PEI Environmental Network

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF BIODIVERSITY (IYB)

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – ÎLE-DU-PRINCE ÉDOUARD
IYB Champion Report
 

It is a lovely place to live or to visit, and it seems un-crowded to city-dwellers, but PEI is the most densely populated province in Canada, and – as such – there is virtually no wilderness left, once you leave the seashore. Deliberately introduced species, such as skunks and potatoes, add to the challenge of invasive species such as starlings and tunicate (the former out-competing native songbirds for habitat and food and the latter wreaking havoc in the mussel fishery).
 

The good news is that both the public sector and the citizenry are growing more aware of the perils attached to decreasing biodiversity. Until now, government has mainly focused on mitigation strategies such as grubbing out purple loosestrife or seeking solutions to the tunicate invasion. However, there is beginning to be some genuine debate about the potential for those “strange bedfellows”, biodiversity and biotechnology, to coexist on the government’s policy agenda, as well as within a healthy ecosystem. PEI’s recently announced Rural Action Plan makes some encouraging noises about environmental conservation, but the primary focus seems to be – as usual - on economic growth. The two goals are certainly not mutually exclusive, but it is not clear that PEI’s policy makers fully appreciate that biodiversity is the cake and that prosperity is the icing, rather than vice-versa.
 

Many organizations and individuals work to promote biodiversity on PEI. Events range from the family-friendly Dandelion Festival to protests and educational activities by Women in Support of the Fishery, or the tireless efforts to restore the health of our rivers and wetlands by the many watershed groups and the Atlantic Coastal Action Plan partners and allies. The MacPhail Woods forestry project is probably the single most active organization in promoting biodiversity to schools. However, part of the success of the past twenty years can be attributed to the role of the PEI Eco-Net de l’Î-P-É as a hub for PEI’s Environmental Non-Government Organization (ENGO) community. Formerly known as the PEI Environmental Network, this Regional Affiliate of the Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) is in the process of launching their new website http://www.peieconet.org/ but the best place to find updated information is on their Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/peieconet.

Here are some of the biodiversity events and activities on PEI, past and upcoming. They are listed in chronological order:

The Macphail Woods Tree and Shrub Nursery
(Thursdays - Saturdays, April 29 to June 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) grows native trees and shrubs for use in restorative planting projects and for sale to the public. Native species are usually very reliable, hardy and are well adapted to local conditions. For more information: http://www.macphailwoods.org/blog/

Farmers’ Markets
Both Summerside and Charlottetown have markets that feature certified organic produce, as well as heirloom varieties of both plants and animals.

MAY 15: Identifying Native Trees and Shrubs
Take a stroll around the native plant nursery, arboretum, and the trails of MacPhail Woods, focusing on identifying native trees and shrubs. Begins at the nursery at 10 a.m.

MAY 19: Quality of Island Life Co-operative AGM and Think Fest
An opportunity to examine what role the natural world and biodiversity play in life satisfaction and well-being. 5 – 8 p.m., Alexandra Community Hall.

MAY 20: PEI Food Security Network Workshop - Making It Fair: A closer look at fair trade and sustainable food systems
Farm Centre; 420 University Avenue, Charlottetown. To register: phone Cooper Institute 894-4573 or by email: cooperinstitute@eastlink.ca

MAY 22: Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association, Emerald
The Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association (BBEMA) will be actively promoting the Green Wave Tree Planting Initiative to school groups and community members, encouraging them to plant a tree for May 22nd. To do so, BBEMA will be handing out native trees at local schools, tradeshows, daycares and the mall. BBEMA will also be hosting a Bug Biodiversity Day. This is a celebration of some of the world’s smallest, but most important and exciting creatures. Families can spend the day engaged in the world of insects (especially pollinators) and understanding their important role in supplying food sources for people and wildlife – highlights will include live and penned insect displays, viewing aquatic insects under the microscope, a bug popularity contest, butterfly exhibit, bug crafts, tarantula display, interactive insect identification display board and the ever popular BBEMA worm race.

MAY 29: Birds and Breakfast
The MacPhail Homestead will be open at 7 am to serve a free "early bird" breakfast, then take a stroll along the trails of MacPhail Woods, looking at year-round residents and returning migratory birds. A great walk for the whole family. Bring your boots and binoculars. The tour begins at the nursery at 8 a.m.

JUNE 4 & 5: Inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Atlantic Council for Community & Social Enterprise.
This meeting will bring together people from across the region who prize diversity and promote inclusion in ways that foster prosperity while healing the ecosystem. www.accse.ca

JUNE 12 & 13: Annual Bald Eagle Festival
The Hillsborough River Eco-centre was created by the Hillsborough River Area Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established to foster community development in the Hillsborough River watershed area. The Eco-Centre works closely with the Hillsborough River Association, one of the main goals of this non-profit organization is the promotion and preservation of the Hillsborough River, the Island's first Canadian Heritage River. After visiting the eco-centre, the nearby Pigot Trail provides an opportunity to see a wealth of birds, plants and other wildlife. The Confederation Trail offers a perfect opportunity to see the area by walking or cycling along the river edge. The more adventurous may want to explore the river close up by boating, canoeing or kayaking so as to enjoy the amazing variety of bird species in this area, due to the different habitats and the richness of the salt marshes. Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead. www.hrec.mountstewartpei.ca

JUNE 19: Landscaping With Native Plants
Want to spend less time cutting grass and more time enjoying the beautiful plants around your home? This workshop introduces a variety of hardy native plants to attract wildlife and beautify your yard. Meet at the MacPhail Nature Centre at 10 a.m.

JULY 11: Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Slide show and demonstration of proper pruning methods and a discussion of recommended books and tools. Participants will practise pruning on a variety of plants in the nursery, arboretum and woodlands. Begins at the MacPhail Nature Centre at 2 p.m.

July 15: Emissions Free Lawn Care Seminar
West Royalty Community Centre, 1 Kirkdale Road, Charlottetown, 6:30PM.

JULY 17: Tree and Shrub Identification Walk
Learn how to identify a variety of native species using leaves, fruit and seed. The tour, led by Forest Technician Ruth Richman, includes a walk through the woods and begins at the MacPhail nursery at 10am.

AUGUST 1: Forest Restoration Workshop
A walk and talk in a wide variety of forest habitats at MacPhail Woods. Anyone interested in forest restoration or nature in general is encouraged to attend. The focus will be on bringing back the native Acadian forest, looking at some of the methods used on the property over the past 19 years and trying to find solutions to problems faced by woodlot owners. Meet at the Nature Centre at 2 p.m.

AUGUST 7: Plants of Prince Edward Island
Led by biologist Kate MacQuarrie. A general look at many of the plants, both native and non-native, that you commonly encounter in the province. Begins at 10 a.m. at the MacPhail nursery.

AUGUST 21: Improving Riparian Zones
Waterways are key components of healthy ecosystems, providing critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Rob Sharkie, Executive Director of the Trout River Environmental Committee, will look at a variety of riparian habitats and discuss ways they can be restored and improved. Meet at the MacPhail Nature Centre at 10 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 15: Identifying Native Shrubs
As part of the Fall Festival of Flavours, this workshop will show how to identify the dozens of shrubs that are native to the Acadian forest region - with a special look at shrubs that produce edible nuts and berries. This includes everything from beaked hazelnuts to serviceberry and common elder. Meet at the MacPhail nursery at 2 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 18: Growing Native Plants
A workshop on propagating a wide variety of native plants - everything from witch hazel and white ash to painted trillium - from seeds and cuttings. An outing for anyone with an interest in native plants. Meet at the MacPhail nursery at 10 a.m.