With the passing of Daryl Guignion on Feb. 8, 2021, Prince Edward Island has lost one of the greatest advocates for environmental conservation in the province, say those who knew him. 

“As a university professor, he educated many about the importance of our environment. Because of his influence, teachers and other professionals brought environmental concerns to younger generations and to Islanders at large," said Rosemary Curley of Nature P.E.I. His students went on to positions of influence in university faculties, environment departments and non-governmental organizations throughout Canada.

“A strong advocate for Atlantic salmon conservation, erosion control, and natural areas, Daryl mentored many Islander," said Dan McAskill, president of Hillsborough River Association. “He was one of our foremost spokespersons for watershed conservation on P.E.I. and media sought his comments on the prevention of watershed problems.”

Guignion understood that conservation meant wise use of our environment and he constantly spoke and acted for the province's natural resources. His free time was often spent helping organizations committed to river restoration, and he assisted hunters and trappers with problems. He was a founder and the second president of the Island Nature Trust, set up to protect habitat on the Island through land acquisition. He was also a founder of the Morell River Management Cooperative. As a former president of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation and a board member of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, his advocacy and influence was felt beyond the university and immediate community.  He operated at the policy level as well as the practical “hands on” level to get things done. For his efforts he received many awards including the Hon. J. Angus MacLean Natural Areas Award, National Recreational Fisheries Award and the Prince Edward Island Environmental Award.