Successful Applicant:
Island Nature Trust
Award:
$4,285
Project Title:
Improving Nesting Opportunities Around Wetlands in PEI Protected Areas
Project Gallery:
Project Summary:
This project will improve nesting opportunities for 3 wetland species in 4 INT-owned natural areas across PEI. Through this project, 4 wood duck boxes, 15 tree swallow boxes, and 1 common loon nesting platform were constructed. These nest boxes and platforms will be installed in the spring, before the birds arrive back on PEI for the breeding season.
Tree swallow boxes will be installed in the Jenkins Complex Natural Area (Mount Albion, PEI), the Barbara P. Parsons Natural Area (Bangor, PEI), the Acadian Marshes Natural Area (Alaska, PEI), and the DeRoche Pond Natural Area and the Jenkins Complex Natural Area.
The loon nesting platform will be installed in the DeRoche Pond Natural Area. Prior to installation, the loon platform will be enhanced with native vegetation, transplanted from the surrounding area, and equipped with a protective cover to protect nesting loons from avian predators. A monitoring plan was developed for the loon platform, which will be used by INT volunteers and staff to track nesting success and check for damage/repairs. Additionally, nesting structure monitoring has been incorporated into the monitoring form used by all INT Conservation Guardians. This project will improve nesting loons in the DeRoche Pond Natural Area. These structures will provide optimal nesting conditions while minimizing nest predation.
In addition to nest box building and installation, two public presentations celebrated Island wetlands, highlighted the importance of these systems to humans and wildlife, and offered some ways audience members could protect and enhance wetlands.
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