The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is looking for help to buy and protect two new sites on the Island.
The properties, located in North Enmore and Howe Bay, are priority habitat areas for Acadian forest as well as several notable species. The charitable organization unveiled the sites today, now that agreements have been signed with the private landowners.
Progress has been made with the fundraising, but the projects are conditional on coming up with an additional $30,000. Those contributions can be leveraged by matching dollars from foundations, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Mossy Point is a 30-hectare (75-acre) site at the mouth of the Percival River. Half of the land is being donated, while NCC needs to purchase the remainder and cover stewardship costs. NCC has been working in this area since 2007 and has already protected 269 hectares (665 acres) of salt marsh, freshwater wetland and forest habitat. The Percival River area is one of the most intact habitat corridors in P.E.I. Its swampy lowlands are home to a number of provincially rare species, including black ash and eastern white cedar, and Nelson’s sparrow, a coastal breeding bird.
NCC is also raising funds to buy 3.5 hectares (8.5 acres) in Howe Bay, near Souris. The forested lands there would add a missing piece to NCC’s Elizabeth Walsh Nature Reserve and are near two wildlife management areas protected by the province. Therefore, this land purchase is intended to consolidate this area and make it larger and safer for birds and other wildlife. First established in 2019, the Elizabeth Walsh Nature Reserve honours the memory of a cherished aunt. After losing her brothers during the 1918 influenza epidemic, Great Aunt Lizzie farmed the land on her own for decades. Her family generously donated the land to NCC in her name.
Anyone interested in supporting the project can visit natureconservancy.ca/donate. Contributions will be eligible for income tax receipts.
