Beth Hoar stands as a dedicated and long-serving advocate for nature education and conservation in Prince Edward Island.
During her tenure with the city of Charlottetown, Beth led a highly successful street tree inventory and worked diligently to mitigate the spread of Dutch elm disease among numerous heritage trees. Beth also emphasized the significance of Charlottetown’s Victoria Park through an article in The Island Magazine, setting standards for its management that recognized the importance of maintaining deadwood as a natural component of the woodland. Her instrumental role in hosting a Trees Canada National meeting in Charlottetown after Hurricane Fiona also showcased her commitment to preserving green spaces.
As a member of the Upton Farm Trust, Beth promoted diversity in plantings and advocated for broader utilization of the area. Her projects in Victoria Park to address the issue of the invasive Japanese Knotweed helped to address threats posed by invasive species.
Beth's expertise in insects and plants, coupled with her contributions to community science through online platforms like iNaturalist as well as photography projects, underscore her efforts to raise awareness of ecological issues and advancing conservation initiatives.
While serving several terms as Chair of the PEI Invasive Species Council, Beth's extensive experience and dedication have contributed to a growing repository of resources and dedicated staff. Her mentorship of young conservationists has also been important in developing a new generation of natural heritage advocates.
All her efforts as a former Parkland Conservationist and ISA Certified Arborist with the city of Charlottetown, along with her extensive involvement with the PEI Invasive Species Council and in other community initiatives, highlight Beth’s significant impact on the preservation of PEI's natural heritage and the well-being of Island ecosystems. For her many contributions to natural heritage in this province, Beth Hoar is being awarded the Natural Heritage Activity Award.