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Island Nature Trust gets biggest land donation in group’s history

Sw-briefs@saltwire.com

CHARLOTTETOWN — The Island Nature Trust has secured its largest land acquisition in its 41-year history.

In a June 3 release, the environmental charity said it has taken over the 136-hectare Hanson-MacIsaac Natural Area, an area of lowland forest, fen peatland and riparian habitats in the St. Peters River watershed.

The property in Forest

Hill contributes to a sizeable unfragmented block of rich lowland forest in P.E.I. and is home to C02 absorbing fen peatland — a natural combatant against global warming.

It will now be protected by the Trust as a gift donated by

Carl Hansen and Dan MacIsaac.

Forest Hill is notable for its intact and contiguous lowland forest blocks, which are rare for P.E.I. and is known for its biodiversity, species-at-risk and as a home to migratory songbirds, such as the Rubythroated kinglet and palm warbler.

Three species of frogs, beaver lodges, muskrat dens, coyote scat and ruffed grouse have all been seen at the site.

INT said it will honour the donors’ wishes to see a loop trail to the south of the area using the existing woods road that enters and exits onto MacSwain Road.

Megan Hartris, director of conservation for Island Nature Trust, said contiguous forests are essential in minimizing some long-term risks to ecological integrity from threats like windthrow in high-intensity storms, extended drought and invasive plant infestations.

“It is so critically important for people and wildlife that we retain and protect these last remaining large natural landscapes.”

OBITUARIES | ENVIRONMENT

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2021-06-09T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-09T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://saltwire.pressreader.com/article/281702617650998

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