The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project, a recently launched initiative to enhance the natural environment along Island roads, has received a one month extension. This comes after completion of the project's initial term and positive public response to the project.
"We've certainly been pleased with the positive reaction to the Highway Naturalization Pilot Project," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon. "Not only will we have the long-term benefit of the work done by our crews but the project has served as a catalyst for the private sector to become involved with companies such as Superior Sanitation and others planning enhancement measures on their properties."
Enhancement work completed to date has covered the north and south side of the Arterial Highway from Upton Road to the Malpeque Road with a little over 2200 trees and shrubs planted. Varieties planted include native species such as maple, oak, pine, spruce, staghorn sumac and eastern hemlock along with shrub rose and highbush cranberry.
Catherine Hennessey of the PEI Arbor Society welcomed news of the project's extension. "The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project is creating a living legacy for both residents and visitors alike by demonstrating the potential to naturalize our roadways. By doing so, it can also serve to educate the public as to the many benefits trees bring to an area such as this," said Hennessy.
It's anticipated that the extension of the pilot project will allow enhancement work to be completed on the area of the Arterial Highway from Malpeque Road to Mount Edward Road by the end of July. This will compliment the work already done to date to address issues of sound pollution and general aesthetic improvements along the Arterial Highway.
Charlottetown Mayor George MacDonald noted that the Highway Naturalization Pilot Project will strengthen the city's entry to the Communities In Bloom contest. "The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project will provide a significant boost to Charlottetown's entry and contribute to the continuing beautification of Charlottetown so I applaud this move by the Province."
The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project is a cooperative partnership of the Departments of Transportation and Public Works, Agriculture and Forestry, CADC, the Sir Andrew MacPhail Woodlot and the PEI Arbor Society.