Nature Conservancy of Canada launches ambitious campaign to protect coastal forest in Murray Harbour

Press Release

April 22, 2025

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has a unique opportunity to protect an ecologically and culturally significant coastal landscape on the southeastern shore of Prince Edward Island (PEI).

The forested peninsula, commonly known as Point Pleasant and traditionally called Kiwto’qitek (pronounced “Geyou-dough-ed-deg”) by the Mi’kmaq, spans 202 hectares of mature and intact coastal forest, bog and almost five kilometres of shoreline.

The mixed Wabanaki (Acadian) forest serves as a natural buffer against ocean winds and helps keep the shoreline intact and adaptable to a changing climate. Large, undisturbed forests like this are rare in PEI.

The forest, wetland and shoreline of Kiwto’qitek (Point Pleasant) are home to diverse native species, including American mink, ruffed grouse, pink lady’s-slipper, great blue heron and harbour seal. Protecting this land will expand upon the overall conservation area alongside the nearby Murray Harbour Islands, which are already protected by conservation partners: NCC, Island Nature Trust and the Province of Prince Edward Island.

To ensure the long-term care and protection of this iconic landscape, NCC needs to raise $5 million to purchase and establish the Kiwto’qitek (Point Pleasant) Natural Area. This is the largest fundraising campaign NCC has pursued on PEI to date. To reach its goal, the organization is seeking the support of private donors, corporations, foundations and all levels of government to help make this project a reality.

You can protect a piece of PEI’s natural heritage by supporting the establishment of the Kiwto’qitek (Point Pleasant) Natural Area. Learn more and contribute at natureconservancy.ca/PointPleasant.

Quotes

“I am thrilled to share this incredible opportunity to protect an iconic island landscape. Coastal forests like this one are incredibly rare on PEI. The overall size, health of the forest and wetland, and the intact shoreline are unparalleled. Without conservation action, this natural habitat is at threat of development. Our hope is to protect it forever, providing habitat for wildlife and a healthy, intact natural area for all Islanders to enjoy.” – Lanna Campbell, NCC program director in Prince Edward Island

Facts

• The Mi’kmaq word Kiwto’qitek translates to “reverberating echo” or “surrounding” and refers to the Greek River, which winds around this natural point of land. Since time immemorial, the Mi’kmaq have stewarded and maintained the health of what is now PEI.
• Most of the area is covered by a healthy stand of Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, one of the rarest forest types in North America. The forest contains white birch, black spruce and several notable tree species, including rare red pine (imperiled) and red oak, the province’s official tree, both of which are considered vulnerable on the island.
• PEI is at risk of being severely impacted by coastal erosion and rising sea levels. Protecting coastal lands like Kiwto’qitek (Point Pleasant) will allow the shoreline to adapt naturally to a changing climate.

About

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares.

NCC is a registered charity. With nature, we build a thriving world. To learn more about our work and how to contribute, visit natureconservancy.ca.

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Andrew Herygers
Communications Manager
902-880-8108
andrew.herygers@natureconservancy.ca

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