We’re excited to share that the flooding has fully receded from the island! While Muskrat Trail and the cycling bypass are still muddy, all other trails are now dry and walkable. Our amazing volunteers have been working hard clearing debris left behind from the spring floods and removing fallen trees from the trails.
Volunteer Opportunities & Events:
This summer is packed with ways to get involved! From invasive species removal to garbage clean-up days, there are plenty of ways you can make a difference on the island. Want to stay in the loop? Reply to inquiries@petrieisland.org to be added to our volunteer mailing list, and we’ll notify you of upcoming events and opportunities.
Naturalist Sessions Now Open:
Our popular Naturalist Children’s Programs are back for the summer!
Learn about nature with hands-on experiences right here on the island.
Register or learn more here:
🔗 https://www.petrieisland.org/childrens-programs
Picnic Season is Here:
Planning a picnic or family gathering? As a member, you can rent picnic tables for just $5 (non-members: $10). Reserve online at:
🔗 https://www.petrieisland.org/picnic-table-rental-form
Members also receive discounts on our event tent rental — perfect for summer celebrations! Learn more here:
🔗 https://www.petrieisland.org/fopi-special-events-tent-rental
Turtle Conservation Update:
Turtle nesting has begun and is gaining momentum. That being said, when you visit the island, please be extra cautious as turtles are crossing and nesting around the parking areas. If you spot a nesting turtle, please refrain from approaching it, as they are easily spooked. Please take a picture of the turtle from afar and describe the location to submit it to our inquiries email. So far, we have retrieved over 50 eggs, all of which are from the northern map turtle.
Tree Team Update:
Several volunteers have started discussing ways to protect our trees, which as most people know, have been hit with emerald ash borer, butternut canker, extreme weather, erosion and recently, predation by a growing beaver population. If you are interested in joining our ex-tree-mely passionate folks drop an email to inquiries@petrieisland.org. Activities may include planning, tree inventory, wire wrapping trees and tree planting.
Wildflower Garden Update:
The wildflower gardens at Petrie Island are getting a makeover! Last year a small but determined group of volunteers began work on the existing gardens to rejuvenate them to their former glory. The desire was to update them with interesting native wildflowers found on the island and serve as a living display space where people could learn even more about the biodiversity found at Petrie Island.
The group began with the smaller of the two spaces first and will continue work on the larger one this summer. With support from community partners, a choice selection of plant material was donated and planting was completed for the first garden, The Wildflower Garden, during 2024. It was rewarding to see that the majority of the plant material survived not only the winter, but the spring flooding as well and are well on their way to supporting pollinators and other small wildlife.
The larger area, The Themed Gardens, will include a pollinator garden, an ethnobotanical section as well as additional collections as the space evolves. They will be recognized as Certified Wildlife-Friendly Habitats with the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s garden habitat program as well as pollinator gardens in the David Suzui’s The Butterflyway Project. A planting day is planned for late June with the help of additional volunteers excited to get their hands in the dirt and learn more about the importance of native plants.
Canada Day at Petrie Island July 1:
Canada Day celebrations are returning to Petrie Island! On July 1st from
9 AM to 10 PM, head down to the beach for a full day of activities and entertainment. Please note that vehicle access to the island will be restricted for the entire day.
The Friends of Petrie Island will be set up with a tent in the beach area — stop by to say hello, meet our summer staff, and learn more about what we do. For full event details, visit the organizer’s website here:
Turtle Day – July 6:
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be hosting a Turtle Day event under the tent at Petrie Island in partnership with the Canadian Wildlife Federation! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/PetrieIsland/ and Instagram @dailypetrie to stay updated.
We’ll also be sending out an email with full event details later in June or early July.
See you on the island soon!
– The Friends of Petrie Island Team