Seed Tree Sponsorship
Supporting land stewardship and conservation through Seed Tree Sponsorship
In the heart of Prince Edward Island, our forests hold a special place in the landscape of our beloved Island. They’re not just a collection of trees; they’re a source of shelter, home, and the embodiment of life itself. Trees provide us with so much more than we can put into words, and the recent losses from Post-Tropical Storm Fiona have reminded us just how vital they are.
The federal government recently declared PEI’s forested landscape a priority for protection, recognizing the fragile balance of our Island’s natural treasures. This emphasis on forest protection is more than just a call to action; it’s a testament to the importance of trees in our lives.
Among these trees, there are some that stand as matriarchs of the forest, known as Seed Trees. These remarkable trees, found in the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest, play a crucial role in the natural regeneration of our forests. Their age and stature make them influential seed and nursery providers, ensuring the continued existence of their species.
Island Nature Trust has identified seed trees in 26 of our natural areas, with the goal of protecting them as part of our stewardship efforts. These trees are essential to the recovery and growth of our forests, and your support can make a world of difference.
Our Seed Tree Sponsorship program is an opportunity to honor the importance of these incredible trees and contribute to their protection. By sponsoring a seed tree, you’re not only protecting their legacy but also supporting the ongoing stewardship of the trees, the natural areas they inhabit, and the acquisition of other impacted forested properties that can benefit from the growth of seed tree saplings.
Islanders and Island businesses are invited to sponsor seed trees for three-year tenures at various levels of participation, ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 annually. Our natural areas vary in terms of accessibility and recognition levels, providing a tailored experience for those who wish to pledge a significant gift.
Eight species of seed trees have been identified across the Island, including Eastern Hemlock, Red Oak, Red Maple, White Ash, White Pine, Eastern White Cedar, Yellow Birch, and Sugar Maple. Each species plays a unique role in our ecosystem, and your sponsorship contributes to the broader picture of forest conservation.
The Seed Tree Sponsorship program has already garnered support from local businesses like Bookmark in Charlottetown, demonstrating the collective effort needed to safeguard our forests.
This is your chance to be part of a transformative initiative that nurtures the future of PEI’s forests. By sponsoring a seed tree, you play a vital role in protecting our Island’s natural legacy and supporting the regrowth of the forests that mean so much to us all. Join us in championing the cause of nature, one tree at a time.
Thanks to our donors and funding partners, INT has been able to acquire and protect nearly 10,000 acres of ecologically important land on Prince Edward Island. Stewarding land responsibly in the context of protection forever is a significant undertaking. It lies at the heart of Island Nature Trust’s mandate for land conservation. With nearly 100 natural areas across PEI, we cannot work to retain and restore ecological integrity on these lands without significant support from Islanders.
Sponsor a Seed Tree
Seed Trees will be located in natural areas where our Stewardship team has
identified them as key caregivers in their specific ecosystems.
Sponsorship pledges will go towards our annual stewardship goals and are for a
period of 3 years.
Starting at $2,500.00 annually, our Seed Tree Sponsorship will directly impact the
health of our forest ecosystems; a benefit to all Islanders.
Tier 1
Tier 1 Seed Trees will be located within INT natural areas with no public or private footpath systems.
Tier 2
Tier 2 Seed Trees will be located within INT natural areas that have a private footpath system.
Tier 3
Tier 3 Seed Trees will be located within INT natural areas with a publicly accessible footpath system.
Learn More About:
Seed Trees
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. These elders are important not only as habitat for the variety of flora and fauna living in the forest, but also for the longevity of the forest itself, along with the people who depend on the woods for their culture and livelihood.
Tier 1
For an annual gift of $2,500.00 each year for three years, you will receive:
- A feature in the quarterly INT Magazine and a mention in the annual Impact Report.
- A framed photo of your Seed Tree to display.
- Recognition on our social media channels.
Tier 1 Seed Trees will be located within INT natural areas with no public or private footpath systems.
Tier 2
For your annual gift of $5,000.00 each year for three years, you will receive:
- A feature in the quarterly INT Magazine and a mention in the annual report.
- On-site signage recognizing your contribution and commitment to land conservation and management.
- Invitation to all major donor events.
Tier 2 Seed Trees will be located within INT natural areas that have a private footpath system.
Tier 3
For your annual gift of $7,500.00 a year for three years, you will receive:
- Same benefits as Tier 1 + 2.
- A media release to recognize your contribution.
- A guided tour of the site where your tree is located, and information on the ecological significance of the Seed Tree.
Tier 3 Seed Trees will be located within INT natural areas with a publicly accessible footpath system.
Species of Seed Trees in our natural areas
Forested landscapes are the most vulnerable to loss in Prince Edward Island,
according to the federal and provincial governments. In PEI, just 4.9% of our lands
are protected. In addition, 87% of our land is privately owned, so protecting forests
and returning them to a more diverse, resilient ecosystem is challenging.
INT continues to search for resources and diverse knowledge to lead
by example in forest stewardship. Priority actions include sustainable silviculture
work needed in many of our impacted forest lands and instating early detection
protocols for invasive forest plants and insects.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I receive a charitable tax receipt when I sponsor a Seed Tree?
A: Individuals will receive a charitable tax receipt for their annual sponsorship. Corporations will receive a receipt for their annual payment (not a charitable tax receipt), which can then be claimed as a business expense.
Q: How long is my sponsorship commitment?
A: Each sponsorship is for a three-year term with three equal annual payments (Tier 1: $2,500 x 3 years = $7,500; Tier 2: $5,000 x 3 years = $15,000; Tier 3: $7,500 x 3 = $22,500).
Q: What if I want to sponsor the seed tree for more than three years?
A: As a sponsor, INT will provide you with the first right of refusal to sponsor the same seed tree following the completion of your three-year commitment.
Q: Am I able to sponsor a tree in a natural area that I don’t see listed?
A: At this time our conservation team has identified trees in the sites listed exclusively.
