P.E.I. tree planting program opens applications for private properties

Applications are open for the PEI 2 Billion Trees program, which will plant native seedlings on private property at no labour cost and is administered by the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance.

Applications are open for the PEI 2 Billion Trees program, which offers planting of native seedlings on private property across Prince Edward Island. The initiative is run by the province's forest, fish and wildlife team and administered by the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance. It began in 2022 with federal support as part of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees initiative and aims to restore forest cover and replant areas damaged by post-tropical storm Fiona. The federal government is covering half of a $3.3-million program cost over three years. Program details: - Landowners can volunteer private property or must have permission to alter land, and applicants must accept a minimum of 50 seedlings. - Manual planting labour is provided at no charge and seedlings are grown in a provincial nursery. - Saplings will be spaced about two metres apart and will be one of six native species: red maple, white pine, yellow birch, white spruce, white birch and eastern hemlock. - Organizers ask that planting sites be accessible for crews and note that debris from Fiona may need clearing before work can proceed. - Planting was delayed after a hot, dry summer; officials said 350,000 trees will be planted in the spring across four programs, and 2026 applicants will likely see planting in the fall pending weather. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once all trees are claimed. Summary: The program seeks to increase native tree cover on the Island and to repair areas affected by past storms. Planting delayed by last year’s drought is scheduled to resume in spring, while seedlings for current applicants are expected in the fall if conditions allow. Application processing is first-come, first-served and the intake will close when available seedlings are allocated.