Following 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 protect the ever-expanding network of Natural Areas safeguarded by INT, resonating deeply with the community. In the days after publication, nearly one hundred Islanders reached out, expressing a desire to become Conservation Guardians, showcasing their commitment to protecting the Island’s natural beauty.

In response to this surge in interest, INT organized five training sessions in October and November, held at Jenkins Complex, Buote Heritage Woods, Barbara Green, and Kildare Forest Natural Areas. These sessions are designed to introduce new volunteers to the basics of the Conservation Guardian role, including what to look for such as identifying human disturbances, and learning how to use the monitoring app our Stewardship team uses. Across the five events over 40 new volunteers are attending, immersing themselves in the responsibilities and joys of becoming a guardian of PEI’s wild spaces.

INT organized five Conservation Guardian training sessions in October and November, held across several of its Natural Areas

INT Executive Director Melissa Cameron reflected on the community’s response: “It’s inspiring to see how deeply Islanders care about protecting the land. The response to the CBC article has been incredible, and it reminds us of the shared commitment we all have to conserve PEI’s natural heritage. With the support of these new volunteers, we’re more prepared than ever to monitor and protect our natural areas.”

The Conservation Guardian program plays a critical role in INT’s efforts, especially as the number of protected areas has grown to over 111 sites across Prince Edward Island. Guardians are essential in monitoring these lands, helping INT detect early signs of human interference or ecological change. Thanks to this recent outpouring of support, INT’s reach will extend further, and we plan to continue working with the community to expand our network of dedicated guardians Island-wide.

The surge in community support for Island Nature Trust’s Conservation Guardian program has underscored Islanders’ dedication to protecting PEI’s natural landscapes. With volunteers stepping up to protect these habitats, INT is poised to make an even greater impact across the Island. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shown interest, attended training, and offered their time to safeguard these cherished spaces. The response has been nothing short of inspiring, affirming the deep-rooted care that Islanders have for their environment.

And as we look ahead to the festive season, there’s an additional way for Islanders to show their love for the natural world.

In the spirit of giving, INT is launching a holiday fundraiser, “Let’s Give a Hoot About Nature This Holiday Season,” inviting everyone to support the birds that make PEI their home. These birds do more than add beauty to our landscapes; they play a vital role in our ecosystems. Unfortunately, many of them face significant threats—from habitat loss to the impacts of climate change. By supporting INT’s holiday fundraiser, you can help protect species at risk and with a gift this season, you’ll join a community working to restore habitats, monitor populations, and engage Islanders in conservation.