Nature Conservancy of Canada sets eyes on Thomas Island

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says it needs money to save Thomas Island in Murray Harbour, P.E.I.

It is the final of five islands in the harbour to be protected for conservation. The province has identified the 12-hectare island as a “significant environmental area.”

The conservancy says the five islands are the last areas of suitable nesting habitat on P.E.I. for colonial nesting birds and gulls.

Diane Griffin, a volunteer board member of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, says the conservancy needs to raise $35,000 to protect the small island.

“Off shore islands are rather iconic for Prince Edward Island, just like our sand dunes are iconic. A lot of people have sympathy or may even know the property. We're hoping that individuals or possibly other levels of government or corporations, anybody who might have an interest in protecting that particular property or other lands here on Prince Edward Island will be a contributor to our work," she said.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has protected more than 1,821 hectares on P.E.I.