Friends of Petrie Island
The beach area and parking lots are managed by the City of Ottawa. The Friends of Petrie Island is a group of volunteers whose mandate is to protect and share the natural aspects of Petrie Island. Each summer we hire students who offer interpretive programs and guided tours to highlight the unique aspects of Petrie Island.
Turtle Conservation
Petrie Island is home to a large number of turtles. The Friends of Petrie Island have a program to help the turtles survive. We protect turtle eggs in incubators and release the babies in late summer.
Become a Member
You can help support our volunteer activities by becoming a member of the Friends of Petrie Island. Your membership also includes discounts on picnic table rentals and other things.
Al Tweddle
Al Tweddle was the driving force behind making Petrie Island accessible to the public, particularly its natural side. He founded the Friends of Petrie Island in 1997 and could usually be found on the island. He passed away in 2023.
Donations
We gratefully accept any donations to the Friends of Petrie Island. Your donation will be used to support the conservation and education programs on the island.
Join Us
We are always looking for volunteers who share our enthusiasm. We have Wednesday morning work days to improve the trails. We have spring cleanups. We operate the interpretation center and the wildflower gardens.