Wildlife Conservation Legacy Project by PRS

The Time for Conservation is Now
There has never been a more critical time to make ecological restoration and preservation (land-based and aquatic) a top priority as we face myriad, interconnected, existential threats from climate change and biodiversity loss. Wherever there are wild places, we must act to preserve them together. To sustain the earth and all of us, to give the wildlife a place to exist. They aren’t making more land – what is left is all we have.

Wildlife conservation and land preservation have long been a cornerstone of our model for animal sheltering. As an organization, we are constantly striving to do the most good for animals and for the environment. We believe conservation is a valuable part of our mission work. Wildlife is an integral part of our dwindling natural landscape so wild spaces are a finite resource that we are determined to help conserve. As such, we are constantly striving to protect as much of the special place we call home for the benefit of all creatures.

In addition to running one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the Northeast, PRS stewards and protects 1,725 acres of farm and forest land for conservation and wildlife protection, including prime forests, wetlands, and water habitats for our wild animal counterparts.

Providing Habitats
This vast allotment supports an abundance of species including all of the state’s 58 mammal inhabitants, reptiles and amphibians, and a plethora of important aquatic species. On any given day here at Peace Ridge we see beaver, fox, muskrat, deer, moose, bear, mink, ferret, and many other species. The property also serves as a special nesting ground for the great blue heron, bald eagles, osprey, bitterns, and a variety of ducks and other water and ground birds.

While Maine has an abundance of wildlife, several species of mammals have either gone extinct or have been extirpated from the state, according to the Maine Department of Wildlife. Those considered endangered, including the New England Eastern Cottontail, the Little Brown Bat and the Northern Bog Lemming are all inhabitants of our pristine land holding. We are very happy to be able to provide this habitat to the wildlife that we love, who will remain free and safe within our borders.

Peaceful Cohabitation
We embrace a philosophy of peaceful cohabitation here (with appropriate safety measures to keep our rescued animals safe from wild predators) and we love sharing this very special place with so many wild animals who also find safety and refuge here.

Rewilding Efforts
In addition to our conservation efforts, PRS has also moved towards a “rewilding” approach in maintaining our shelter facility in an effort to promote habitat for pollinators and other insects, the positive results of which we see an increase with each passing year. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, rewilding is defined as a “progressive approach to conservation. It’s about letting nature take care of itself, enabling natural processes to shape land and sea, repair damaged ecosystems, and restore degraded landscapes. Through rewilding, wildlife’s natural rhythms create wilder, more biodiverse habitats.”

Protecting Grassland Habitats
Peace Ridge is proud to be an Ag Ally for grassland birds. We have partnered with Ag Allies to formally protect sanctuary hayfields in Belfast, Freedom, Albion, and Thorndike. Our grassland habitats are home to endangered bobolinks and Savannah sparrows, in addition to countless other wild species. Delaying the start of the haying season until after July 15th is an easy way to protect grassland birds while also producing hay to help feed our nearly 500 rescued animals. It is a win-win for everyone. If you own fielded habitat, please consider getting on board to help grassland birds.

Wildlife Release & Partnerships
We partner with many local wildlife rehabbers to provide safe release spots for animals and are always looking for opportunities to partner with special donors, wildlife protection enthusiasts, and pro-wildlife organizations to grow our programs. Our goal is that our conservation landholdings will be kept in their wild state for the absolute protection of wildlife forever – but we do need public support in order to make this goal a reality.

Help Us Help Wild Animals
Want to help us support wildlife here in Maine. You can become a monthly supporter for wildlife to help with our ongoing conservation efforts. We are also seeking benefactors who are interested in supporting this special cause – if that sounds like you, please contact: daniella@peaceridgesanctuary.org