Important migratory bird habitat and rare lichen forest now protected
New nature reserve increases conservation lands to over 1,600 hectares on Nova Scotia’s south shore
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is announcing the protection of a new conservation area near the Sable River on Nova Scotia’s south shore. The conservation organization, with the help of government partners and supporters, has protected 608 hectares to form the Haley Lake Nature Reserve in Port L’Hebert.
This nature reserve is comprised of a healthy and intact Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, coastal barrens, freshwater wetlands, lake shoreline and a section of Timber Island Brook.
The migratory bird habitat here includes a one-kilometre stretch of shoreline bordering on the federal Haley Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which is frequented by Canada goose, American black duck and great blue heron. Located in the nearby vicinity are four federally established migratory bird sanctuaries that support thousands of breeding and overwintering waterfowl.
The forested area includes a mix of black spruce, red maple, balsam fir and red oak trees. The forest is also rich with a wide variety of rare and at-risk lichens, including the globally rare, federally and provincially listed boreal felt lichen (endangered). The sensitive lichens, such as vole ears lichen (endangered), blue felt lichen (special concern) and black foam lichen (threatened) are a key indicator of a healthy and thriving natural environment.
NCC is working collaboratively with partners of the Kespukwitk (pronounced “ges-boog-wit-k”) Conservation Collaborative to conserve species at risk and biodiversity in the Kespukwitk/Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place, one of 11 Priority Places for Species at Risk across Canada. Established in October 2017, the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative is a collaborative partnership of Mi’kmaq First Nations, Indigenous organizations, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and federal and provincial government departments.
This important land purchase was made possible thanks to the generosity of private donors like Wendy McDonald and area residents and businesses. The project was funded in part by the federal government's Enhanced Nature Legacy Fund, through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Priority Places for Species at Risk program, the Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
NCC now conserves and stewards a network of over 1,600 hectares in the Port L’Hebert, Johnstons Pond and Port Joli area. Its efforts here have been guided by working in partnership with local landowners. The new property borders the provincial Port L’Hebert Nature Reserve, and is located near Port L’Hebert Provincial Park, Thomas Raddall Provincial Park and Kejimikujik Seaside Adjunct National Park, which together support significant wildlife populations.
Projects such as this one are a testament to NCC’s leadership in accelerating the pace of conservation in Canada. In the past two years alone, the organization has influenced the protection of more than 1 million hectares (almost twice the size of Prince Edward Island), coast to coast to coast. Over the next few years, NCC will double its impact by mobilizing Canadians and delivering permanent, large-scale conservation.
In the face of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, nature is our ally. There is no solution to either without nature conservation. The Nature Conservancy of Canada believes when nature thrives, we all thrive.
Quotes
“Biodiversity loss and climate change are twin crises that we, as Canadians, must address together. By working with partners like the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are helping to protect the natural environment in Nova Scotia and across the country. Protecting land plays a vital role in helping to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and contributes to the recovery of species at risk. Through the Enhanced Nature Legacy Fund’s Priority Places for Species at Risk Program, the Government of Canada is taking action to conserve species at risk, as well as making progress toward its goal of conserving a quarter of land and water in Canada by 2025, working toward 30 percent of each by 2030.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“I want to congratulate the Nature Conservancy of Canada on the creation of this new NCC-nature reserve which protects more of our land and water, and secures crucial habitat for wildlife, species-at-risk and migratory birds. On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I offer my gratitude for their vision, leadership and work which is improving quality of life for Nova Scotians, helping to strengthen biodiversity, and as aiding in the fight against climate change. I also want to thank Wendy McDonald and the local community for their generosity and work, which is an inspiration to all Nova Scotians of the all-hands-on-deck approach needed to protect all that we value.” – The Honourable Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The Haley Lake Nature Reserve is a critical habitat for several species at risk, including the globally rare boreal felt lichen, and an essential stopover for migratory birds. As we face the challenges of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, it is critical that we prioritize nature conservation and continue to collaborate with our partners in Nova Scotia including private donors, government partners and local groups that bring together conservation efforts like Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative.” – Jaimee Dupont Morozoff, NCC Program Director in Nova Scotia
“This year-round popular birding site will now be a safe haven for our feathered friends. I am pleased to be able to support this and other new acquisitions around Nova Scotia.” – Wendy McDonald, Donor
Facts
- Haley Lake Nature Reserve is located within Nova Scotia’s South Shore Important Bird Area (IBA), which includes Haley Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Port L’Hebert Bird Sanctuary, Port Joli Bird Sanctuary and Sable River Bird Sanctuary.
- The nature reserve is located within the Southwest Nova UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only 19 such reserves in Canada.
- The forests of Haley Lake are home to a significant population of uncommon and rare lichens, including blue felt lichen, which is designated as Nova Scotia’s official lichen.
About
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought people together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. In the Atlantic Provinces, NCC has protected 36,846 hectares.
Learn More
Follow us on on X (formerly Twitter): x.com/NCC_CNC | x.com/NCC_CNCMedia
Find us on Facebook
- 30 -
