Prince Edward Island is gaining recognition beyond its traditional attractions like Anne of Green Gables, beaches, and potatoes, as a geologist from Nova Scotia suggests the province is becoming a promising site for fossil discoveries. John Calder, a geoscientist working with the P.E.I. government to identify fossils, notes an increasing interest from global researchers due to recent findings on the Island.
Contrary to previous beliefs that fossils would be scarce in P.E.I. due to its red sandstone, known as “red beds” in geological terms, Calder explains that this assumption is changing. He emphasizes that the lack of previous exploration led to the misconception that red beds do not preserve fossils well. With more discoveries coming to light, P.E.I. is shedding its reputation as a barren area for fossils and is poised to join prominent geological sites of its era.
The surge in fossil discoveries on P.E.I. is largely credited to local residents rather than professional scientists. Notably, Patrick Brunet from North Rustico has played a significant role in uncovering many of the recent fossils. Calder commends Brunet’s expertise in recognizing valuable fossils deliberately rather than stumbling upon them by chance.
Islanders will have an opportunity to view these discoveries up close on April 10 during Fossil Day, organized by the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Additionally, Calder will share insights on fossil findings during a Nature P.E.I. meeting on April 7 at Beaconsfield Carriage House.
Calder, who authored the book “Island at the Centre of the World” in 2018, highlights that P.E.I.’s red rocks date back nearly 300 million years to the Permian period. During this era, characterized by a warm climate, reptiles began diversifying, leaving behind well-preserved footprints and other remains in the mud and sand deposits along riverbanks.
The fossils discovered on P.E.I. are now managed by Parks Canada and the P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation. Calder’s recent work has involved evaluating over 100 fossils found by Brunet last year, many of which could contribute to a permanent collection. He envisions the possibility of establishing a museum on the Island to showcase these fossils, not only for researchers but also for Islanders and visitors to appreciate and be inspired by the ancient treasures.
