A new tree nursery was officially opened today at the Agriculture Canada Research Center in Charlottetown. George Proud, MP for Hillsborough, Chester Gillan, Minister of Education and Craig Knickle, summer work crew supervisor, cut the ribbon to open the nursery. Dr. Jerry Ivany, research centre representative and PEI Wildlife Federation Vice President Darren Riggs, also took part in the opening ceremony.
The tree nursery will serve as a protective area for tree seedlings during their early stages in life. The PEI Wildlife Federation then plans to use the seedlings to re-plant red oak trees in the Charlottetown area and to continue riparian zone re-forestation across Prince Edward Island.
"This initiative will increase awareness about the importance of protecting and enhancing our environment," said Mr. Proud.
Minister Gillan noted that the tree nursery project will provide much needed employment for three Island students.
"Working at the tree nursery gives students an opportunity to learn more about protecting our environment," said Mr. Gillan. "This is an excellent partnership project, as the students benefit and the environment benefits."
Trees from the nursery will also be used in watershed enhancement projects across the province. This will create habitat for a variety of wildlife where stream-side trees have been eliminated and augment existing habitat where trees remain.
"We are grateful for the generosity of the research station in allowing us to use a small plot of land for this nursery," said Mr. Riggs. "As a result, thousands of trees, including locally uncommon species such as the red oak, will be produced for watershed enhancement projects Island-wide."
To promote the importance of planting trees, the PEI Wildlife Federation plans to use small trees for door and raffle prizes at various Federation dinners throughout the year.