Nature PEI is pleased to expand awareness of species at risk of extinction on Prince Edward Island. A travelling museum display featuring over 30 species is now open at the Tryon Museum with future summer dates at Basin Head Fisheries Museum, Bedeque Historical Society, and Carr’s Wildlife Centre in time for school opening.

The display features endangered bats, bumblebees, and carvings of the endangered whales of the Gulf of St Lawrence by talented Summerside carver, Donna Martin. The decline of birds has been widely documented through bird research and citizen science programs thus birds are a central focus of the travelling museum. An interactive cube display is sure to fascinate both children and adults. The story of a recovering population of River Otter includes a mounted specimen from the Cardigan River, on loan from PEI Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division.

“This museum display has been carefully researched and tells the repeated tale of wildlife declines, even to extinction, but also lets concerned citizens know what they can do to help” said Rosemary Curley of Nature PEI. “The River Otter story certainly provides a note of optimism.”

Jack Sorensen of the Tryon Museum notes that “it is very helpful to have a display like this visit the various communities on the Island. The information fosters the development of positive attitudes towards nature so people can understand that all species life on this planet are important and need to be cared for and protected. Visitors will have access to the historical collection as well. Natural and social history go hand in hand.”

The Tryon Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm (other times by appointment- phone 902-629-5806 or e-mail <jacksorensen@outlook.com>), and the display is present until Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Location is #47 Route 10, Tryon, with parking across street at #50. Admission is free but donations to Tryon Museum are accepted.

Many sponsors have helped put this show on the road: the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Conservation Fund, the Community Museums Association of PEI, the Province of PEI (Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division and PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation), Nature Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada through the PEI Forested Landscape Priority Place for Species at Risk initiative.