Southeast Environmental Association

     

The Southeast Environmental Association (SEA) is a registered charity serving rural communities in southeastern Prince Edward Island. It is the largest watershed management region on PEI covering 731 sqkm (13%) of total land area. Founded in 1992, SEA focuses on place-based watershed management, community engagement, and environmental education. Its mission is to support local ecosystems while improving the quality of life and resilience of the people who depend on them.

Operating in five rural municipalities—Town of Three Rivers, Murray Harbour, Murray River, Central Kings, and Annandale-Little Pond-Howe Bay—SEA delivers year-round programs in stream and forest restoration, climate literacy, healthy aging, and green jobs. The organization is especially committed to inclusive engagement with seniors, youth, newcomers, and other underserved rural residents. Its initiatives weave together science, traditional knowledge, and community development to address environmental challenges in a socially grounded way.

SEA’s strength lies in its adaptability and long-term community presence. From hands-on habitat restoration to skill-building workshops, the organization works across sectors—agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, fisheries, and education—to strengthen both ecosystems and economies. SEA also supports local climate adaptation planning and hosts learning opportunities that connect environmental action to health, wellbeing, and local leadership.

The organization is currently preparing to launch the SEA Nature Conservation Centre, a dedicated 2000 sq ft facility that will host public programming, community partnerships, and shared resources for environmental groups and educators.

SEA creates strong opportunities for young professionals through green job placements that build transferable skills in fieldwork, environmental monitoring, and public outreach. These positions offer valuable mentorship and experience for youth entering sustainability-related careers.

With a proven track record of delivering results, SEA has has grown its impact through sound management, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to the region it serves.

Company History

The Southeast Environmental Association (SEA) was founded by a coalition of local residents and environmental advocates concerned about the health of eastern PEI’s watersheds. Initially focused on stream restoration, habitat enhancement, and water quality monitoring, SEA quickly became a trusted grassroots voice for the land and people of southeastern PEI.

As environmental needs evolved, so did SEA’s focus. From the outset, the organization recognized that sustainability must include the wellbeing of communities. Over time, SEA integrated more education, outreach, and partnership development into its work—bridging environmental stewardship with social impact.

In 2012, new leadership helped usher in a more strategic and stable era. SEA diversified its programming, strengthened its financial base, and broadened its mission to include inclusive engagement with vulnerable populations. This work positioned SEA not only as a local conservation group, but as a key regional partner in addressing climate resilience, aging demographics, and rural inclusion.

SEA has successfully delivered projects in watershed restoration, habitat enhancement, skills training, and public education. In the past three years, it has secured major multi-year funding to support long-term environmental recovery efforts while connecting ecological learning with healthy aging and inclusive community engagement.

Today, SEA is recognized for its leadership in both environmental and social spheres. Its year-round operations, multi-sector partnerships, and strong volunteer base allow it to address emerging challenges while staying rooted in community. The planned SEA Nature Conservation Centre marks the next chapter in this growth—a permanent, accessible space for programming, training, and collaboration.

SEA’s success has always been powered by local knowledge, cross-generational participation, and a commitment to doing the work—on the land, in the streams, and in the community.

Company Facts

Organization Name: Southeast Environmental Association (SEA)

Founded: 1992

Executive Leadership: Since 2012

Legal Status: Canadian Registered Charity

Location: Based in Montague, Prince Edward Island

Region Served: Rural municipalities and communities in eastern PEI

Core Program Areas:

—–Streams, Rivers & Estuary Restoration

—–Terrestrial, Wetland & Coastal Habitat Restoration

—–Water, Wildlife & Biodiversity Monitoring

——Watershed Management & Planning

—–Community Nature Areas (e.g. pollinator gardens, food forests, nature trails)

—–Community Outreach (e.g. healthy aging, social inclusion & environmental education)

Staffing: Mix of permanent, seasonal, and contract roles (3–15 people annually)

Youth Engagement: Offers paid green job placements, mentorship, and training

Nature Conservation Centre: 2000 sq ft facility (in planning phase)

Key Industries Served: Agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, forestry, fishing

Partners: Local governments, Indigenous groups, community nonprofits, schools, industry, and regional networks

Governance: Volunteer board of directors from local communities

Unique Strength: Combines environmental restoration with inclusive, community-based programming