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.
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