The partnership between ALUS and Island Nature Trust has been one that has created a wonderful foundation for farmland bird conservation across Prince Edward Island. Local farmers are proving their commitment to wildlife by providing nesting habitat for multiple grassland species, including bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), a species at risk.
Bobolink were listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act in 2017, with one of their largest threats on PEI being nest destruction due to the early harvest of hay. By delaying hay harvest and grazing, until after July 15th, local farmers provide bobolink (and other species) the habitat they need to reproduce and increase their chance at successfully fledging their young.
This past 2024 season, we have seen tremendous interest and local support of the program and had 57 landowners across the Island enroll parcels of land into the delayed hay program (both voluntarily and incentivized through ALUS). This equated to over 1,800 acres of farmland being enrolled. Island Nature Trust was able to conduct surveys at each site and over 500 adult bobolink were observed utilizing these fields! On PEI these birds rely on agricultural grasslands to breed and fledge their young, so having this community committed to their conservation is critical for their success.
Thanks to everyone for the support this past season. I look forward to what 2025 has in store and hope we can expand our reach and provide more habitat for this charismatic species. I live in rural PEI with my husband and two young children and hearing the bobolink’s bubbly call first thing in the morning is certainly a highlight of our spring and summer. I hope through this important work, their call can reach as many people as possible.
Kayle Laverty
Farmland Birds Coordinator
If you would like to know more about bobolink and the delayed hay conservation effort, please reach out to me at landbirds@islandnaturetrust.ca.
To find out more about the ALUS programming check them out here!
This work would not be possible without the Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Lands (ECCC) and Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Program.
Latest Articles
- The Importance of Connectivity
Prince Edward Island is a mosaic of small, privately owned parcels, with high road density and a history of deforestation for farmland. These factors have created fragmented habitat for wildlife in the remaining forest and wetlands,… Read more: The Importance of Connectivity - Local Farmers Committed to Bobolink Conservation
The partnership between ALUS and Island Nature Trust has been one that has created a wonderful foundation for farmland bird conservation across Prince Edward Island. Local farmers are proving their commitment to wildlife by providing nesting… Read more: Local Farmers Committed to Bobolink Conservation - Remembering John Sylvester
The Staff and Board of Island Nature Trust wish to extend their condolences to the family of John Sylvester, a gifted photographer who captured the beauty of our Island’s ecosystems. John was an ardent supporter of… Read more: Remembering John Sylvester - Portage Bog Natural Area ExpansionIsland Nature Trust is thrilled to announce the purchase and protection of 240 acres (97 hectares) of ecologically significant bog, salt marsh, and lowland forest that stretches from the Western Road to the Portage River in… Read more: Portage Bog Natural Area Expansion
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- Let’s Give a Hoot About Nature This WinterBirds, 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… Read more: Let’s Give a Hoot About Nature This Winter
- Media Spotlight: INT’s Essential Role in Protecting Natural AreasAt 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… Read more: Media Spotlight: INT’s Essential Role in Protecting Natural Areas
- Media Spotlight: INT Sees Overwhelming Volunteer Response Following CBC CoverageFollowing 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… Read more: Media Spotlight: INT Sees Overwhelming Volunteer Response Following CBC Coverage
- Island Nature Trust Announces New Executive Director, Melissa CameronJuly 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… Read more: Island Nature Trust Announces New Executive Director, Melissa Cameron
Latest Articles
- The Importance of ConnectivityPrince Edward Island is a mosaic of small, privately owned parcels, with high road density and a history of deforestation for farmland. These factors have created fragmented habitat for wildlife in the remaining forest and wetlands,… Read more: The Importance of Connectivity
- Local Farmers Committed to Bobolink ConservationThe partnership between ALUS and Island Nature Trust has been one that has created a wonderful foundation for farmland bird conservation across Prince Edward Island. Local farmers are proving their commitment to wildlife by providing nesting… Read more: Local Farmers Committed to Bobolink Conservation
- Remembering John SylvesterThe Staff and Board of Island Nature Trust wish to extend their condolences to the family of John Sylvester, a gifted photographer who captured the beauty of our Island’s ecosystems. John was an ardent supporter of… Read more: Remembering John Sylvester
- Portage Bog Natural Area ExpansionIsland Nature Trust is thrilled to announce the purchase and protection of 240 acres (97 hectares) of ecologically significant bog, salt marsh, and lowland forest that stretches from the Western Road to the Portage River in… Read more: Portage Bog Natural Area Expansion
- Survivor for a Cause: How PEI’s Fraser McCallum Used Reality TV to Raise Awareness for Island Nature TrustIn 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… Read more: Survivor for a Cause: How PEI’s Fraser McCallum Used Reality TV to Raise Awareness for Island Nature Trust
- Let’s Give a Hoot About Nature This WinterBirds, 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… Read more: Let’s Give a Hoot About Nature This Winter
- Media Spotlight: INT’s Essential Role in Protecting Natural AreasAt 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… Read more: Media Spotlight: INT’s Essential Role in Protecting Natural Areas
- Media Spotlight: INT Sees Overwhelming Volunteer Response Following CBC CoverageFollowing 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… Read more: Media Spotlight: INT Sees Overwhelming Volunteer Response Following CBC Coverage
- Island Nature Trust Announces New Executive Director, Melissa CameronJuly 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… Read more: Island Nature Trust Announces New Executive Director, Melissa Cameron
