Kiwto'qitek (Point Pleasant)

Northern crescent lands on a tree (Photo by Stephen DesRoches)

In the coastal community of Murray Harbour, in the southeastern corner of Prince Edward Island (PEI), lies a natural area known to the Mi’kmaq as Kiwto'qitek (pronounced “Geyou-dough-ed-deg"). The word Kiwto'qitek means “reverberating echo" or “surrounding” and refers to the Greek River, which winds around a natural point of land commonly known as Point Pleasant. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and connect with the natural world.   

Wabanaki (Acadian) forest and shoreline (Photo by Stephen DesRoches)

Shorebirds can be seen settled on the sandy beaches and shoreline while seals bob up and down in the gentle waves that stretch around the peninsula. A lush, green forest extends over the rest of the land, where the calls from dozens of songbirds can be heard over the ocean breeze.  

At 202 hectares, this vast landscape is blanketed with a mature, intact Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, a rare sight for PEI. With nearly five kilometres of shoreline, the forest and nearby bog provide habitat for many of PEI’s native wildlife species. Without conservation efforts, this land and shoreline will be lost forever, unless we act now.

Harbour seals enjoying the shoreline (Photo by Stephen DesRoches)

Together, we can ensure this natural area remains healthy and intact for wildlife and people. You can help establish the Kiwto'qitek (Point Pleasant) Natural Area and conserve a piece of PEI’s natural heritage.