Biologically diverse habitat conserved for long-term benefit of at-risk species
Nature Conservancy of Canada protects over 570 hectares of old forest and freshwater wetlands in southwestern Nova Scotia
Beaver (Photo Brent Calver)
An expanse of old forest, riverfront shoreline and freshwater wetlands has been purchased by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in southwestern Nova Scotia. The new nature reserve is comprised of two properties totalling over 578 hectares of ecologically diverse habitat where a large assortment of at-risk species thrives.
Located approximately 20 kilometres north of Shelburne, NCC’s Clyde River Nature Reserve is situated near two provincially protected areas: the Roseway River Wilderness Area and the Harpers Lake Nature Reserve. The proximity of these conservation lands increases the area of protection where plants can flourish and wildlife can continue to roam undisturbed.
Clyde River Nature Reserve, Nova Scotia (Photo Mike Dembeck)
This important land purchase was made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, private donors and funding from Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust and the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund.
Nearly 82 per cent of the nature reserve is composed of Wabanaki (Acadian) forest, including red maple, black spruce, white pine, balsam fir, hemlock and red oak. The mixed forest provides ideal breeding habitat for birds listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, such as Canada warbler (special concern), common nighthawk (special concern) and olive-sided flycatcher (special concern). Wildlife dependent on the area include bear, beavers, foxes and white-tailed deer. Nova Scotia’s provincial flower, mayflower, is also found throughout the forest, along with several types of rare lichens: black foam lichen (threatened), powdered moon lichen (endangered) and vols ears lichen (endangered).
Clyde River Nature Reserve, Nova Scotia (Photo Mike Dembeck)
The wetlands include 42 hectares of treed and open bog, marsh and swamp, and an active beaver habitat. In addition to wildlife, the wetlands provide ideal conditions for rare plants, like hairy swamp loosestrife, Virginia meadow beauty and long-leaved panic grass. Over four kilometres of the Clyde River runs adjacent to the eastern side of the two properties. A section of Harper Creek weaves through the southern property before joining the Clyde River, which flows out to the Atlantic Ocean.
This project showcases how NCC is accelerating the pace of conservation in Canada. Over the next few years, the organization 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. When nature thrives, we all thrive.
Quotes
"Through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the Government of Canada is making progress toward its goal of conserving 30 percent of land and water in Canada by 2030. By working with partners such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are helping to protect the natural environment in Nova Scotia and across the country. Protecting this area not only preserves wetlands and the Wabanaki‑Acadian forest, but also helps species at risk, like the common nighthawk and black-foam lichen. Only by engaging in a whole-of-society approach can we meet our conservation goals.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada
“Our ongoing work in Kespukwitk (Southwest Nova Scotia)—one of eastern Canada's most biologically diverse regions—remains a top priority for NCC. The establishment of the Clyde River Nature Reserve is a natural extension for this protected and interconnected landscape for at-risk species. NCC is deeply grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative, as well as the generous support from private donors and government partners.” – Dave Ireland, NCC program director in Nova Scotia
Facts
- Southwestern Nova Scotia, also known as Kespukwitk (pronounced “ges-boog-wit-k”) in the Mi’kmaq language, is home to 94 per cent of the province’s terrestrial species at risk. Kespukwitk (Southwest Nova Scotia) is one of eleven Priority Places identified in Canada for species at risk, established by the federal and provincial/territorial governments. Priority Places are areas that have significant biodiversity, concentrations of species at risk and potential to advance conservation efforts.
- NCC and partners have formed the Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative. The collaborative is comprised of Mi’kmaq First Nations, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and federal and provincial government departments. By working collectively, the organizations can progress faster and convey more unified, evidence-based information about the ecological importance of Kespukwitk.
- Kespukwitk (Southwest Nova Scotia) is located within the Southwest Nova UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only 19 such reserves in Canada.
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 Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares.
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested more than $470 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $982 million in contributions raised by Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community leading to the protection and conservation of nearly 800,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
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