Category: News

Embracing the Guardian Spirit: A Journey of Stewardship

Ben Russell

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.

Read more

Privately Protecting Natural Areas on Prince Edward Island: The Story of Kathy Stuart and Stuart Memorial Woodland Natural Area

Ben Russell

Although Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada, many call it home. This small Island boasts a large variety of landscapes, forests, rolling fields, rivers, wetlands, and beaches, all of which enhance the Islanders’ attachment to the land. The Island is roughly 85% privately owned, and many of the landowners are long-term residents or visitors with special ties to PEI’s natural beauty. For those with strong ties to the Island and its natural features, it is not hard to see that the pressure of development is decreasing the Island’s natural spaces; and for some, the need to conserve these areas for future generations is evident.

Read more

Private Landowner’s Frequently Asked Questions:

Ben Russell

Many of Prince Edward Island’s residents have strong ties to the Island and would like to see the natural features that define the landscape preserved for future generations to enjoy. There are several options for private landowners who are interested in protecting their properties from future development and conserving the land’s natural features. Island Nature Trust has an “Options booklet” available for people interested in exploring land conservation opportunities. For landowners who want to keep their properties in their family for future generations, but also want to ensure that they are not developed in the future, using a legal mechanism such as the Natural Areas Protection Act (NAPA) might be the right option. Protecting land under the NAPA is a big decision, and big decisions are often paired with several questions. We hope to answer a few of them here today.

Read more

Nature’s Social Media Advocates: Amplifying Conservation Efforts with Island Nature Trust

Ben Russell

Conservation isn’t solely the responsibility of organizations or governments; individuals hold immense power to drive change, especially in the digital era. Social media platforms serve as potent tools to amplify voices and advocate for crucial causes like environmental conservation. Here’s how you, as an individual, can leverage your social media channels to support Island Nature Trust and contribute to conservation efforts:

Read more

Strengthening Conservation Through Collaboration

Ben Russell

INT’s Vital Nonprofit Partnerships

Conservation is a collective effort that requires collaboration and active participation from various organizations and individuals. Island Nature Trust (INT) recognizes the importance of forging partnerships with like-minded organizations to achieve its mission of protecting Prince Edward Island’s natural heritage. These partnerships extend beyond shared goals; they represent a shared commitment to conservation and the collective responsibility we hold to safeguard our environment. By engaging with these organizations and amplifying their efforts on social media, individuals can play a vital role in advocating for nature and supporting INT’s conservation initiatives. Don’t forget to like, follow, and share content from these organizations on social media, and inform yourself by visiting their websites to stay updated on their latest initiatives and opportunities for involvement. Join the conversation and Be Outspoken for Nature today!

Read more

‘If I Could Hug an Island’: The Song That Mends Hearts and Helps Heal the Island

Ben Russell

In the aftermath of post-tropical storm Fiona’s devastating impact on Prince Edward Island, Island singer-songwriter Noah Malcolm found a powerful way to channel his feelings of grief and helplessness into a beautiful composition. His heartwarming song, ‘If I Could Hug an Island,’ has resonated deeply with Islanders, offering comfort and warmth during a challenging time.

Read more

Stewardship At Home: Harvesting and Starting the Seeds of Life

Ben Russell

As a direct impact of post-tropical storm Fiona, many of Prince Edward Island’s seed-bearing trees are laying horizontally; fortunately, word is spreading about the benefits of natural decomposition of those trees. Although it will take time for the trees to decompose and make room for new growth, this process will increase the quality of nutrients that are available in the soil. However, for the time being it seems as though many of the trees that have fallen are still rooted to some degree and they are not ready to stop providing. As you walk through the woods you may notice that the downed trees are persisting and continuing to bear flowers that will later become seeds. This makes the seeds of the larger, mature trees more accessible and gives landowners the opportunity to try their hand at harvesting and starting their own native species seed bank. Here are a few quick tips, tricks, and notes to keep in mind if you wish to start growing your own native trees:

Read more

The Judson Family: Honoring their vital land donation for coastal headland conservation 

Ben Russell

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