Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary

The Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary became formerly known as one of Canada’s Historic Places in March 2009 and is one of SEA’s *Featured Trails*.  It is a 115-acre natural area with much to offer visitors interested in PEI flora and fauna.  With two connected loop trails, a floating dock with gazebo, and a picnic area, this is a perfect place to spend time alone or with family and friends. Visitors are welcome to the explore the site using the low to moderate difficulty trails as they wind around ponds and wetland, through mixed forest, spruce thickets, larch stands, and over the Sturgeon River. The trail system covers 3.0km of woodland but can be cut short at the fish ladder which separates the front pond from the back pond. Interpretive signage along the trail system also gives information about the site and some of its history.

Harvey Moore (1916-1960) is recognized as one of PEI’s first naturalists.  He had a vision to create a safe staging area for migrating waterfowl and to provide safe habitat for resident wildlife.  He did this by creating the two large ponds on this property which provides favourable nesting habitat for waterfowl including Canada geese, mallard, northern pintail and black duck. The presence of North American beaver is quite evident throughout the woodland, along with many other PEI mammals such as the red fox, Eastern coyote and snowshoe hare. Songbirds, herons, grouse, owls and other raptors can often be seen and heard along the trails offering many opportunities to test your photography skills.  Avid botanists will also find a delightful representation of many of the Island’s native plants, shrubs, and tree species.

The Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary is owned and managed by the Southeast Environmental Association. Donations and other support can be directed to http://www.seapei.org.  For more info: http://seapei.org/harvey-moore-wildlife-sanctuary-revitalization-project/