The Natural Areas Program encourages and is thankful for the collaboration of several groups who take a special interest and role in caring for individual reserves. These partners include:

• Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Inc.
• Friends of Cape St. Mary’s Inc.
• Fortune Head Eco Friends Inc.
• Seabird Ecological Reserves Advisory Committee
• Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council

Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Inc.

Mistaken Point Cape Race Heritage Inc. was formed in July, 1998. It was part of an effort by area residents and supporters to improve the economy of this area of the Avalon Peninsula’s Southern Shore by capitalizing on the tourism potential of two internationally significant sites: the Cape Race Light Station, and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve.

Following the collapse of the northern cod fishery and the closure of the Trepassey fish plant in 1991 – which had been the southern Avalon’s largest employer-the community of Portugal Cove South was forced to look more closely at the tourism sector for economic development opportunities. The Heritage corporation was one of their solutions, and since its formation the organization has successfully completed a number of initiatives. Many are related to the promotion and protection of Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, to the east of Portugal Cove South, including the development and staffing of a visitor information centre in the community and the creation of a natural heritage interpretation program for the reserve.

The Heritage Corporation is a not-for-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Its mandate is to preserve, develop and promote the natural and cultural resources of the Portugal Cove South area. During the summer, it provides guided tours of the Cape Race Lighthouse, and the Myrick Wireless Interpretation Centre (a reconstructed Marconi station). Natural Areas Program Interpreters for Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve are also housed in the Interpretation Centre. See Services for more information on tours in Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve.

^ Top of Page

Friends of Cape St. Mary’s Inc.

The Friends of Cape St. Mary’s Inc. is a voluntary, non-profit organization to help promote Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve.

They are the first of its kind in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador formed to assist Cape St. Mary’s through various special events, i.e., educational activities, the performing arts, exhibits, community outreach and the sale of nature related items through its own store The Rockery -the shop in the Cape St. Mary’s Interpretive Centre.

Friends of Cape St. Mary’s hold a formal partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more information about the group and its activities, contact:

The Cape St. Mary’s Performance Series, a series of storytelling, readings, sounds and visual arts, takes place at the Interpretation Centre with the support of such groups as the Friends of Cape St. Mary’s. Additional information about the series is available online at www.capestmarysperformanceseries.ca

^ Top of Page

Fortune Head ECO Friends

Fortune Head ECO Friends Inc. is a not-for-profit board that operates the Fortune Head Interpretation Centre, and provides activities and interpretation upon request.. The Centre was officially opened in 2006.

The Fortune Head Interpretation Centre houses a self-guided exhibit that includes a collection of fossils, audio/visual clips, and interactive activities. The centre promotes the significant find at the Fortune Head Ecological Reserve.

^ Top of Page

Seabird Ecological Reserves Advisory Committee (SERAC)

Established to advise the Natural Areas Program on all issues concerning seabird ecological reserves, SERAC assists the Program in the following ways: evaluating scientific research applications, advising on granting of access requests, and implementing seabird ecological reserve management plans.

The committee also helps with additional management issues, as they arise, including ongoing discussions about oil pollution, tourism operations, visitation levels, education, enforcement, and the protection of additional seabird colonies within the province.

SERAC is chaired by the Manager of the Natural Areas Program and the Natural Areas Biologist serves as Secretary. Standing members of the committee include representatives from the Canadian Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the Wildlife Division (Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture).

^ Top of Page

Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC)

More information on (WERAC) is available through their page under the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves sections of this website

^ Top of Page