Wji’kijek – MapleCross Natural Area (II)
Alexandra, Prince Edward Island
Island Nature Trust – 2021
26 hectares

Wji’kijek–MapleCross Natural Area (II) at the Crown Point headland is a natural jewel that is teeming with wildlife. It is one of the few coastal headlands close to the capital city of Charlottetown that remains intact and has not been developed for private or commercial use.  With the support of MapleCross, the Island Nature Trust was able to expand upon the original Wji’kijek–MapleCross Natural Area (I) by purchasing an additional 26-hectare parcel of land providing crucial connectivity and increased conservation. The land encompasses a variety of ecologically significant ecosystems, including freshwater marsh, peatland, krummholz forest, and coastal cliffs. Together these ecosystems provide significant breeding and migratory habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and forest birds, as well as expanses of terrestrial habitat for various small mammals. In addition, the property provides critical habitat to several species of concern, including insectivorous bank swallows, and acts as part of a vital shorebird stopover area, being located next to two internationally recognized “Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas”.  There are few large and intact natural areas existing in the region. The marshes on the parcel of land serve as buffer zones protecting adjacent properties in times of high tides and storm tides, providing a valuable service to the local community. Conservation of this land protects it in perpetuity, ensuring that the beautiful landscape of fields, forests, and undeveloped robust coastlines remains intact. There is no doubt that Crown Point is a unique, exceptionally important and highly visible parcel of land near Stratford, PEI. Its conservation makes a major contribution to the preservation of PEI’s wildlife habitat and ecosystems.

Content and property pictures courtesy of: Island Nature Trust at islandnaturetrust.ca