bay. The parcel’s edge contains coastal bluffs that supports one of INT’s focus species-at-risk, the bank swallow. Crown Point is associated with considerable cultural signifigance. Wji’kijek translates to “the place where stumps are found.”
MapleCross – Morell River Riparian Zone Natural Area: Comprising of three connective properties that are an addition to the many protected areas along the Morell River. This waterway has been recognized for its ecological and cultural significance, reflected with a 60-meter conservation zone along much of its length. These new parcels are a haven for songbirds and spring ephemerals that lie at the water’s edge.
Midgell River Riparian Zone Natural Area: This is an addition to adjoining protected lands that make up the Martinvale – Corraville Wildlife Management Area. This headwater forest is dominated by mature black spruce, and supports a large number of rare species, including the nationally at-risk Eastern wood pee-wee.
Nebraska Creek Riparian Zone Natural Area: This property is an addition to the Trust’s natural areas within the Miscouche bog region, which is known for rare species richness and carbon sequestration potential. Also within the parcel is lowland forest passing through Nebraska Creek and a coastal salt marsh that borders Grand River.
Five parcels were donated to Add A Patch to be protected in perpetuity. The largest of which is a 268-acre property donated by the MacKay family in 2021. The ecologically diverse area sits next to Strang Road in Prince County and features a sizeable block of carbon sucking peatland and bog. The habitat is known to support Canada warbler, while housing several uncommon, tracked flora such as royal fern, Vermont blackberry, white fringed orchid and rose pogonia.
The property was donated to the Island Nature Trust under the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, which provides enhanced tax incentives for individuals or corporations who donate ecologically significant land.
Land donor Gordon MacKay said that while the tax incentives offered by the Ecogift program were appealing, his family were ‘incredibly grateful to see their land protected for the benefits of both people and nature.’
Considering the impact of increased development and looming effects of climate change, Gordon believes that it was just the right time to donate his family’s land to the Trust. He adds, ‘knowing that our donation of land will continue to provide benefits to the Island community in the face of global biodiversity loss and trusting that the land will be preserved in its natural state forever is comforting to our family.’
The ecologically diverse property was named the Jean and Stewart MacKay Natural Area after Gordon’s parents and features a bog bordered with a rare stand of jack pine dominates the eastern parcel, while the western parcel supports red maple and black spruce lowland mixed wood forest and feeds groundwater through seeps to Dalton’s Brook. These parcels form a large block proximate to protected public land in the Haliburton Ironwood Natural Area and Locke Rd Jack Pine Woodland Natural Area.
The undisturbed nature of the peatlands within the eastern parcel allows for continued carbon sequestration in an area of western Prince Edward Island experiencing dramatic loss of stored carbon through forest conversion to agriculture.
Island Nature Trust just surpassed the 7,800-acre mark for protected natural areas and has a goal to acquire another 2,000 acres in 2022.
The Trust has developed conservation alliances with the Province of PEI and Ontario based, MapleCross Fund to relaunch the Saving Our Island campaign. Through these partners, we are excited to announce every dollar donated to the campaign will be tripled! Our goal is to raise $150,000, which will be matched by both conservation partners, allowing us to dedicate over $450,000 to Island land conservation.
Island Nature Trust is a membership-based, non-government, Canadian charity dedicated to land conservation in Prince Edward Island since 1979. We envision a future where P.E.I. has a network of protected, robust natural areas championed by knowledgeable, engaged Islanders.
We envision a network of protected natural areas across PEI sustained by the love and generosity of Islanders today for the enjoyment of Islanders and wildlife tomorrow.
Quick Facts
Ecological Gift – Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program provides a way for Canadians with ecologically sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for future generations. It offers significant tax benefits to landowners who donate land or a partial interest in land to a qualified recipient, by providing exemption from capital gains tax.
Ecosystem services are the many and varied benefits to humans provided by the natural environment and from healthy ecosystems. Such ecosystems include, for example, agroecosystems, forest ecosystems, grassland ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems. Healthy, functioning ecosystems offer services like natural pollination of crops, clean air, extreme weather mitigation, and human mental and physical well-being
The Trust’s Saving Our IsLAND matching campaign reaches $600K, thanks to public support and new collaborations with MapleCross and the Province of PEI
February 28th 2022: Island Nature Trust and the Province of PEI’s mission to protect 7% of PEI by 2030 and become the first province in Canada to reach Net Zero, took a significant step forward today.
The Saving Our Island campaign launched in September 2021, with a deadline for 1st March 2022 to raise $150,000 for the long-term protection of PEI’s remaining native forests, has now been reached.
On the back of new conservation alliances with the Province of PEI, MapleCross Fund based in Ontario and an anonymous benefactor – pledges from the matching partners will allow the total to grow from $150,000 to $600,000.
Over the last year, campaign funds have enabled INT to double the yearly acreage of acquisitions for ecologically sensitive land in PEI. In this period, INT secured 2175 acres of natural area, which is the largest amount of land secured over twelve-months in he Trust’s 40-year history.
Thanks to the success of the campaign, a recent addition to Crown Point – Wji’kijek Natural Area in Alexandra, which expands a coastal migratory flyway for shore birds, a rare 37-acre home to spawning Atlantic Salmon in Bangor, 200 acres of riparian forest along the culturally significant Midgell River (Elm Road), and a 65-acre parcel of rare cedar and white ash forested wetland in Miscouche will all be protected in perpetuity under the Natural Areas Protection Act. The two Natural Areas in Alexandra and Bangor are due be formally named by MapleCross later in the year.
“It is truly remarkable to see the Trust’s first ever major fundraising campaign succeed on so many levels. We have new partners who are committed for the long term and the response from Islanders who have stood up in support is heart warming. However, with natural areas estimated to cost on average of $1000 per acre or more, and eight years left to save up to an additional 35,000+ acres to meet initial targets, all of Prince Edward Islands conservation partners really need to ramp up annual acreage amounts put under protection.” – Bianca McGregor, Executive Director at Island Nature Trust
Inspired by campaign messaging and encounters with passionate and knowledgeable INT supporters, Isobel Ralston & Jan Oudenes of MapleCross committed matching funds in the Fall of 2021 on the understanding that Islanders would come together in support of the campaign and raise the $150,000 seeding amount by 1st March 2022.
MapleCross Fund was launched in 2017 to provide funds to Canadian land trusts on a mission to preserve and steward land in perpetuity. With their investment, MapleCross posed the question; “will Islanders respond and help protect what lies in their own backyards?”
“The locals really must get involved. It shows that a campaign is worthwhile, and our future investment will be also dependent on whether the community is engaged and contributing. So, we may get on board with a project but if there’s a lack of support from locals, we then ask ourselves, is it really worth investing in this Trust again?” – Isobel Ralston & Jan Oudenes, MapleCross
Islanders profoundly answered that question today with $150,000 donated by 303 individuals.
Following a public appeal to raise the remaining $20,000 for the Match A Patch Campaign in early February of this year, Judy Profitt, a 7th generation Islander from Brackley donated $5000 to the Saving Our Island: Match A Patch campaign:
“The matching campaign was very attractive to me. Since the impact is amplified by major benefactors, I feel my donation isn’t stuck in a bubble. For someone who cares deeply about their Island, how often do opportunities – to make a real difference – like this present themselves?’
“My father, Wendell Profitt was a passionate about protecting PEI’s native forests. Up until his death in 2017, he worked tirelessly for the protection of natural sites through his employment for many years with the PEl Government as well as through his volunteer activity with the Island Nature Trust. He would have been incredibly heartened to see the Province of PEI standing together with INT to protect these forests” says Judy.”
“We are pleased to work alongside the Island Nature Trust as they further their mission to protect land on PEI,” said Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, Steven Myers. “Our approach to reaching net zero has to consider all factors, and land use and protection is a major priority.”
Having just surpassed the 7000-acre mark for INT protected Natural Areas – the trust intends to ramp up its mission to help secure thousands of acres more by the end of the decade.
“This campaign isn’t the end. it’s the beginning of a process. If we can raise $600,000 in five months, imagine what we can raise in eight years!’ exclaims INT Executive Director, Bianca McGregor.
The takeaway according to Bianca: “This is a success hinged on the support from today’s Islanders that will resonate with future generations. Donations from Islanders are now being leveraged by growing alliances with investors and partners. This marriage will ensure the long-term survival of our Island and I speak on behalf of our all of our matching partners in humbly thanking everyone that participated.”
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About
Island Nature Trust is a membership-based, non-government, Canadian charity dedicated to land conservation in Prince Edward Island since 1979. We envision a future where P.E.I. has a network of protected, robust natural areas championed by knowledgeable, engaged Islanders.
We envision a network of protected natural areas across PEI sustained by the love and generosity of Islanders today for the enjoyment of Islanders and wildlife tomorrow.
A five-year agreement with PEI Liquor Control Commission and partnering suppliers, has helped the Trust acquire natural areas in Alexandra and significantly accelerated its protection program.
L-R: Island Nauture Trust staff – Charlotte Thompson, Fund Development Coordinator and Bianca McGregor, Executive Director, pictured with Darlene Compton, Minister of Finance for Prince Edward Island at Government House in Charlottetown.Read more
