Prince Edward Island is gaining recognition beyond its traditional associations with Anne of Green Gables, beaches, and potatoes. A geologist from Nova Scotia has highlighted the province as a burgeoning frontier for fossil discoveries. John Calder, engaged by the P.E.I. government to assist in identifying fossils, noted a recent surge in discoveries drawing global attention to the Island.
Contrary to past assumptions that P.E.I.’s red sandstone, known as “red beds,” does not preserve fossils well, Calder explained that recent findings challenge this belief. He emphasized the importance of actively seeking fossils, as evidenced by the increasing interest from researchers worldwide.
Notably, many recent fossil discoveries on P.E.I. have been made by local residents rather than professional scientists. One such resident, Patrick Brunet from North Rustico, has played a significant role in uncovering fossils on the Island.
Islanders will have the opportunity to view these discoveries up close during Fossil Day on April 10, hosted by the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation. Additionally, Calder will be sharing insights on the Island’s fossil discoveries at a Nature P.E.I. meeting on April 7.
Calder’s research has focused on assessing the fossils found on P.E.I., now under the care of Parks Canada and the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation. He highlighted the potential for these findings to form the basis of a permanent collection, suggesting the future possibility of a dedicated museum on the Island to showcase these significant discoveries to both residents and visitors.
The fossils found on P.E.I., dating back nearly 300 million years to the Permian period, provide valuable insights into the prehistoric era before the dominance of dinosaurs. Calder’s work underscores the evolving perception of P.E.I. as a rich source of fossil treasures, poised to join other prominent geological sites from Earth’s history.
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