Dear Friends of Petrie Island Members,
We hope you’re enjoying the summer! Here are some important updates from the island:
Island Updates:
Storm on July 2: We sadly lost several trees in the storm, including a mature cottonwood that shaded Area 2. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, all trails—especially Bill Holland—have been cleared of debris.
New Bat Box: A big thank you to the students of École secondaire catholique Pierre-Savard for building and donating a new bat box, now installed near the Nature Centre.
Discovery Days – Every Saturday (12 PM – 4 PM): Join us outside the Nature Centre to explore displays like animal furs and turtle shells, chat with our staff, and pick up a handmade greeting card ($5 donation each).
Naturalist Program – Turtles Recap: We’ve wrapped up our first subject with four successful sessions (in both French and English), reaching 128 children! Up next: Pond Life, starting next week. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.petrieisland.org/childrens-programs
Join us Saturday, August 9th, from 10 AM – 2 PM for our Nature Day (open house). We will have a fun event for all ages. Nature Day is an opportunity to learn about Petrie’s wildlife, while also having crafts for children to enjoy. This event will be hosted under the tent, and we will update you with more information closer to the date.
Turtle Program Update:
We’ve reached our egg quota! 419 turtle eggs are now safely incubating at the Cumberland Public Library.
Turtle Release Events return this August! A sign-up sheet will be released in waves:
– First 48 hours: Volunteers
– Next 48 hours: Turtle egg sponsors
– Following 48 hours: FOPI members
– Then: General public (until full)
Member sign-up expected July 25–28, with the first release likely in early August.
Learn more or sponsor eggs here:
Heat Reminder:
It’s been a hot month! Please stay safe: hydrate, wear sunscreen, and take shade breaks while visiting.
Volunteer Projects: Wildflower Garden & Other Updates:
Thanks to our volunteers, who have been busy as beavers. Work on the nature trails, garbage cleanup, the wildflower garden, removing invasive species, including dog strangling vine, checking on the wire-wrapped trees, assessing our butternuts, and general maintenance help make Petrie Island an inviting destination.
The newest wildflower garden is coming along quite nicely with the support of many hands. It is approximately 75% complete, and when finished, it will have well over 30 different native plants commonly found on the island. These plants support a huge variety of local insects, small mammals, as well as birds, and it will be so exciting to see them coming to visit. Educational signage is in the works, so you will be able to learn about it all.
Thank you as always for your support and commitment to the island.
Warm regards,
The Friends of Petrie Island Team