Keila Miller is an accomplished conservationist and environmental advocate
based in Souris, Prince Edward Island. She lives with her husband Terry, three
dogs—Bruce, Doug, and Pete—and a bunny named Dewey. As the proud
mother of two adult sons, Ayden and Maddox, Keila finds joy in exploring PEI’s
natural beauty through activities such as beachcombing, forest hikes, skiing, and
snowshoeing. Her profound appreciation for nature motivates her professional
and volunteer efforts to protect wildlife and ecosystems across the Island and
beyond. As a Co-Watershed Coordinator and Wildlife Conservation Biologist for
the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation since 2015, Keila has
been instrumental in leading vital conservation initiatives. Her focus includes:

• Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration: Spearheading efforts to rehabilitate
  critical freshwater habitats, implement in-stream management practices, and
  support the recovery of Atlantic salmon populations vital to PEI’s aquatic
  ecosystems.
• Healthy Watershed Advocacy: Promoting sustainable practices while fostering
  community engagement and education to protect watershed health and
  biodiversity.
• Broad Ecosystem Stewardship: Managing projects that enhance water quality,
  restore riparian buffer zones, and rehabilitate habitats to support diverse species.
  Keila’s influence extends beyond her local work through her leadership roles in
  various conservation organizations:
• Vice President, Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation: Driving Island-wide
  wildlife conservation strategies and initiatives.
• Secretary, Canadian Wildlife Federation Executive Committee: Contributing
  to national governance and impactful wildlife programs.
• Former Treasurer, Canadian Wildlife Foundation: Overseeing financial
  operations to support conservation initiatives across Canada.
• Board Member, Island Nature Trust: Worked for six years to protect
  ecologically sensitive lands and safeguard the habitats of endangered species.
• Co-Chair, Basin Head Marine Protected Area Advisory Committee:
  Collaborates with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to develop conservation
  strategies for Basin Head’s unique aquatic ecosystems.
• Steering Committee Member, Advancing Women in Conservation:
  Advocates for women’s leadership in conservation through this nationally
  awarded initiative since 2019.

In 2023, Keila was appointed to the PEI Forestry Commission, contributing to
sustainable forestry policies that balance ecological goals and economic needs. Her efforts were captured in the PEI Forestry Commission Final Report, published in October 2024, which highlights her commitment to responsibleforest management. Keila’s lifelong dedication to conservation and her unwavering leadership in Atlantic salmon restoration, watershed health, and environmental advocacy make her a highly respected figure in the field. Her ability to combine scientific expertise, community collaboration, and policy development ensures she continues to make a lasting impact on ecosystems and wildlife for generations to come.

Frances Braceland, originally from the UK, started at Souris wildlife as a volunteer before being hired on as a Project Manager in April of 2016.  Along with Keila, Frances took over at Souris Wildlife in 2020 as a Co-Watershed Coordinator and now manages a wide range of projects, from recreational infrastructure creation to living shorelines pilot projects.  She has a degree in Zoology from the University of Glasgow and a master’s in Museum and Artefact Studies from Durham University.  Her background as a Project Manager is fairly diverse and includes working for the National Museums of Scotland, Scottish Opera and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  Frances is currently a board member of Prince Edward Island’s Wildlife Conservation Fund and for the local Souris Striders Ski Club. 

Tyler has been with Souris Wildlife since 2019. He oversees and manages the ongoing projects in our local Basin Head Marine Protected Area (MPA) such as Green crab removal, Irish moss restoration, Community Aquatic Monitoring Program activities and nutrient monitoring. He also assists with many other projects like stream habitat enhancement and salt-marsh restoration. A graduate of Shorter University with a degree in Ecology/Field Biology and Natural Sciences, Tyler first came to us as an intern with the Canadian Conservation Corps, a program funded by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Tyler has moved to Souris from Edmonton, Alberta and is really excited to continue learning about both the freshwater and marine sides of our ecosystems as well good wildlife conservation on Prince Edward Island.

Hi, my name is Kelli Miller Kickham, and I am a new employee at Souris and Area Wildlife. I grew up in
Chepstow, just east of Souris, and other than a few years away for education, have lived my entire life
here. I now live in Souris West, overlooking beautiful Colville Bay, with my husband, two children, two
dogs and a guinea pig. I have a B.Sc. (Hon) Chemistry degree from UPEI and have spent the past almost
21 years working as a laboratory supervisor here in Souris. It is an honour to be working with Souris and
Area Wildlife, as I did spend 8 years as a board member and know the important work they do in the
area for conservation and enhancement. I look forward to contributing to the many projects done by
the group in many different fields to keep this area as pristine and beautiful as can be!

Zoe O’Regan, originally from Co.Cork, Ireland, is a 2023 graduate of UNB. She is our Assistant Watershed Coordinator and our Lobster Dinner Coordinator. Zoe partook in a research expedition in Croatia from June to July 2023, where she studied climate change and the local ecology of Krka National Park and Silba Island. Her favourite part of the expedition was studying butterflies and their link to climate change, as well as habitat mapping both on land in Krka National Park and in the Adriatic Sea off of Silba Island. Zoe loves being part of the team and can’t wait to see what the future brings.

Fred Cheverie has been an active member of Souris and Area Wildlife Branch for over 40 years and has been Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation's Watershed Coordinator for 14 years. He is a retired school teacher with 31 years of experience particularly in science, math and outdoor education.  Fred's tremendous experience in establishing and achieving ecological monitoring plans make him a skilled leader who regularly gets out into the community to help educate stakeholders about their surrounding environment.  Fred is a certified electro-fisher and has many other courses related to watershed management, most recently a stream rehabilitation training program certified through Trout Unlimited Canada and The University of Guelph.  Fred sits as Vice-Chair of the PEI Watershed Alliance; Co-Chair of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area Marine Advisory Board Committee and he is the Kings County representative of the PEI Wildlife Federation. He is involved diligently with many other local communities and events, often continuing to enter classrooms to spread his wealth of knowledge about the environment.

Peter, Spike, Bruce, Dolly, Doug, Nuge and Westie!

Indie (b. 2012 - d. 2022)