Forested areas are one of the most at-risk ecosystems on the island, so much so that the federal government recently declared PEI’s forested landscape a priority for protection.

It’s hard to eloquently sum up the connection that each of us feels to trees and the forest. Post-Tropical storm Fiona certainly gave us all pause to consider such feelings. The number of trees lost was devastating.

When viewed from a practical lens, trees provide shelter, structure, windbreaks and a feeling of being rooted. They provide products for building and heating. Trees remind us of play, of adventure and of home. There are some trees however, that we should be paying particular attention to for their regenerative qualities, the matriarchs of the forest – the Mother Trees.

Mother Trees in the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest are impactful in their age and stature. They hold ecological significance as seed and nursery providers for new generations of their species. 

The newly launched Mother Tree initiative will highlight these incredible trees, their influence on the natural regeneration of our forests, and as seed providers give individuals and organizations an opportunity to honour their importance through sponsorship.

Shortly after Fiona hit, the INT stewardship team canvassed many of our natural areas to identify species and forests of note where mother trees were present and in need of protection. So far staff have identified mother trees in 26 of our natural areas.

Money raised will go to support the ongoing stewardship efforts of the trees themselves, the natural areas that they live in, as well as the acquisition of other impacted forested properties that will benefit from mother tree saplings as part of their recovery.

Islanders and Island businesses are being invited to sponsor mother trees for three-year tenures. There are three levels of participation ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 annually.

Not every species is found in every forested area and often two or more species are prevalent in the same forest. The natural areas are divided into three categories: those with no footpaths, those with private footpaths and those with public footpaths. Recognition levels also increase with the amount of sponsorship.

Eight species of mother tree have been identified across the Island and include Eastern Hemlock, Red Oak, Red Maple, White Ash, White Pine, Eastern White Cedar, Yellow Birch and Sugar Maple.

This program is tailored to those who want to pledge a significant gift and has been well-received by businesses, social clubs and individuals alike and has already been championed by local businesses such as Bookmark in Charlottetown.