The McNeill family of Days Corner, PE, has made a generous 80 acre donation of land on the Ellis River. This property, which lies just outside of Wellington, is an ecological hotspot, with over a kilometer of coastal salt marsh and habitat for several species at risk.
We wanted to do something would create a lasting legacy for our parents.
David McNeill
Honoring Their Parents and Family Legacy
In 1900, Ruby McNeill’s grandfather, Simon Day, purchased 101 acres near Wellington, PE. He farmed the land, operated a blacksmith shop on the property, and ran the local mail. Eventually, his youngest son, Lem, took over the land and the blacksmith shop. Lem was offered countless times to have the land developed, but sold it to Edd and Ruby McNeill and their son David to keep it protected.
Edd and David ran a service center out front and allowed the remaining land to regrow into a forest. Edd was a true steward of the forest; he mindfully thinned the trees growing in the old fields and sustainably harvested small amounts of hardwood for firewood.
Edd and David also received numerous offers to sell the land for development, but kept Lem’s wish of protecting the land. The family has decided to honor this legacy by donating the land to Island Nature Trust, to be protected forever as the Edd and Ruby McNeill Natural Area.
Protecting Coastal Wetlands
Salt marshes provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife but consist of only one to two percent of the land mass in PEI. Salt marshes were historically dyked and converted to farmland for hay in PEI, leaving few fully intact. They provide habitat for breeding and migratory species, including willet, Nelson’s sparrow, and greater yellowlegs. In addition to wildlife support, salt marshes provide valuable nitrogen filtration for seabound water, and sequester large amounts of “blue carbon” in their soils. They also reduce the impact of storm surges and erosion, making them an invaluable ecosystem on PEI.
Ways To Protect Your Land
Private Stewardship
You can retain ownership of the land and still place it under NAPA protection. Our resource guide “Protecting Natural Places in Prince Edward Island”’ provides more detail on this option.
Donate or Sell Your Land
For those who are able, the act of giving land to a land trust so that it may be protected is the ultimate in generosity. Island Nature Trust profoundly appreciates anyone who considers such a gift.
