Belfast Area Watershed Group - BAWG

We've been receiving inquiries regarding bat houses. Here are building plans Canadian Wildlife Federation / Fédération canadienne de la faune

cwf-fcf.org

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬?

You can still participate by simply filling out our survey. We do appreicate your voice as we plan for the future.

Survey link here:

Can you participate? The deadline for completing the survey is November 15, 4 pm. Your feedback is very important in helping guide BAWG and our future activities. Also, if you know of other residents or landowners in our coverage area who can contribute, please feel free to share with them. We appreciate your time and i...

If you can participate it would be helpful

🌿𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐄𝐈𝐈𝐒𝐂 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞!

In an ongoing project, the PEIISC is creating an early detection and rapid response plan for the future establishment of the emerald ash borer (EAB) on PEI. This invasive beetle is particularly destructive among invasive insects.

EAB currently infests many ash trees in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and many other Canadian provinces and American states. EAB has killed >99% of the ash trees it has infested to date in North America.

By collecting data before the pest arrives on PEI, we can mount the fastest, most efficient effort to address EAB before it becomes widespread. In the event of an observation of EAB on the Island, this would allow for coordinated monitoring of all true ash trees in the vicinity of the outbreak to determine the true extent of the infestation.

This is where you come in: By sharing the location of your true ash trees with the PEIISC, you are helping support an efficient response to EAB. Simply share the location of your ash tree(s) with the PEIISC to add your ash to the distribution map. Even a single tree can be important to know about.

Any other data about your ash stands that you are willing to share would also be greatly appreciated. Other than location, we are seeking:

➡The approximate area of the stands.

➡The number of mature ash in each stand.

➡Any known pests or other stressors currently impacting your ash.

➡Approximate economic value of ash on your property.

➡Your contact information, which will help notify you and plan a response in the event of EAB establishment in your area.

➡The above data is not absolutely necessary – if you just have the location, that’s still valuable information.

➡Please note that mountain ash trees, Sorbus spp., are not true ash trees and are not affected by EAB. We are not seeking data on mountain ash at this time.

Data can be shared via this google form: https://forms.gle/Vu4noUVu3jr5Co7q7, by email at [email protected], by messaging us on social media, or to our iNaturalist project: https://inaturalist.ca/projects/true-ash-fraxnius-spp-of-prince-edward-island

Thank you!

Happy Bat Week! 🦇

This week is all about raising awareness for bat conservation. Unfortunately, bats have been experiencing significant population declines due to White Nose Syndrome, making conservation efforts extremely important.

Here at BAWG, with guidance from the PEI Watershed Alliance, we monitor bats in our area as part of Environment and Climate Change Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program - Bats. Using specialized recording equipment, we’ve detected a few bats, showing how important it is to help these incredible animals as much as we can.

If you want to help, consider installing a bat house, leaving forests—especially those with dead standing trees—intact, and spreading awareness in your community. 🌲🦇

The final strategy session will be tonight (October 24, 6pm) in Murray Habour :)

We are planning for the future and need your voice.
"Shape the Future of Your Watershed! Join Us for Strategic Planning Sessions"
Beginning at 6 pm with a guest speaker and move into a facilitated and interactive planning session.

October 24 (6:00) Murray Harbour Community Centre
Karalee McAskill, Watershed Coordinator, PEI Forests, Fish & Wildlife
"𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐆𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬."

𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 - 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 (𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟔𝐩𝐦)
Shape the future in your watershed with your participation in our facilitated and interactive session.

October 23 (6:00) Belfast Rec Centre
Guest Speaker: Scott Roloson, PhD, Aquatic Sciences Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬"

𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐 𝐚𝐭 𝟔 𝐩𝐦.

"Shape the Future of Your Watershed!
Join Us for Strategic Planning Sessions" - with a guest speaker, and then we move into a facilitated and interactive planning session.

October 22 (6:00) Wood Islands Market (upstairs hall)
Gary Schneider, Project Co-Coordinator, Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project
"The Vital Role of Healthy Riparian Zones in Watershed Health"

Happy Monday! Forests, Fish and Wildlife is spending time this focusing on some amazing plants that can sometimes be overlooked by their bigger brother & sister trees........SHRUBS!

This week let's check out the yummy Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.).

Want to learn more about this plant? Visit:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceberries

We are planning for the future and need your voice.

"Shape the Future of Your Watershed! Join Us for Strategic Planning Sessions"

Join us for any of the following three sessions. They all begin at 6 pm with a guest speaker and move into a facilitated and interactive planning session.

October 22 (6:00) Wood Islands Market (upstairs hall)
Gary Schneider, Project Co-Coordinator, Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project
"The Vital Role of Healthy Riparian Zones in Watershed Health"

October 23 (6:00) Belfast Rec Centre
Scott Roloson, PhD, Aquatic Sciences Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans
"The Amazing Journeys of Migratory Fish: Connecting Rivers, Estuaries, and Coastal Waters"

October 24 (6:00) Murray Harbour Community Centre
Karalee McAskill, Watershed Coordinator, PEI Forests, Fish & Wildlife
"Let's Go Watershedding: Understanding the environment that supports our lives."

Unless otherwise designated, Provincial Forest properties are open for non-consumptive uses such as walking, cycling and bird watching and for consumptive uses such as fishing, trapping and hunting. Get out and enjoy this !

Not sure where these properties are? Check out the link below:
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/environment-energy-and-climate-action/provincial-forests

INT Events - Join Us! Linktree. Make your link do more.

BAWG's swallow boxes are all cleaned out and ready for next years tree swallows! Have you cleaned yours out yet? 🪺

October 10th at Wood Islands

🌳 Join Us for a Series of Community Events on Land Conservation! 🌲

Want to learn more about land protection in PEI? We are hosting four public town halls and one guided Natural Area tour to talk about our work and how you can get involved. We will be speaking about donating and selling land, protection and ecological management of private property, and volunteering in our existing Natural Areas.

Indoor events are accessible, and light refreshments will be provided. To RVSP for our outdoor walk, please register here https://secure.islandnaturetrust.ca/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=106

RSVP is not required for indoor events.

When & Where:
📅 Tuesday, October 8th - 7 to 9 P.M.
📍 West Point Harbourside Centre
159 Harbour Rd., O’Leary, PE, C0B 1V0

📅 Thursday, October 10th - 7 to 9 P.M.
📍 Plough the Waves (Wood Islands)
13056 Shore Rd., Wood Islands, PE, C0A 1R0

📅 Tuesday, October 15th - 7 to 9 P.M.
📍 Bonshaw Community Centre
25 Green Rd, Bonshaw, PE C0A 1C0

📅 Thursday, October 17th - 7 to 9 P.M.
📍 Murray River Community Hall
1084 MacInnis Street, Murray River, PE, C0A 1W0

📅 Saturday, October 19th – 10 A.M to 12 P.M.
📍Jenkins Complex Natural Area
935 48 Road, Mount Albion, PE, C1B 3K5
RSVP Here ➡ https://secure.islandnaturetrust.ca/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=106

Questions? Please send us a message or contact our Land Acquisition Coordinator @ [email protected].

Let’s come together to protect and conserve our beautiful Island. See you there!

🥾🚶

😀"Come and feast your eyes👀 on the vibrant fall colours🍂🍁🌿🍁🍂 at the Gairloch Trail (Oct 13th, 2pm) and at Cardigan River Trail (Oct 20th, 10 am)"🚶‍♀️🚶🚶‍♂️

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝! Join us for any of the following Strategic Planning Sessions":

These sessions will begin at 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐦 and are designed to be interactive. The session will start with a guest speaker and move to the interactive strategic planning activity.

See details, and the link to see our coverage area:
https://peiwatershedalliance.org/groups/

Oct. 22 (6:00) Wood Islands Market (upstairs hall)
Gary Schneider , Project Co-Coordinator, Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝑹𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝒁𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

Oct 23 (6:00) Belfast Rec Centre
Scott Roloson, PhD, Aquatic Sciences Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒎𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒊𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝑭𝒊𝒔𝒉: 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔

Oct 24 (6:00) Murray Harbour Community Centre
Karalee McAskill, Watershed Coordinator, PEI Forests, Fish & Wildlife
𝑳𝒆𝒕'𝒔 𝒈𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓-𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔

Beach clean up at Beach Point on an amazing October day! Thank you Melissa, Richard, George, Laura, Billy and Andrew. Shout out to the guys at Island Waste Management (Murray River). .


Holland College Transitions East

Did you know?

The Prince Edward Island Wildlife Conservation Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of PEI, provides financial support to groups working on projects that benefit wildlife and wildlife conservation in Prince Edward Island. Contributions to this fund come from annual conservation fees through PEI licenses for hunting, angling, trapping, and conservation Plates purchased for motor vehicles in PEI.
BAWG's project for 2024, funded under the PEIWCF, was "Wild Wonders," which included many activities focused on youth engagement and learning and informative socials for you.

Today, we present the "great blue heron" - one of our wildlife wonders!

🙂

It's National Forest Week. Our forests provide us with many benefits and ecosystem services. Show some love and take a walk through a forest, it's great for our mental health too 😃🌲🌳🌲🌳🌳🐸

https://www.cif-ifc.org/what-we-do/national-forest-week/





Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada

As summer comes to an end, it's important to remember that you play a huge part in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species!

By cleaning, draining and drying your watercraft, gear and even floating docks when you take them out of the water for the winter, you can help stop the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species!

Learn more: https://ow.ly/QFFn50TrFxP